Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that helps people conceive by placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This procedure increases the chances of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg by shortening the distance sperm must travel, bypassing the cervix, and concentrating healthy sperm in the uterus
. How IUI Works:
- Sperm is collected from a partner or donor and washed in a lab to remove seminal fluid and select the healthiest, most motile sperm.
- The prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus using a thin catheter during the fertile window, often timed with ovulation monitoring or fertility medications.
- The goal is for sperm to meet the egg in the fallopian tube naturally, leading to fertilization and pregnancy
Who Uses IUI:
- Couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, ovulatory disorders, or cervical issues.
- Single individuals or same-sex couples using donor sperm.
- People for whom intercourse is difficult due to physical or medical reasons
Advantages of IUI:
- Less invasive and less expensive than in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Can be done in a clinic with minimal discomfort and quick recovery.
- Often used as a first-line fertility treatment before more complex procedures
Procedure and Aftercare:
- The procedure is brief, usually painless, and may cause mild cramping or spotting.
- Patients can resume normal activities immediately.
- Pregnancy is tested about two weeks after IUI, with follow-up care depending on the result
In summary, IUI is a common, relatively simple fertility treatment that improves the likelihood of pregnancy by placing high-quality sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation, making it easier for sperm to reach the egg naturally
