Candidates for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
The Center for Fertility and Gynecology in Los Angeles provides multiple options for all patients who would like to start their own family. This includes in vitro fertilization (IVF) that allows eggs and sperm to be joined in a lab, and artificial insemination techniques that increase the chances of successful pregnancy. We'd like to focus on intrauterine insemination (IUI), a popular and relatively effective way of boosting your chances of having a child.
What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?
IUI refers to a type of artificial insemination in which sperm that has been washed and concentrated is carefully placed into a woman's uterus when she is at her most fertile in her cycle. This helps improve the chances of successful fertilization of an egg.
General Candidacy for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Ideal candidates for IUI are women who are experiencing issues with female infertility or whose partners are experiencing mild issues with male infertility. They should have reasonable expectations when it comes to the success and nature of the IUI treatment, and they should understand the risks and benefits involved in treatment.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) for Female Infertility Matters
IUI tends to be a good solution for women who experience the following issues or have the following needs:
- Issues with Cervical Mucus - Women who have cervical mucus that is thick and proves an impediment for sperm to swim through may benefit from having IUI performed.
- Minimal Endometriosis - IUI has shown some effectiveness at helping women with minimal/first stage endometriosis.
- Unexplained Infertility Issues - Sometimes if a woman experiences unexplained infertility issues but she and her partner appear to be healthy otherwise, IUI may be attempted simply to increase the chances of successful pregnancy.
- Use of a Sperm Donor - If a woman opts to use a sperm donor to become pregnant, IUI is a potential option to consider for achieving pregnancy.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) for Mild Male Infertility Matters
IUI is also a good solution to consider for the following male factor infertility issues:
- Erectile Dysfunction - Men who have issues with erectile dysfunction may be able to provide sperm that can be placed through IUI.
- Issues with Ejaculation - Problems with ejaculation can similarly be remedied in some fashion thanks to IUI.
- Poor Sperm Quality - Often issues with sperm count, sperm density, and sperm motility can be addressed thanks to IUI.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Success Rates
Older forms of artificial insemination did not involve the placement of sperm directly into the uterus, which made these efforts generally less successful. By placing the sperm into the uterus, the likelihood of pregnancy is increased.
With that in mind, the success rates of IUI vary based on a number of factors. For women who are in their 20s and early 30s, the success rate tends to be around 20% or 25%, with numbers decreasing as women reach their mid 30s and later 30s.
Contact The Center for Fertility and Gynecology
For more information about artificial insemination methods and what you can do to improve your chances of becoming pregnant, be sure to contact our experienced team of fertility specialists today. At The Center for Fertility and Gynecology, we will answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns in full so you can make well-informed decisions about your needs.
