IUI Chances of Success

Natural conception is influenced by many factors. While some couples can get pregnant on the very first try, for many others, the process isn’t as quick. Some couples take months or even years to start their family. Nevertheless, advances in modern medicine have made it possible for those struggling with infertility to start their families through assisted reproductive technology like intrauterine insemination or IUI. 

• Intrauterine insemination is the process of inserting prepared sperm directly into the uterus to support a successful pregnancy.
• The IUI process is less invasive and more affordable than in vitro fertilization.
• IUI can be a viable route to a healthy pregnancy for couples or individuals who have struggled with infertility.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), is a form of artificial insemination. Also known as donor insemination, This is a fertility treatment where sperm is directly inserted into the uterus to increase the chances of successful fertilization. 

Other than infertility, there are several reasons why a couple or individual may choose an IUI. According to the University of Pennsylvania, IUI works best for:

• Men struggling to achieve an erection
• Men struggling with ejaculation
• Men with low sperm count
• Men with low sperm motility
• Women suffering from cervical issues such as little cervical mucus
• Women with scar tissue 
• Couples looking to use a donor sperm or surrogate to get pregnant
• Same-sex female couples seeking to conceive
• Single women choosing to start a family.

Normally, during sex, a man ejaculates in the vagina, and the sperm travels from the vagina through the cervix, into the uterus, and to the fallopian tubes where it will meet an egg for fertilization. However, only 5% of the sperm travel from your vagina to meet an egg and fertilize it. During artificial insemination or IUI, the sperm is enhanced and is inserted into the vagina for direct fertilization. Before the process begins, your healthcare professional or fertility clinic like Ivy Fertility will take you through some tests to check conduct tests to check your and your partner’s reproductive health. This will help them know if artificial insemination is the way to go. 

IUI Process

An IUI is a simple procedure that takes around 5-10 minutes. After, you will be required to remain lying down for just a bit longer before sitting up and getting dressed. Some light spotting and mild cramping are common for a day or two following an IUI. 

Couples can opt to either go to a clinic or choose to do the insemination at home using an insemination kit. At-home IUI should be done immediately before, during, or immediately after ovulation (a span of two to three days). Even at home, the process is the same. The only difference is the location and the sperm doesn’t have to be “washed.”

The full IUI process can take approximately four weeks. It includes the following stages: 

Ovarian stimulation

Ovarian stimulationThe IUI must be timed with ovulation. Ovarian stimulation is the first step and is done 2-4 days into the woman's cycle. The woman is given fertility medication to facilitate egg development. 

Triggering ovulation

Ovulation is triggered using medication, usually on day 13. This is to ensure the insemination is done on the day closest to ovulation.

Sperm preparation

Sperm has to be “washed” to ensure only the viable sperm are inseminated. Before this, an analysis of the semen is done to evaluate sperm morphology, motility, and count. 

Insemination

Here, the prepared sperm is put into a catheter and the vagina and cervix are also cleaned. The sperm is placed in the vagina and cervix and once all of it is deposited, the catheter is removed. 

Is IUI Expensive?

Compared to other fertility treatments like IVF, IUI is cheaper. A single IUI treatment can range between  $300 to $4,000 depending on where you choose to do it if you choose donor sperm, tests, and doctor’s (consultation) visits. Nevertheless, for some, it may take more than one cycle for a pregnancy to take. Additionally, there can also be the emotional and psychological burden that can come with the process. Still, IUI is cheaper than IVF, which can cost up to $20,000 in one round, making it easier to do additional rounds. 

How Successful is IUI?

When done properly, the IUI process is quite successful, having helped many start their families. However, this process involves careful planning to have higher success rates. But these success rates vary based on factors like age and underlying fertility issues, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment plans. Various factors can affect the success rate of an IUI treatment. 

Timing with ovulation

The IUI process must be timed perfectly with ovulation for it to be successful. For some, ovarian stimulation has to be done while others can rely on their ovulation cycles. According to a 2021 study on factors affecting the chances of a successful IUI, ovarian stimulation increases the chances of success twice as much as when using the natural ovulation cycle.

Age

Age plays a key factor in fertility and the older you grow, the more fertility declines. Studies have shown pregnancy rates are higher when the age of both birthing partners is low. Female patients under the age of 25 and male donors under the age of 30 have the best success rates. Still, both men and women advanced in age can conceive using IUI. 

Endometrial thickness

Endometrial thickness can affect the chances of a successful IUI cycle. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus, which is shed during a menstrual cycle. It increases in thickness as the menstrual cycle progresses, especially between days 5–14. IUI patients whose endometrium had a certain thickness saw statistically significant improvements in pregnancy rates compared to other participants in the study.

Treatment Frequency

Some people only require one round of IUI to get pregnant. Others though may need multiple rounds. However, the more rounds one does the higher the success rate. Some clinics perform a double IUI, which is a second procedure done during the same ovulation cycle that can increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. Though relatively new, a review of nine clinical trials found the likelihood of pregnancy following a double IUI cycle increased, but saw no significant difference in the live birth and miscarriage rates.  

Bottom Line

Many couples struggle with infertility and in the US alone, 1 in 6 couples face this struggle. For such couples, IUI might be the saving grace they need to start their families. The IUI is a preferred first line of action because it is quick, cost-effective, and less invasive than IVF.