IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a relatively simple infertility treatment and the procedure involves a small tube being specially placed with washed sperm directly into the females uterus. You may hear others call Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) by its’ more commonly used term artificial insemination (AI). But, keep in mind that  IUI and AI are one and the same fertility treatment.

Why IUI?

When considering fertility treatments above and beyond fertility drug use, IUI artificial insemination may be the first tried by many couples. It’s an easier method than assisted reproductive technologies, like IVF, and  the costs for this type of fertility treatment are much less than other treatment options. According to a survey done by RESOLVE, the average IUI fertility treatment costs $895 (compared to $8,000 to $15,000 for IVF).

IUI may be used in some cases of male factor infertility diagnosis,  such as low sperm counts or if a sperm donor is being used for artificial insemination. IUI may also be used if the woman’s cervical mucus is less than the ideal situation.  Also, in cases of unexplained fertility issues, IUI may be tried if fertility drugs like Clomid (clomiphene citrate) don’t help.

IUI may also be used if a couple would like to avoid the higher cost of IVF treatment. Even though IUI artificial insemination is less effective per cycle than IVF, a couple may be able to afford more attempts with IUI.

IUI is pretty simple and while fertility drugs are not always used, most doctors choose to use an ovulation drug like Clomid to increase the chances of success when using IUI treatment for fertility.

Whether or not you’re using fertility drugs, you’ll probably be asked to use an ovulation predictor at home during the cycle that treatment is planned for. Once you detect the LH surge (the hormone that is highest right before ovulation and detected by ovulation kits), you’ll need to call your doctor.

The IUI Process

Assuming you’re not using a sperm donor, your partner will be given instructions for sperm collection (either at home or at the fertility treatment center.) The doctor will then “wash” the collected sperm and the doctor will place the sperm directly into the women’s uterus via the cervix.   This treatment is usually painless, with maybe a little cramping. It is performed in the doctor’s office, and the procedure can be done by a nurse or a doctor.

In reviewing the success rate for IUI artificial insemination, just 4% of women got pregnant per cycle without fertility drugs, and 8% to 17% got pregnant when fertility drugs and IUI were combined.

Though IVF success rates per cycle are much higher, IUI is significantly less expensive, and a much easier procedure.  So, If IVF is out of your price range, multiple IUI cycles might be the better choice, depending on the cause of infertility.