Intrauterine Insemination

What is intrauterine insemination?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the process of injecting concentrated sperm directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. The use of clomiphene citrate or injectable medications, called gonadotropins, combined with IUI, increases the chance of conception. We time the intrauterine insemination with the use of ovulation predictor kits or with an ultrasound. This is an important aspect of treatment because it enables us to predict ovulation before it occurs.

What are reasons IUI might be performed?

IUI is recommended for the following problems:

Ovulation Problems
Mild male factor infertility
Unexplained infertility
Failed treatment with clomiphene without inseminations

How do I prepare for an IUI cycle?

Prior to beginning an IUI cycle, you will need to have had a basic fertility workup, including lab work, semen analysis and an HSG to be sure your fallopian tubes are open. You will be asked to call the office on day one or two of your menstrual cycle, and depending on the type of medication to be used, you may need an ultrasound. Medications will be prescribed and you will be advised when you need to schedule an appointment. Please check your calendar to make sure you and your husband will be in town and available during the treatment process. Our nurse will help you determine which days it will be necessary for you to come into the office.

What is the process of intrauterine insemination?

The sperm can be collected at home and brought within one hour to our advanced reproductive technology facility on the campus of Baylor Medical Center at Frisco. Our lab will then prepare the sperm for insemination and perform a sperm count and motility evaluation.

Using a small catheter, the sperm concentrate is then placed into the uterus through the cervix by our fertility nurse, Linda or Dr. Goldstein. In the majority of cases, IUI is a completely painless process. Some inseminations are accompanied by cramping, but this is usually very mild and transient. It is necessary to remain lying down for approximately 10 minutes after which time you can resume your usual activities. Couples are encouraged to have intercourse later in the day or evening of insemination to further increase chances for conception.

How do you assess ovulation after treatment?

Progesterone blood testing is performed during the first cycle of treatment to verify ovulation. This occurs approximately 7 days following the insemination and will be scheduled by our nurse. If you have not started your period 14-16 days after the IUI, please do a home pregnancy test and call the nurse with the results.

What is the probability of pregnancy with IUI?

With natural conception in couples without fertility issues, the probability of achieving a pregnancy in any given cycle is approximately 25 %. In couples undergoing infertility treatment, the chances of pregnancy vary depending on the individual fertility problems and type of medication used. Pregnancy rates are never higher than the chance of pregnancy that occurs with natural conception, but IUI can raise the pregnancy rate to the level experienced by couples without fertility problems. We therefore typically recommend that a couple undergo at least three cycles of treatment before we can evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy.

How many treatment cycles will be needed?

Some couples conceive with only one or two treatment cycles. If no conception occurs after three cycles, an appointment is made to discuss other treatment options. We understand that there is a certain physical and emotional toll that fertility treatment takes on patients, and we prefer not to continue with a plan that has been unsuccessful after three attempts. We would want to review your response to what has been done and make recommendations as to what would be the next step. Some treatments have a higher probability of success but require more time, effort and cost, so these factors must be taken into consideration in helping you decide on a new plan.

What is the risk from an IUI?

There is a small risk (<1%) of pelvic infection with intrauterine insemination. If using fertility medications, there are possible medication side effects to consider such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple gestation. Dr. Goldstein will discuss these with you prior to beginning a treatment cycle. For more information on this website please refer to the pages on clomiphene citrate and gonadotropins.

What is the cost of a treatment cycle?

Our pricing is based on a global package price which means you know the cost of your treatment cycle before you start. We do not charge by individual ultrasounds or blood work testing. This allows you to not worry about financial issues during the treatment program. Please contact our office for pricing.