Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a minimally invasive fertility treatment designed to increase your odds of conception. 

During IUI, your CARE Fertility provider uses a catheter to place sperm directly into your womb (a cavity in your uterus). The procedure isn’t as effective as in vitro fertilization (IVF), but its simplicity and affordability make it appealing to many people.

Who can benefit from intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

At CARE Fertility, the team recommends intrauterine insemination to:

• Couples experiencing infertility due to underlying medical conditions
• Couples who experience unexplained infertility
• Same-sex couples who want to use a sperm donor
• Single women who want to have a baby from a sperm donor

The quick and pain-free process is performed on an outpatient basis.

What are the types of intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

The team at CARE Fertility offers several types of intrauterine insemination (IUI), including:

Natural cycle IUI

During natural cycle IUI, your CARE Fertility provider monitors your menstrual cycle with an at-home ovulation predictor kit. 

The kit measures specific hormones in your urine to determine when you’re ovulating. Elevated levels of certain hormones mean your body is preparing to release an egg for fertilization.

Clomiphene citrate IUI

The team might recommend intrauterine insemination with clomiphene citrate if you don’t ovulate regularly due to an underlying health problem like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This type of IUI uses a prescription drug, called clomiphene, to induce ovulation. 

IUI with letrozole

Letrozole is another prescription medication that helps induce ovulation. Your provider might prescribe IUI with letrozole if you have unexplained infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or mild male factor infertility. Like clomiphene citrate, letrozole is effective, but may increase your chances of having twins.

What happens during intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

At Care Fertility, the team performs intrauterine insemination (IUI) on an outpatient basis.

Once you enroll in treatment, the team monitors your ovulation cycle with an at-home test. When you start ovulating, you return to Care Fertility. The team thaws a frozen sample of semen or collects a live sample from your partner.

Then, your provider takes the sperm and “washes” it. Washing the semen removes seminal fluid and other debris that might irritate your uterus. 

After preparing the semen, your CARE Fertility provider gently inserts a catheter through your vagina and cervix into your uterus. Then, they deposit the semen into your womb.

Is intrauterine insemination (IUI) painful?

Intrauterine insemination is safe and usually well-tolerated. During the procedure, mild cramping is normal, but it should subside immediately afterward. What’s more, the team uses sterilized tools to reduce the risk of infection.

To learn more about the benefits of intrauterine insemination (IUI), make an appointment at CARE Fertility by calling the nearest office or booking online today.