IUI

Overview

UI is a type of artificial insemination in which sperms are injected directly into your uterine cavity near the time of ovulation. This procedure can be performed either with your partner’s sperm or with sperm from a donor.

How does it work?

IUI is considered the first line treatment for unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, or mild male factor infertility. In general, IUI does two things: medication taken before the injection help stimulate the growth of eggs, making a woman more fertile than she would be without the medication. Then, via the injection, the sperm is placed inside the uterine cavity, avoiding to have two swims through the cervical opening and into the uterus on its own, allowing it to meet the egg more easily.

What is the main difference between IUI and IVF?

There are more differences between the two procedures than similarities, but the biggest difference is that the sperm is not injected into the egg during IUI to achieve fertilization. The fertilization is still meant to happen naturally through IUI – doctors just help to place the sperm a little closer to the egg through this process.

Who needs IUI?

• Women who may not ovulate, such as those with PCOS, or hypothalamic patients.
• Women with unexplained infertility.
• Male partners with minor semen abnormalities or ejaculatory dysfunction.
• Male partners who have frozen sperm obtained prior to surgery, travel, or treatment for diseases.
• Anyone who needs donor sperm, such as same-sex female couples, heterosexual couples struggling with a malefactor or single women looking to conceive.