Through intrauterine insemination (IUI), sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a speculum. Through In-vitro fertilization (IVF), eggs are surgically removed using a needle that goes through the back of the vagina, and those eggs are fertilized
outside of the body.
generally recommended that couples try three rounds of IUI before moving on to IVF. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) states that the IVF success rate in the US for women of all ages is about 30%
but increases if the woman is under the age of 35
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) — a type of artificial insemination — is a procedure for treating infertility Sperm that have been washed and concentrated are placed directly in your uterus around the time your ovary
releases one or more eggs to be fertilized. The hoped-for outcome of intrauterine insemination is for the sperm to swim into the fallopian tube and fertilize a waiting egg, resulting in pregnancy. Depending on the
reasons for infertility, IUI can be coordinated with your normal cycle or with fertility medications. In the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused by a range of abnormalities of the ovaries, uterus,
fallopian tubes, and the endocrine system, among others.
A couple's ability to become pregnant depends on many different factors. Intrauterine insemination is used most often in couples who have:
Donor sperm. For women who need to use donor sperm to get pregnant, IUI is most commonly used to achieve pregnancy. Frozen donor sperm specimens are obtained from certified labs and thawed before the IUI
procedure.
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.
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.
Semen allergy. Rarely, an allergy to proteins in semen can cause infertility. 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.