Intrauterine insemination, often known as IUI, is a form of artificial insemination used to treat infertility.
When your ovary releases one or more eggs for fertilization, concentrated and cleaned sperm are immediately injected into your uterus.
The intended result of intrauterine insemination is for the sperm to travel into the fallopian tube, fertilize an egg that is already mature, and produce a pregnancy. Depending on the underlying causes of infertility, IUI can be timed to coincide with your regular cycle or fertility drugs.
What to anticipate after the procedure
IUI is a minimally invasive, painless procedure. No medication is given when IUI fertility treatment is carried out during the so-called “natural cycle.” When a woman naturally ovulates, the sperm is implanted at a doctor’s office around that time.
Each facility and doctor will have their instructions for the IUI procedure. A typical timeframe might involve the following once you and your doctor have decided that IUI is the best course of action following your initial consultation:
- You might need to visit the doctor frequently during your period for blood work, ultrasounds, and prescription guidance.
- Prescription medication is typically started while you are on your period.
- A week or so after starting the medication, you’ll probably have another ultrasound and possibly some blood work done.
- Based on the findings of your tests, your doctor will determine when you are ovulating. At that time, you and your companion will return to the clinic. 10 to 16 days after taking the medication for the first time, this frequently happens.
- Your male partner will either supply a sample of sperm, or donor sperm will be thawed on the day of the procedure.
- The sperm will be transported to a lab to be “washed.” During this process, the seminal fluid and other debris are removed, leaving behind concentrated sperm that is unlikely to aggravate the uterus.
IUI costs how much?
The price of IUI varies according to your insurance coverage and the cost of your doctor’s services. IUI typically costs less than IVF and other reproductive treatments. Usually, it ranges from $300 to $1,000 without insurance.
A few jurisdictions have legislation stating that if you satisfy specific criteria, health insurance providers must pay all or part of the cost of infertility treatment. However, many insurance plans don’t cover any reproductive therapy at all.
Takeaway
Intrauterine insemination can be a good option for many women or couples trying to conceive because it poses relatively few risks. If you’ve had problems conceiving or have any questions about your options for conception, speak with your OB-GYN or a fertility specialist. IUI might be a fantastic alternative if your doctor has any advice on how to assist you in getting pregnant.
