IUI Chances of Success

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure whereby sperm are inserted directly into the uterus to increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

For couples or individuals who have struggled with infertility, IUI can be a viable option for a healthy pregnancy. IUI is also considerably cheaper compared to other ART options, like in vitro fertilization. 

In this article, we shall help you gain a better understanding of IUI and the factors that influence IUI outcomes, as well as share some tips to help you increase your chances of conceiving.

What Is IUI?

IUI is Intrauterine insemination and is also known as artificial insemination. It is an infertility treatment whereby sperm undergo a special preparation protocol and are thereafter placed directly into the uterus.

IUI is perhaps the oldest method of assisted reproductive technology, dating back hundreds of years. The first instance of successful intrauterine insemination was recorded in London in 1793, and the process has been refined substantially as technologies have improved and become more sophisticated.

Who Can Benefit from IUI?

Couples and individuals struggling with infertility are the primary beneficiaries of this fertility treatment. In some cases, IUI is the best way to improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

According to a study on fertility treatments for couples seeking ART, in the United States alone, infertility affects between 7 and 17 percent of couples who are attempting to have a child. 

The University of Pennsylvania has published research suggesting that IUI could be an effective option for the following individuals:

• Couples or individuals who wish to use donor sperm to get pregnant
• Assigned male at-birth partners (AMAB) with subfertile semen parameters, including low sperm count and/or motility
• AMAB partners experiencing difficulties with achieving an erection or ejaculation
• Assigned female at-birth partners (AFAB) with scar tissue on the cervix
• AFAB partners with problems relating to the cervix or cervical mucus

What Is the IUI Process?

The process of IUI treatments is quite straightforward. A healthcare provider will be scheduling some basic tests to assess the health of the uterus and fallopian tubes, as well as to ensure IUI is the best course forward for the patient. After that, the doctor will determine the ideal time to begin the cycle of IUI treatments. 

Since IUI must be performed during an ovulation cycle, a medication will be prescribed to stimulate ovulation. A sperm sample will also be acquired either from the desired partner or a third-party donor, depending on the patient’s treatment plan. 

The sample undergoes a process known as a sperm wash, in which non-sperm compounds from the semen, as well as low-viability sperm, are removed. This process leaves behind only the sperm most likely to yield a successful pregnancy.

The final step of the IUI process is for the healthcare provider to insert the prepared sperm into the uterus. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to allow a small catheter to be placed into the uterus, and the sperm sample is injected. 

The entire process takes only a few minutes and is typically pain-free, although some women have reported mild cramping and spotting for a day or two after the procedure.

What Does IUI Cost?

IUI is much more affordable compared to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization. A standard IUI treatment cycle can range anywhere between $300 and $4,000. This usually covers the cost of consultation, testing, monitoring, and a single, non-surgical procedure.

Many couples or individuals will try additional IUI procedures if a first round of IUI does not result in a pregnancy. Typically, these additional rounds are priced at the same rate as the first round of IUI.

What Influences the Success of IUI?

The success of an IUI treatment varies based on a variety of factors, including age, timing of procedure, and ovarian stimulation. Typically, a pregnancy test taken within two weeks following IUI should be able to determine if the treatment was successful.

Ovarian Stimulation

Using an ovarian stimulation protocol has been shown to dramatically increase the chances of an IUI cycle succeeding. A 2021 study on the factors affecting IUI outcomes found that IUI treatments were nearly twice as effective with ovary stimulation than when relying on the timing of a natural ovulation cycle.

Age

The same study also found a connection between successful pregnancy rates and the age of both birthing partners. Significantly higher success rates for AFAB patients under the age of 25 and AMAB donors under the age of 30 were noted. There was a gradual but steady drop-off in success rates as age increased into the mid and late 30s.

Timing

One factor that appears to play a major role is the thickness of the endometrium at the time of an IUI treatment. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus, which is shed during a menstrual cycle. As each cycle progresses, it increases in thickness. 

A 2021 fertility study on the determination of the precise window of implantation found that patients whose endometrium was beyond a certain thickness at the point of implantation saw statistically significant improvements in pregnancy rates compared to other participants in the study.

Treatment Frequency

Most IUI treatment cycles involve a single IUI procedure. A double IUI is a second IUI procedure during the same ovulation cycle. Some clinics claim that this can increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. 

A review of nine clinical trials comparing double versus single IUls found the likelihood of pregnancy following a double IUI cycle increased, but the live birth rate and miscarriage rate did not show significant improvements. 

Double IUI treatment is still being studied, and the results are unclear in many cases. While double IUI may have some benefits, more research is necessary before any definite conclusions can be drawn.

Bottom Line

IUI is a safe, affordable, and generally painless procedure with a lengthy history of success for prospective parents. It is also a popular option for couples and individuals seeking assistance for fertility challenges or who desire to conceive using donated sperm.

Like any medical procedure, patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to determine what the best course of action is suited to their particular circumstance. If you are interested in learning more about IUI or other fertility treatments, Ivy Fertility can partner with you on your family-building journey.