Guide | IUI vs. IVF: Choosing the Right Fertility Treatment
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an assisted reproductive technique for women who have difficulty conceiving naturally. Also called artificial insemination, IUI can be performed without fertility medication. If medication is needed, it is usually started before the procedure.
During IUI, specially prepared healthy sperm are placed directly into the uterus through a thin tube. This brings sperm closer to the egg and may increase the chance of fertilization.
1. Who May Be Suitable for IUI?
IUI is noninvasive and relatively affordable and may be used for:
Unexplained infertility
Low sperm count
Reduced sperm motility
Mild endometriosis
Use of donor sperm when the male partner has a known genetic condition
Single women seeking pregnancy
Cervical or cervical mucus problems
Difficulty with erection or ejaculation
2. The IUI Process
IUI timing depends on the menstrual cycle and usually begins on the first day of menstruation. Ultrasound and blood tests monitor the cycle for about 12 to 14 days to confirm that an egg is maturing and ready for ovulation.
Once mature, the egg is released from the ovary and can be fertilized in the fallopian tube. IUI is performed on the day of ovulation. A donor or male partner provides a semen sample, which is “washed” to select healthy sperm. The sperm are placed in the uterus through a thin catheter and then swim toward the egg as they would in a natural cycle.
3. IUI Success Rates: Key Facts
IUI success depends on several factors:
Diagnosis: Several conditions can affect IUI success.
Unexplained infertility means egg supply, uterus, fallopian tubes, and sperm count appear normal. Success is 7% to 10% per cycle, rising to 15% to 25% when fertility medication is used.
One open fallopian tube: If one tube is blocked, pregnancy rates depend on the location. IUI success is 11.7% when the blockage is near the ovary and up to 38.1% when it is near the uterus.
Male-factor infertility: For abnormal sperm count, morphology or motility, or obstruction of the vas deferens, IUI places sperm closer to the egg. The reported success rate is 16.9%.
Age: Age strongly affects IUI success. As egg quality declines with age, pregnancy rates fall and several cycles may be needed.
Under 35: 13%
Ages 35 to 37: 10%
Ages 38 to 40: 9%
Over 40: 3% to 9%
Timing: IUI is scheduled around ovulation. The doctor will explain when to take medication and provide the semen sample. Delays may reduce the chance of conception.
IUI has the lowest success rates in cases of:
Moderate to severe endometriosis
Low sperm count in the male partner, unless donor sperm is used
Severe fallopian tube disease
Multiple previous pelvic infections
When IUI is unsuitable, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered. Discuss the most appropriate treatment with your doctor.
Guide | IUI vs. IVF: Choosing the Right Fertility Treatment
Guide | IUI vs. IVF: Choosing the Right Fertility Treatment
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an assisted reproductive technique for women who have difficulty conceiving naturally. Also called artificial insemination, IUI can be performed without fertility medication. If medication is needed, it is usually started before the procedure.
During IUI, specially prepared healthy sperm are placed directly into the uterus through a thin tube. This brings sperm closer to the egg and may increase the chance of fertilization.
1. Who May Be Suitable for IUI?
IUI is noninvasive and relatively affordable and may be used for:
Unexplained infertility
Low sperm count
Reduced sperm motility
Mild endometriosis
Use of donor sperm when the male partner has a known genetic condition
Single women seeking pregnancy
Cervical or cervical mucus problems
Difficulty with erection or ejaculation
2. The IUI Process
IUI timing depends on the menstrual cycle and usually begins on the first day of menstruation. Ultrasound and blood tests monitor the cycle for about 12 to 14 days to confirm that an egg is maturing and ready for ovulation.
Once mature, the egg is released from the ovary and can be fertilized in the fallopian tube. IUI is performed on the day of ovulation. A donor or male partner provides a semen sample, which is “washed” to select healthy sperm. The sperm are placed in the uterus through a thin catheter and then swim toward the egg as they would in a natural cycle.
3. IUI Success Rates: Key Facts
IUI success depends on several factors:
Diagnosis: Several conditions can affect IUI success.
Unexplained infertility means egg supply, uterus, fallopian tubes, and sperm count appear normal. Success is 7% to 10% per cycle, rising to 15% to 25% when fertility medication is used.
One open fallopian tube: If one tube is blocked, pregnancy rates depend on the location. IUI success is 11.7% when the blockage is near the ovary and up to 38.1% when it is near the uterus.
Male-factor infertility: For abnormal sperm count, morphology or motility, or obstruction of the vas deferens, IUI places sperm closer to the egg. The reported success rate is 16.9%.
Age: Age strongly affects IUI success. As egg quality declines with age, pregnancy rates fall and several cycles may be needed.
Under 35: 13%
Ages 35 to 37: 10%
Ages 38 to 40: 9%
Over 40: 3% to 9%
Timing: IUI is scheduled around ovulation. The doctor will explain when to take medication and provide the semen sample. Delays may reduce the chance of conception.
IUI has the lowest success rates in cases of:
Moderate to severe endometriosis
Low sperm count in the male partner, unless donor sperm is used
Severe fallopian tube disease
Multiple previous pelvic infections
When IUI is unsuitable, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered. Discuss the most appropriate treatment with your doctor.
Source:
Collected online