Treatments
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperms inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of sperms that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization. It is less invasive and less expensive option compared to In Vitro fertilization.
Why is it done?
Endometriosis-related infertility
For infertility related to endometriosis, using medications to obtain a good-quality egg along with performing IUI is often the first treatment approach.
Unexplained infertility
IUI is often performed as a first treatment for unexplained infertility along with ovulation-inducing medications.
Mild male factor infertility (subfertility)
Your partner’s semen analysis, one of the first steps in the medical assessment of infertility, may show below-average sperm concentration, weak movement (motility) of sperm, or abnormalities in sperm size and shape (morphology). IUI can overcome some of these problems because preparing sperm for the procedure helps separate highly motile, normal sperm from those of lower quality.
Cervical factor infertility
Your cervix, at the lower end of the uterus, provides the opening between your vagina and uterus. Mucus produced by the cervix around the time of ovulation provides an ideal environment for sperm to travel from your vagina to the fallopian tubes. But, if your cervical mucus is too thick, it may impede the sperm’s journey. The cervix itself may also prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Scarring, such as that caused by a biopsy or other procedures, can cause the cervix to thicken. IUI bypasses your cervix, depositing sperm directly into your uterus and increasing the number of sperm available to meet the awaiting egg.
Semen allergy
Rarely, a woman could have an allergy to proteins in her partner’s semen. Ejaculation into the vagina causes redness, burning and swelling where the semen contacts the skin. A condom can protect you from the symptoms, but it also prevents pregnancy. If your sensitivity is severe, IUI can be effective, since many of the proteins in semen are removed before the sperm is inserted.