IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is one of the methods used in infertility treatments. In insemination treatment, the woman’s eggs are stimulated with medication (some pills and/or injections), and then the sperms are subjected to certain processes, the most motile ones are selected and sent into the uterus with a special catheter. Thus, efforts are made to increase the sperm’s chance of finding and fertilizing the egg in the fallopian tube.

It is not a painful procedure. There is no need to use anesthesia during the procedure (very similar to a Pap smear), except for vaginismus patients.

IUI will not be suitable in cases where the male has an abnormal semen analysis. So, a semen analysis is required to check the health of the male partner’s sperm.

Women who cannot become pregnant by natural ways or ovulation treatment can try Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) to increase the chance of pregnancy before in vitro fertilization treatment.

The couples most suitable for IUI treatment are women younger than 35, with good egg reserve and egg quality, with at least one fallopian tube open.

IUI can also be performed to;

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) may not be recommended or may be less likely to be successful in certain situations or for specific individuals or couples. It’s essential to consult with a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist who can assess your unique circumstances and provide personalized recommendations. Here are some scenarios where IUI may not be recommended or may not be the most suitable option:

IUI is generally not recommended for couples with severe male infertility, such as very low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. In such cases, more advanced treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be more appropriate.

If there are significant blockages or damage in the woman’s fallopian tubes, making it impossible for eggs to travel to the uterus or for sperm to reach the egg, IUI is not suitable. IVF, which bypasses the fallopian tubes, may be recommended instead.

For women over a certain age (usually around 35 or older), especially if they have a low ovarian reserve, IUI may be less effective. In such cases, IVF with or without donor eggs may offer better chances of success.

If the female partner does not respond well to ovulation-stimulating medications, IUI may not be as effective. In these cases, alternative fertility treatments or IVF may be considered.

Women with severe endometriosis may not be good candidates for IUI, as the condition can affect fertility in multiple ways. IVF may be a more suitable option.

If a woman has a history of unexplained repeated miscarriages, the underlying cause may not be addressed by IUI alone. A thorough evaluation and potential treatments are needed before attempting fertility procedures.

Some cervical conditions, such as cervical mucus abnormalities or severe cervical stenosis (narrowing of the cervix), can make IUI less effective. In such cases, IVF may be preferred.

Extensive pelvic adhesions or scar tissue can interfere with the success of IUI by preventing proper egg and sperm movement. IVF may be a better option.

If one or both partners are unable to produce viable eggs or sperm, IUI is not a suitable treatment. Donor eggs or sperm may be considered, and IVF is often used in these situations.

The success rate of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) can vary significantly from one individual or couple to another and depends on several factors. It’s important to understand that while IUI can be an effective fertility treatment for some, it may not be as successful for others.

Here are the key factors that can influence the success rate of IUI:

• Underlying Cause of Infertility: The specific cause of infertility can significantly impact the success of IUI. IUI tends to be more successful when the infertility is due to mild male factor issues, cervical factors, or unexplained infertility. In cases of severe male factor infertility or tubal factor infertility, the success rate of IUI may be lower, and other treatments like IVF may be more appropriate.
• Female Age: A woman’s age plays a significant role in IUI success. Younger women, typically under the age of 35, tend to have higher success rates because they often have better egg quality and ovarian reserve. As a woman’s age increases, the chances of success with IUI may decline.
• Ovulation Stimulation: The use of ovulation-stimulating medications can increase the chances of success with IUI. These medications help stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, which can increase the likelihood of successful fertilization.
• Sperm Quality: The quality and quantity of sperm used in IUI are crucial factors. Higher sperm count, motility, and normal morphology increase the chances of fertilization. In cases of severe male factor infertility, the use of donor sperm may be recommended.
• Timing of Insemination: Timing is critical in IUI. The insemination procedure must be performed close to the time of ovulation to maximize the chances of egg and sperm meeting. Accurate monitoring of ovulation is essential.
• Number of Previous IUI Cycles: Success rates can vary depending on whether it’s the first IUI cycle or if there have been multiple previous cycles. The cumulative success rate tends to improve with multiple attempts.
• Cervical Mucus Quality: The quality of cervical mucus can affect the ability of sperm to reach and fertilize the egg. If there are issues with cervical mucus, IUI may be a more suitable option than natural conception but less effective than IVF.
• Uterine Factors: Uterine abnormalities or conditions such as uterine fibroids may affect the success of IUI. In some cases, addressing these uterine issues may be necessary for better outcomes.
• Patient’s Overall Health: The general health of both partners can influence the success of IUI. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying medical conditions, and addressing any modifiable factors can be beneficial.
• Individual Variability: Each person’s response to IUI is unique. What works for one couple may not work for another. Factors such as genetics and individual fertility health can also play a role.

Before starting an IUI treatment, a comprehensive medical examination (valid for men) and fertility tests are required.