FAQ about IUI-Intrauterine Insemination

Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine prides itself on providing each patient with the utmost personal care and attention. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about fertility treatments and the procedures involved. Below, we have composed a list of most frequently asked questions about the Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) process and associated responses.

Who should consider IUI?

Patients suffering with low sperm count, decreased sperm mobility, unexplained fertility, hostile cervical condition or ejaculation dysfunction can all benefit from an IUI procedure.

How is IUI done?

IUI with washed semen is a technique that places prepared sperm directly into the uterus using a catheter. IUI bypasses the vagina and cervix where many sperm are otherwise lost, thus the number of motile sperm available to fertilize an egg is increased.

When should the IUI procedure occur?

An IUI procedure is performed around the time of ovulation.

Does the procedure hurt?

Most women consider IUI to be fairly painless, similar to having a pap smear. There can be some minimal cramping afterwards, but often what is felt is ovulation-related rather than from the IUI.

Can sperm fall out?

Once sperm is injected into the uterus it doesn’t fall out. Occasionally there is wetness after the IUI procedure but this is related to the catheter loosening the cervical mucus.

How long after IUI should implantation occur?

Implantation generally takes place 7 days days after ovulation/your IUI procedure.

How soon can I take a pregnancy test?

It is highly recommend that the patient wait two weeks before taking a pregnancy test to prevent a false positive due to hormones and injectibles.

What is the success rate for IUI?

Success rates will vary with the couple’s original diagnosis and the number of cycles of IUI.  The pregnancy rate per cycle of insemination is 15-20%.  The pregnancy rate may be as high as 30-50% in couples undergoing three cycles of IUI. 

The use of fertility medication, such as Clomid, Tamoxifen, or injectable Gonadotropins, increases the chance of pregnancy. The pregnancy rate using Clomid/Tamoxifen is about 15-%, and that of injectables/IUI is about 20-25%, but these rates are age-dependent and are significantly lower in women > 35. The multiple pregnancy rate is about 5% with Clomid or Tamoxifen (mostly twins), but increases to about 20-25% with injectable gonadotropins (some may be higher-order multiples, i.e triplets or more).

How many IUIs should I try before moving on to IVF?

It depends on what you can afford and what medication you are taking. If a couple doesn't have success after four ovulatory cycles on injectables with well-timed IUI, it would be time to consider IVF.

If you are considering IUI or other fertility treatments, we invite you to Contact Us

The patients at VCRMED are taken care of by a single physician who knows everything about their specific case. We believe this care results in faster success. We would love to assist you in making your dreams come true.

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