What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a treatment that involves inserting sperm directly into the uterus during the most fertile time in your cycle. This increases the chance that the sperm will fertilize the egg and result in pregnancy.
IUI can be an amazing alternative to IVF if your doctor feels it's right for you based on your unique needs and goals.
How IUI works
IUI is all about timing. Your doctor will work with you to monitor your cycle and ovulation for up to a month, which will include ultrasounds and potentially bloodwork. Some patients may also go on hormonal medications during that month to help with egg production. Once you begin ovulating, your IUI procedure will be scheduled within 2 days.
You and your doctor will discuss beforehand whether you’ll be using fresh or frozen sperm. That sperm will then be “washed,” meaning the best-quality sperm will be isolated for fertilization.
The procedure takes about 20 minutes total and does not require sedation or anesthesia. A tube containing the washed sperm is inserted into the vaginal canal, through the cervix, and into the uterus. After the sperm is in place, the tube is removed and you’ll be asked to stay laying down for about fifteen minutes before leaving the clinic. You might experience some slight discomfort or cramping while the sperm is being placed, but the procedure is typically not painful. Afterward you may have spotting for a couple days.
You’ll take a pregnancy test two weeks after your IUI procedure. If you are pregnant, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment. We know it can be emotionally challenging if the process isn’t successful the first time. However, it’s not uncommon to repeat IUI three or four times before finally conceiving. We are here to support you through every attempt.
Is IUI right for me?
IUI is an option for:
- Couples experiencing unexplained infertility, which is when you've been trying to conceive without success for six months or up to one year, depending on your age, and fertility testing hasn't led to a definitive cause.
- Single women using donor sperm who don’t have needs that require IVF.
- Lesbian couples and any person assigned female at birth who needs donor sperm and plans to carry the pregnancy.
- Mild male infertility issues - In this case placing the washed sperm can be more effective than natural conception alone.
- Those experiencing endometriosis, or ovulatory or cervical issues.
IUI Success with San Diego Fertility Center
San Diego Fertility Center providers perform over 700 IUIs every year.
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Paying for IUI
Though coverage for fertility care varies widely by insurance plan, the good news is that you have lots of options. We are committed to guiding you through your insurance benefits, out-of-pocket expenses, and other financing options every step of the way. With San Diego Fertility Center you will never be in the dark about cost.
You’re ready for your next chapter. We’re here to help you turn the page.
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Most patients experience little to no pain with IUI. The discomfort it can cause is similar to a pap smear and there might be some cramping after the procedure. Your concerns about pain are valid and you and your doctor can discuss taking an over-the-counter painkiller to manage discomfort.
IUI is a very low-risk procedure. The primary consideration is that there is a slightly higher chance of twins than with natural conception or single embryo transfer IVF.
IUI is one of the most affordable services available to fertility patients. The estimated cost of an IUI at San Diego Fertility Center ranges from $1,000-$2,000.