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Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often effective in treating couples with ovulatory dysfunction or mild male factor disease. IUI is also a "first line" treatment for couples with "poor" cervical mucus or when antisperm antibodies are present. IUI can also be used in couples with unexplained infertility especially when the female is under 35 years of age. Success rates with IUI are only half those for IVF in similar female age groups.
Sperm is provided by masturbation, concentrated and specially prepared (washed) by the lab at Nevada Fertility CARES. This procedure removes any antigens that might cause an allergic reaction in the female. "Unwashed" sperm must never be used as serious allergic reactions can result. If the sperm count is low, concentrating the sample increases the number of sperm/milliliter.
In IUI, a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Clomid, or a combination of the two, is administered to the female to insure the development of adequate follicles. Human chorionic gonadotropin is administered to stimulate ovulation 36-38 hours prior to the insemination.
FSH should only be administered by a reproductive endocrinologist thoroughly trained in its use as side effects can result. The number of follicles developing must be carefully monitored as high order multiple births can result. Most of the cases of quadruplets and above reported in the media are due to IUI not IVF. Fertility specialists are trained to minimize this possibility. Estradiol levels must also be regularly monitored to guard against a potentially serious side effect known as hyperstimulation syndrome.
The prepared sperm are placed in a small catheter and inserted directly into the uterus, thus bypassing the cervical mucus. This is a painless outpatient procedure that takes less than five minutes.
If a patient is not pregnant after three cycles of IUI, the next step is usually in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Last updated:
November 17, 2006
Reviewed by Dr. Rachel McConnell and her medical staff