Intrauterine insemination, also known as an IUI, can offer a viable solution if you are dealing with infertility. It involves the insertion of sperm directly into your uterus to facilitate fertilization by allowing more healthy sperm to get to your egg. IUI gives an advantage to the sperm by allowing a head start. However, the sperm has to reach the egg on its own. If you need a more affordable and less invasive option to in vitro fertilization, getting an IUI in New York City can work for you. IUI works best when combined with ovarian stimulation.
When Should You Consider IUI?
You may want to consider IUI if your partner has a low sperm count or if he produces sperm with a mobility dysfunction. It can also help men who suffer from an education dysfunction. Additionally, you may want to consider IUI if you have:
- A cervical scar tissue.
- Cervical mucus issues.
- Unexplained infertility.
If you have a severe disease checking the fallopian tubes, moderate to severe endometriosis, or a history of pelvic infections, an IUI may not work for you.
A fertility specialist can conduct various tests to determine if you are a good candidate for an IUI based on your existing health, the leading cause of your fertility problems, and your medical history. Remember, an IUI only helps the sperm reach the egg, but fertilization happens independently.
What Happens During an IUI?
Before the procedure, a reminder to take fertility medication to help your eggs mature and prepare them for fertilization. A fertility specialist will then conduct the examination procedure during your ovulation. In some cases, the doctor may recommend using hormones to trigger ovulation. They figure out exactly when you ovulate based on your menstrual cycle and schedule the procedure for a time that maximizes your chances of conceiving.
Your donor or partner collects semen at home or at the fertility clinic for the doctor to prepare through a procedure known as sperm washing. The process aims to extract a concentrated amount of healthy sperm and get rid of chemicals present in semen that may trigger reactions in the uterus and make it difficult for you to conceive. Any sperm collected from a sperm bank has already gone through sperm washing to prepare it for IUI.
During the procedure, the doctor slides a thin, flexible tube into your uterus through the cervix. They then use a small syringe to insert the sperm directly into your uterus through the tube. If the sperm fertilizes an egg, the fertilized egg implants into the uterus lining, and you conceive.
You can get the procedure done at a fertility clinic or your doctor’s office, and it only lasts about 5 to 10 minutes. Although you should not experience any pain, IUI can cause mild cramping in some people. You do not need anesthesia.
In summary, IUI involves inserting healthy sperm directly into your uterus to improve your chances of conceiving. It can help you conceive if you have cervical scar tissue, cervical mucus issues, or an unexplained case of infertility. The procedure only lasts 5 to 10 minutes, and you do not need anesthesia since it does not cause any pain.
