Glory Women's Clinic

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FAQs

⁠What is IUI and how does it work?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where sperm is washed, concentrated, and placed directly inside a woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation. By bypassing the cervix, it shortens the sperm’s journey and increases the number of motile sperm that reach the fallopian tubes.

Who is a good candidate for IUI?

IUI is often recommended for couples or individuals experiencing:

  • Unexplained infertility
  • Mild male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility)
  • Cervical factor infertility (hostile cervical mucus)
  • Anovulation (ovulatory disorders, often paired with ovulation induction drugs)
  • Use of donor sperm

For IUI to be successful, the woman must have at least one open, functioning fallopian tube, and the male partner must have a reasonable sperm count after processing.

How does IUI differ from IVF?

IUI is less invasive and less expensive. Fertilization happens naturally inside the woman’s body (in the fallopian tubes).

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) involves extracting eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryo back into the uterus.

Is the IUI procedure painful?
Most women describe the procedure as relatively painless, comparing it to a standard Pap smear. You might feel a slight cramping sensation when the thin catheter passes through the cervix, but it usually subsides quickly.
⁠Do I need to take medications for an IUI?
Not always, but doctors frequently use oral medications (like letrozole or clomiphene citrate) or injectable hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce 1 to 3 healthy eggs, which can increase the chances of success.
⁠How long does the actual procedure take?
The insemination itself takes only about 5 to 10 minutes. However, you will likely be asked to lie down and rest for 15 to 20 minutes immediately afterward.
What should I do (or avoid) after the IUI?
Do: Resume normal daily activities. Avoid: Heavy lifting, strenuous high-impact workouts, or anything that causes extreme pelvic discomfort. Sex: Having intercourse after IUI is generally safe and sometimes encouraged by doctors to increase the chances of fertilization.
What is the success rate of IUI?
Success rates vary based on age, the underlying cause of infertility, and whether fertility drugs were used. On average, the success rate is about 10% to 20% per cycle. It often takes multiple cycles (usually 3 to 6 tries) to achieve a pregnancy.
⁠When can I take a pregnancy test?
You should wait at least 14 days after the IUI procedure to take a pregnancy test. Testing too early can result in a false negative, or a false positive if an HCG “trigger shot” was used to induce ovulation.