Regardless of the cause of infertility, an assisted reproductive technology (ART) like intrauterine insemination (IUI) can help. An IUI procedure is a simple method of treating infertility that increases your odds of getting pregnant. Here is more information about IUI and how it treats infertility: 

Overview of IUI

During an IUI procedure, a fertility specialist uses a small catheter to place healthy sperm into the uterus. This increases the chances of the sperm reaching the fallopian tube to fertilize the egg. IUI is ideal for women who can’t conceive naturally. It’s also a good option for single women, same-sex couples, and individuals with ejaculation problems. 

The aim is to bypass the cervix, shortening the distance that a healthy sperm will travel to meet the egg. It’s beneficial in women with cervical mucus issues or semen allergies. Other issues that an IUI may help with include unexplained infertility and ovulatory factor infertility. 

For single women, they may use donor sperm to get pregnant. IUI is a minimally invasive procedure compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Fertility providers perform the insemination on an outpatient basis, making it a beneficial option for many people. 

IUI Treatment Steps

An IUI procedure involves several steps to increase the chances of success. During the initial consultation, your fertility specialist will review your medical history. They can also perform diagnostic tests to determine if an IUI procedure will be effective. Here are the two main steps during IUI treatment:

Watching for Ovulation

Since timing matters, your fertility specialist will recommend watching the signs of ovulation. IUI treatment is done during the ovulation cycle, so you must determine your ovulation window. To do this, you can use an at-home ovulation predictor kit to measure the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. A surge in LH indicates your body is ready to release an egg. 

Women who don’t ovulate regularly can use fertility medications like clomiphene citrate or letrozole. These prescription drugs will help induce ovulation, helping to make your IUI more effective. Before taking these drugs, consult with your fertility specialist to understand their effectiveness and side effects. 

Preparing the Semen Sample

Fertility specialists might collect a live semen sample from your partner at the clinic. Alternatively, they can use a frozen donor sperm and thaw it. The next step involves cleaning the semen to remove elements like seminal fluids and debris. These elements might irritate the uterus or cause cramps if not washed. After preparation, the specialist will insert a catheter into your uterus and deposit the semen.

Fertility specialists use sterilized tools and precision to enhance safety during the procedure. Patients can experience mild cramping, which subsides quickly afterward. That means you can get back into your daily activities after the procedure. After a few weeks, a pregnancy test should be completed to determine if the procedure was successful. 

Start Your Artificial Insemination Treatment

IUI is an effective fertility treatment that boosts your odds of becoming pregnant. It’s ideal for patients who prefer a quick and non-invasive fertility treatment. For better results, find an experienced fertility specialist to guide you through the process. Your specialist can also help you address various infertility issues like endometriosis. Contact trusted fertility providers today to learn more about artificial insemination treatment.