IUI - Intrauterine Insemination
IUI - Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple and effective method used in infertility treatment when the woman's examination results are normal and the partner's semen analysis is within normal range or only slightly impaired.
During this procedure, sperm is placed directly into the woman's uterus at the time of ovulation, which increases the chances of fertilization of the egg in the fallopian tube.
Fertilization therefore occurs naturally in the woman's body.
IUI is performed either:
- in a natural (spontaneous) cycle
- or with hormonal support of ovulation, if necessary
The success rate is around 12% per cycle. It is therefore lower than with IVF, but it is a less demanding method, thanks to which many children have been born.
However, it is not ideal for everyone. A very important factor is, for example, the woman's age. That is also why you should not be afraid to visit a fertility treatment center.
When couples postpone the problem for too long, it costs them stress and disappointment, and yet the solution is simpler than it seems.
What can you expect?
During IUI, sperm is placed directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation, which simplifies the path to fertilization. It is a quick and painless procedure that does not require a long recovery.
Is hormonal stimulation also part of the process?
In some cases, hormonal stimulation is used to support ovulation. This ensures that the woman has a quality cycle at the time of insemination. If the IUI is unsuccessful, the physician will recommend further attempts, up to a maximum of three cycles. After three unsuccessful cycles, it is recommended to proceed to IVF (in vitro fertilization).
What is ovulation monitoring?
During ovulation stimulation, we use what is called cycle monitoring. The goal is to track the growth and maturation of follicles (sacs containing eggs) either in a hormonally stimulated or natural cycle.