{"id":35659,"date":"2017-09-14T16:44:05","date_gmt":"2017-09-14T15:44:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/?p=35659"},"modified":"2024-12-23T14:03:38","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T12:03:38","slug":"what-is-iui","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/","title":{"rendered":"What is IUI?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/assisted-reproduction-treatments\/intra-uterine-insemination\/\">Intrauterine insemination (IUI)<\/a> is one of the most straightforward forms of assisted fertility treatments, the goal of which is to increase the number of sperm that reach and fertilise the egg on their own. It involves placing sperm inside a woman\u2019s uterus to facilitate fertilisation. This form of fertility treatment is a less invasive and less expensive option in comparison to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/assisted-reproduction-treatments\/in-vitro-fertilisation\/\">in vitro fertilisation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#Whats_the_Difference_Between_IVF_and_IUI\" title=\"What\u2019s the Difference Between IVF and IUI?\">What\u2019s the Difference Between IVF and IUI?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#When_is_IUI_Used\" title=\"When is IUI Used?\">When is IUI Used?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#The_IUI_Procedure\" title=\"The IUI Procedure\">The IUI Procedure<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#Preparation_of_the_Semen\" title=\"Preparation of the Semen\">Preparation of the Semen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#Insemination\" title=\"Insemination\">Insemination<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#Ovarian_Stimulation_Optional\" title=\"Ovarian Stimulation (Optional)\">Ovarian Stimulation (Optional)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#Multiple_Pregnancies\" title=\"Multiple Pregnancies\">Multiple Pregnancies<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#Ovarian_Hyperstimulation_Syndrome\" title=\"Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome\">Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#How_Successful_is_IUI\" title=\"How Successful is IUI?\">How Successful is IUI?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#Counselling_Support\" title=\"Counselling Support\">Counselling Support<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/#Contact_IVI_Today\" title=\"Contact IVI Today\">Contact IVI Today<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_Difference_Between_IVF_and_IUI\"><\/span>What\u2019s the Difference Between IVF and IUI?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many people assume that IVF and IUI are one in the same. This is not the case. IUI allows the body to do more on its own than IVF. Therefore, many consider it to be a more natural form of fertility treatment.<\/p>\n<p>During the IUI process, the highest quality sperm is selected and injected into the uterus where they are left to fertilise the eggs naturally. IVF in comparison removes the eggs from the body and has them fertilised in a lab. This means that IUI is a less invasive procedure, also involving fewer drugs than IVF. This makes it considerably less expensive.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_IUI_Used\"><\/span>When is IUI Used?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>IUI is most commonly used when a partner has a low sperm count or decreased sperm motility. However, it can also be the preferred fertility treatment for any of the following conditions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Couples whose reasons for subfertility are unknown.<\/li>\n<li>Ejaculation dysfunction.<\/li>\n<li>A hostile cervical condition, including cervical mucus difficulties.<\/li>\n<li>Cervical scar tissue from past procedures which may hinder the sperms\u2019 ability to enter the uterus.<\/li>\n<li>Ovulations complications.<\/li>\n<li>Abnormality of the cervix.<\/li>\n<li>Couples with reduced sperm count or motility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_IUI_Procedure\"><\/span>The IUI Procedure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Typically, the process of IUI is simple. The following steps outline a single cycle of IUI following the pathway we carry out here at IVI.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preparation_of_the_Semen\"><\/span>Preparation of the Semen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A\u00a0sperm sample will be required by the laboratory several hours before insemination. The sperm is prepared by selecting those with the best motility for the procedure. To choose the correct sperm, the motile sperm is separated from the immotile in a centrifuge.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Insemination\"><\/span>Insemination<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The insemination stage of the IUI procedure is an experience similar to that of a smear test. A speculum is inserted into the vagina, and a catheter is passed through the cervix and into the uterus.<\/p>\n<p>During IUI treatment, a series of 3 or 4 transvaginal ultrasound scans are performed to monitor the growth and development of the follicles (follicles are fluid-filled sacs in which an egg will develop). Once the follicle has reached optimum size an injection of hCG is administered to mature the egg and time ovulation. This injection will be given approximately 24 &#8211; 36 hours before insemination takes place.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ovarian_Stimulation_Optional\"><\/span>Ovarian Stimulation (Optional)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This step is optional for patients. However, ovarian stimulation has been known to increase the chances of success by producing more than one egg to be fertilised. Daily injections are given for around 10 days. For artificial insemination to be successful, it is essential that at least one of the Fallopian tubes is patent.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Multiple_Pregnancies\"><\/span>Multiple Pregnancies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Despite IUI being a safe procedure, the main risk is that of multiple pregnancies. The chances of becoming pregnant with multiples are increased if you take fertility medications when having IUI treatment. Multiple pregnancies can cause serious health risks to both the mother and baby, with babies more likely to be premature or have a low birth weight.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ovarian_Hyperstimulation_Syndrome\"><\/span>Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>With stimulated IUI cycles, there is a small risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This can happen when your ovaries respond too well to fertility drugs. A mild case of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may cause you to have a bloated or uncomfortable tummy, making you feel sick. In some patients, there may also be a risk of infection after IUI, but this isn\u2019t common.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Successful_is_IUI\"><\/span>How Successful is IUI?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As with any fertility treatment, the success of IUI depends on several factors. While IUI is a less invasive and less expensive treatment option, pregnancy success rates from IUI tend to be around one-third of those for IVF. As with any fertility treatment, the younger the woman is, the higher her chances are of getting pregnant. You are also more likely to get pregnant if you take fertility drugs to help stimulate your natural cycle.<\/p>\n<p>If the couple has the IUI procedure performed each month, success rates may reach as high as 20% per cycle, depending on variables such as female age, whether fertility drugs were used, the reason for infertility and more. The success rates differ from person to person, so be sure to discuss your chances of success with your fertility specialist.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Counselling_Support\"><\/span>Counselling Support<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Finding out that you need help to conceive can be a daunting time and is often suffered in silence due to feelings of embarrassment or failure, amongst numerous others. Unfortunately, friends, family members and colleagues may not understand or be sympathetic towards your situation. This can be extremely difficult, causing stress and anxiety to affect your relationship with your partner.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s why, here at IVI, we offer counselling support to all our patients undergoing treatment in our clinics. We are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have someone to talk to throughout the process. Whether you\u2019re going through IUI or one of our other fertility treatments, we would highly recommend counselling support.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contact_IVI_Today\"><\/span>Contact IVI Today<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As the world leader in fertility treatment, IVI can support you with your IUI treatment and any other questions around fertility treatments you may have. To book an appointment or attend one of our patient open evenings, please call 0800 52 00 161 or complete the patient contact form by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/ask-for-an-appointment\/\">clicking on this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most straightforward forms of assisted fertility treatments, the goal of which is to increase the number of sperm that reach and fertilise the egg on their own. It involves placing sperm inside a woman\u2019s uterus to facilitate fertilisation. This form of fertility treatment is a less invasive and&#8230; <a class=\"view-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivi.uk\/blog\/what-is-iui\/\">View Article<\/a>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50645,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,153],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is IUI? - IVI UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is IUI? 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