Intrauterine insemination

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where Erin places a prepared sample of healthy sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. It increases the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and can be perfectly timed to increase your odds of achieving pregnancy.

Who can benefit from IUI?

Erin may recommend IUI as a solution in many different cases, including:

• Unexplained infertility
• Mild male factor infertility
• Cervical issues or mucus problems
• Ovulatory disorders
• Mild endometriosis
• Infrequent intercourse or to overcome timing challenges
• Erectile or ejaculation problems

IUI also provides an option for single women or same-sex couples to conceive, particularly when using donor sperm. At Solace Health, Erin is passionate about reproductive health and rights for all.

How does IUI differ from in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is considered a more advanced fertility treatment because it requires sperm and egg collection to attempt fertilization in a lab setting. With IUI, fertilization takes place inside your body by making it easier for viable sperm to reach an egg. It’s a less invasive and less expensive option than IVF, and Erin can discuss whether it might meet your needs.

How will I prepare for my IUI procedure?

Before you get started, Erin thoroughly examines you and your partner. She may order blood work, ultrasound, semen analysis, or other diagnostics. In some cases, you may take an injectable medication for two weeks or an oral fertility medicine for five days leading up to the procedure. However, fertility medications aren’t always necessary to prepare for IUI.

What happens during IUI?

The procedure typically involves collecting and preparing the sperm to ensure that healthy, motile sperm are used. Then, Erin inserts a thin, flexible catheter through the cervix into the uterus and injects the sperm sample.

Once the procedure is over, she may ask you to lie down for a short while (about 15 minutes) and relax. You can take a pregnancy test two weeks after the procedure, and ultrasounds and blood tests can monitor your fertility.

Effective fertility solutions are readily available at Solace Health. Get started today by calling the office or booking an IUI consultation online.