Pain, heavy periods, and uncomfortable sex are some of the classic signs of endometriosis, but is infertility one of them, too? Find out how this chronic condition may affect your ability to conceive.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a low-cost treatment available to sub-fertile couples. The procedure is typically used in combination with ovulation induction medications such as Clomid, Femara or injectables, but can also be used with spontaneous or natural ovulatory cycles. IUI can be performed with a partner sperm (fresh or frozen) or with donor samples (frozen).
Couples are usually encouraged to engage in coitus after intrauterine insemination over the next few days during the fertile period to increase the chances of conception. While intercourse can result in the wastage of most of the sperm (sperm can survive for only 1 hour in the vaginal environment), IUI can effectively deliver millions of motile sperm into the uterine cavity where they can live for 3-4 days. This simple procedure thus can significantly increase the chances of conception per cycle, especially for a woman with closed cervix (as a result of prior cervical surgery) or in cases of sub optimal sperm parameters.
Because fertility can be a numbers game, patients often ask if two IUIs are better than one. Most studies so far have not demonstrated any significant difference in pregnancy rates between one versus two IUIs. In our experience, a single well timed insemination is as effective as two without the added cost of the latter. However, if the total number of motile sperm is less than 1 million during the first IUI, we recommend a second one in the following day.
Due to stress, collection error (spillage) or other factors, the first semen sample may yield low number of motile sperm. We have observed that a second sample collected in the following day can make up for the deficiency and improve the chance of pregnancy. Please go to our website for more information on sperm preparation for IUI and cost of IUI at IVFMD.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Pain, heavy periods, and uncomfortable sex are some of the classic signs of endometriosis, but is infertility one of them, too? Find out how this chronic condition may affect your ability to conceive.
There have been a lot of questions about the COVID vaccine (and more than a bit of misinformation). One question some people have asked is whether the COVID-19 is safe for pregnant people.
How many eggs do you have? Is it enough to have the family you want? What if your count is low? Here’s what you need to know about your ovarian reserve and your treatment options if you need them.
Are you considering in vitro fertilization? The process can be physically, emotionally, and financially exhausting. Learn how preimplantation genetic testing can help.
Miscarriages happen to 80% of women in the first trimester. But if it’s your second or third loss, you need more than stats, you need answers. Here’s what you should know about repeated miscarriages.
From the muscle fibers in your heart to the hard nails that protect your fingertips, every human tissue has a specific role. But if you have endometriosis, your uterine tissue has gone rogue. Learn how to spot the signs of this problematic condition.