What Is Intrauterine Insemination?
The road to pregnancy takes many twists and turns, with some lucky individuals succeeding after only a few months of trying. Some won't be so lucky, however, and will need medical assistance in achieving that much sought after bundle of joy. Those who find themselves on this path will discover more than a few options available, depending on what is preventing conception from taking place. One of the least invasive procedures is intrauterine insemination, known at one time as artificial insemination.
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What is IUI?
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Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is the process that gives sperm a head start at fertilization by depositing them directly into the uterus. A fresh sample of sperm is obtained and 'washed' in order to separate it from the seminal fluid, after which the doctor will inject the clean sample directly into the uterus. An IUI can be performed on a naturally ovulating woman or one who has received ovulation stimulating drugs in order to maximize the possibility of conceiving.
Who Needs IUI?
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IUI is an ideal procedure for couples who have been trying to conceive for at least one year, with no known reasons for infertility. Since the sperm is processed before being injected, IUI is also helpful for those couples dealing with a male fertility issue, such as low sperm count or low mobility. Sometimes the woman's cervical fluid is too thick or acidic, preventing her partner's sperm from reaching her egg.
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What is Involved?
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Depending on various factors, the woman may or may not be given ovulation stimulating drugs, which would have to be taken at specific times during her cycle to increase the number of mature eggs she will produce. The doctor usually monitors the maturation of her eggs, and may give her a shot to encourage ovulation at the right time. At the time of ovulation, the man provides a semen sample, which is cleaned and readied in the doctor's lab.
When is it Performed?
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In general, IUIs are usually performed just before ovulation takes place---usually about six hours before---in order to have the sperm 'ready and waiting' for the egg once it releases. However, in cases of male infertility issues, IUIs might be performed six hours after ovulation. Washed sperm has a somewhat short life expectancy, only six to 12 hours, so proper monitoring and timing is key.
How Effective is IUI?
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This depends upon a variety of different factors of course, but in general, a natural IUI---one that did not involve fertility drugs---will tend to have somewhat lower success rates, sometimes as low as six percent, while IUIs done with the assistance of fertility drugs--producing multiple eggs--have success rates of up to 30 percent. The quality of the sperm greatly affects the successful outcome of IUIs as well, but overall, the average success rate of IUIs is 15 percent to 20 percent.
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