IUI Chances of Success

Key Takeaways

• Intrauterine insemination is the process of inserting prepared sperm directly into the uterus to support a successful pregnancy.
• The IUI process is less invasive and more affordable than in vitro fertilization.
• IUI can be a viable route to a healthy pregnancy for couples or individuals who have struggled with infertility.

What Is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment that has been used in different ways for hundreds of years. Over the years, the process has evolved to make it easier for couples. Recently, it has gained more popularity as a fertility treatment option for couples struggling to conceive. 

According to the University of Pennsylvania, IUI works best for:

• Assigned male at-birth partners (AMAB) with challenges achieving an erection or ejaculation
• Assigned male at-birth partners with low sperm count and/or motility
• Assigned female at-birth partners (AFAB) suffering from cervical issues such as little cervical mucus
• Assigned female at-birth partners with scar tissue 
• Couples looking to use a donor sperm or surrogate to get pregnant

What Happens During an IUI?

The IUI is a fertility treatment where sperm is inserted into a vagina to facilitate conception and pregnancy. Naturally, when a man ejaculates in the vagina, sperm has to travel from the vagina through the cervix, into the uterus, and to the fallopian tubes. Only 5% of the sperm travel from your vagina to meet an egg and fertilize it. 

Before the process begins, your healthcare professional will take you through some tests to check conduct tests to check your and your partner’s reproductive health. This will help them know if artificial insemination is the way to go. 

How does the IUI work?

The IUI process takes approximately four weeks (around 28 days) from beginning to end, about the same length as a regular menstrual cycle. During this time, the assigned male at birth partner’s sperm is collected, washed, and concentrated to retain only high-quality and viable sperm. The sperm is then placed directly into your uterus using a catheter. The healthcare professional will try to place the catheter closer to your fallopian tubes.

IUI makes it easier for the sperm to reach an egg because it cuts down on the time and distance it has to travel, increasing your chance of becoming pregnant.

Meanwhile, the healthcare professional will prescribe Clomid to the female partner to stimulate their ovaries. The process must be perfectly timed with ovulation to increase the chances of success. 

Though the process is quick and simple, it can be uncomfortable. The insertion of the catheter can be uncomfortable, and some women report mild cramping and spotting for a day or two after the procedure.

At-Home Insemination

You can choose to do an IUI at a fertility clinic like Ivy Fertility or choose to do it at home using an insemination kit. At-home IUI should be done immediately before, during, or immediately after ovulation (a span of two to three days). Even at home, the process is the same. The only difference is the location, and the sperm doesn’t have to be “washed”. 

How much does IUI cost?

IUI treatment cycle can range from $300 to $4,000, and this cost caters for doctor’s consultations, tests, and monitoring. The IUI is cheaper than IVF, which can cost up to $20,000 in one round, making it easier to do additional rounds. Not only that. Artificial insemination can be done at home, and the only cost will be the insemination kit.

How Successful is IUI?

Various factors can affect the success rate of an IUI treatment. 

Age

Age not only affects natural conception but also the IUI process. Successful pregnancy rates are higher when the age of both birthing partners is low, particularly in female patients under the age of 25 and male donors under the age of 30. 

Ovulation

For the IUI process to be successful, you will need to time it with ovulation. For this reason, healthcare providers prescribe an ovary stimulant like Clomid to stimulate the production of eggs.  According to a 2021 study on factors affecting the chances of a successful IUI, ovarian stimulation increases the chances of success twice as much as when using the natural ovulation cycle.

Endometrial Thickness

Endometrial thickness affects the chances of a successful IUI cycle. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus, which is shed during a menstrual cycle and increases in thickness as the menstrual cycle progresses, especially between days 5–14. IUI patients whose endometrium had a certain thickness saw statistically significant improvements in pregnancy rates compared to other participants in the study.

Treatment Frequency

The more rounds one does the higher the success rate. Some clinics perform a double IUI to increase the chances of success. A double IUI is a second procedure done during the same ovulation cycle that can increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. 

Though relatively new, a review of nine clinical trials found the likelihood of pregnancy following a double IUI cycle increased but saw no significant difference in the live birth and miscarriage rates.  

Bottom Line

Between 7 and 17 percent of couples in the United States struggle with conception. Besides being emotionally taxing, fertility treatment can be expensive and time-consuming. Sometimes it takes more than one cycle of treatment to achieve pregnancy. 

IUI is an effective option for couples struggling to get pregnant. This procedure is considered safe, cost-effective, and typically involves minimal discomfort. It can be done in a clinic or the comfort of your own home. Nevertheless, as with any significant medical intervention, couples need to work with their healthcare provider to identify the most suitable approach tailored to their specific needs.