Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) increases your chance of successful conception by introducing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. Jie Deng, MD, PhD, HCLD, FACOG, and her colleagues at Think Fertility in Bellevue, Washington, are experts in several forms of IUI. You could choose IUI that involves taking fertility drugs or, if suitable, use a natural IUI that doesn’t require medication. Call Think Fertility or schedule a consultation online today to see if you’re a good candidate for intrauterine insemination.

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine insemination or IUI-assisted reproduction is often one of the first treatments offered to women having problems conceiving. It involves harvesting sperm, washing and concentrating them, and placing them directly into your uterus during ovulation.

IUI improves the chances that sperm will reach your fallopian tubes and fertilize a ripe egg, leading to pregnancy.

Is IUI a good choice for me?

IUI is a good option if any of the following applies to you:

• You and your female partner are using donor sperm
• You require help with ovulation
• You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• You have unexplained infertility
• You can’t have penetrative sex
• Your partner has mild male factor infertility
• Your partner has no sperm, so you’re using donor sperm
• You’re using your partner’s frozen sperm
• You’re a single woman using donor sperm

Think Fertility offers several IUI treatments.

What are my IUI options?

Your IUI options include: 

Natural cycle IUI

Natural cycle IUI is suitable for women who menstruate regularly and couples who can’t have sex. You don’t need any medication — your provider monitors your natural egg growth using ultrasound and then performs the procedure during ovulation.

Medication IUI

Medication IUI is the most widespread approach. You take oral medication for several days early in your menstrual cycle, stimulating and supporting egg growth. Your provider then monitors your egg’s development using ultrasound. When the egg’s mature, you have a trigger injection to ensure the procedure occurs during ovulation. 

Injectable IUI

Injectable IUI uses very low-dose injected medication, stimulating more than one egg to grow. Increased egg production results in higher pregnancy rates than medication and natural IUI.

Think Fertility recommends the best option for you based on your unique circumstances.

What can I expect from IUI treatment?

IUI is quick and usually painless and doesn’t require anesthesia. On the day of your IUI, your male partner provides a semen sample, or your provider thaws the donor sperm, which is then prepared for insemination.

Think Fertility performs IUI using ultrasound guidance. Your provider attaches a small container with the sperm sample to a catheter (a long, slender, flexible tube) and inserts it into your vagina. The catheter goes through your cervix into your uterus, and your provider delivers the sperm sample. Two weeks after IUI, you can take a pregnancy test.

Call Think Fertility for further information on intrauterine insemination (IUI) or use the online booking feature to schedule a consultation.