What is IUI
IUI stands for intrauterine insemination. It’s a fertility procedure where sperm is washed, concentrated, and placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. It’s commonly used by couples experiencing mild male factor infertility or unexplained infertility—and it’s also a path for LGBTQ+ couples and single parents by choice using donor sperm.
The General Process
Ovulation Monitoring: The IUI process typically begins with monitoring the birthing parent’s menstrual cycle with vaginal ultrasounds over a series of appointments during the period and ovulation window. The doctor is looking for follicle maturation to identify the fertile window when ovulation is expected to occur.
Sperm Preparation: Before the procedure, the sperm sample (either from the partner or a donor) undergoes a special washing process to concentrate alive, motile sperm.
Insemination Procedure: During the IUI procedure, a thin, flexible catheter is used to introduce the prepared sperm directly into the uterus. This process enhances the chances of sperm reaching the egg, increasing the likelihood of fertilization.
Key Things to Keep in Mind
It might not work the first time: success rates for IUI vary by age and cause of infertility, but average 10% per cycle.
Timing is everything: there’s a narrow window for ovulation and insemination, so expect last-minute calendar shifts.
It’s okay to have feelings: even in a relatively “simple” procedure like IUI, there’s a lot to process. Hope, frustration, anticipation; it is all valid.
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