We understand that the decision to proceed with fertility treatment is one of the toughest choices a couple can face. It seems that there is an overwhelming amount of information, and people usually have lots of questions as they sort though it all. This online fertility library was created to give you an overview about the latest infertility treatment options. Once you get an insight on the various fertility treatments, you will get a better understanding of the treatment guides at San Diego Fertility Center.

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IUI

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Miscarriage and the Successful Pregnancy

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility procedure in which sperm are washed, concentrated, and injected directly into a woman's uterus. In natural intercourse, only a fraction of the sperm makes it up the woman's genital tract. IUI increases the number of sperm in the fallopian tubes, where fertilization takes place.

Studies show that IUI is most successful when it is coupled with fertility drugs to enhance ovulation. This technique is often called controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IUI.

IUI is usually recommended for couples with no known cause of infertility who has been trying to have a baby for at least one year. You should have a thorough infertility investigation before trying IUI.

Male partner requirements for IUI

IUI relies on the natural ability of sperm to fertilize an egg within the reproductive tract. Studies show that IUI will not be effective in cases where the male has low sperm counts or poor sperm shape. Sperm tests should show reasonable sperm function:

• sperm count (number of sperm per cc)
• mobility (percentage of sperm moving)
• sperm morphology (shape)

In addition, in the State of California, the male partner must have blood work done to rule out certain infectious diseases.

Female partner requirements for IUI

The female partner should have no obvious fertility problems. Tests should show normal ovulation, open fallopian tubes, and a normal uterine cavity.

• Women with ovulatory disorders can be candidates for IUI if they respond adequately to fertility drugs. In these cases, hormone treatments stimulate ovulation, and the IUI is timed to take place around the time of ovulation. Hormone treatments are usually used even for women without ovulatory disorder.
• Women with endometriosis may benefit from IUI if they do not have a distortion of the pelvic structures. Women with mild endometriosis are usually treated similarly to women with unexplained infertility.
• Women with severely damaged or blocked fallopian tubes will not be helped by IUI.

Benefits of IUI

The success rates of superovulation (from hormone treatment) and IUI are between 5 and 15 percent per cycle (dependent on the woman's age) provided that the male partner's sperm count is within normal limits and the female's tubes are healthy.

Doctors might try three cycles of IUI and, if these are not successful, then recommend more advanced methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Unlike IVF, IUI does not involve egg collection or general anesthetic.

Read more about IUI at the San Diego Fertility Center

Last updated: February 7, 2006
Authors: Dr. William Hummel and Dr. Michael Kettel