In-Utero Insemination Procedure Detailed: Steps, Pricing, Success Rate, and Additional Information
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves collecting sperm and inserting it into the uterus. This minimally invasive strategy is often less expensive than other assistive fertility methods, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the success rate of IUI varies and depends on several key factors.
Factors Influencing IUI Success
- Female age and ovarian reserve: Success rates are highest in women under 35 and decline with age due to decreasing egg quantity and quality. Approximate pregnancy rates per cycle by age are:
- 20–30 years: ~17.6–25%
- 31–35 years: ~13.3–15%
- 36–38 years: ~13–15%
- 39–40 years: ~10–11%
- Over 40 years: ~5–6%
- Sperm quality and total motile sperm count (TPMSC): Higher sperm motility and count increase chances of conception. IUI requires a minimum of about 5–10 million motile sperm post-wash for better outcomes.
- Underlying cause of infertility: IUI is more effective for mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or cervical factor infertility but less effective for tubal damage, severe male factor, or endometriosis, where IVF is often recommended.
- Timing and ovulation monitoring: Precise timing of insemination around ovulation is critical. Failure may occur if ovulation does not happen as expected or is mistimed.
- Use of ovarian stimulation: Medications to induce ovulation and increase the number of mature eggs can improve success, especially in women with ovulatory disorders.
How IUI Compares to IVF Success Rates
- IVF generally offers higher pregnancy rates per cycle, often ranging from 40% to 50% or more in younger women, though rates decline with age. IVF bypasses many obstacles IUI cannot address by fertilizing eggs outside the body and directly transferring embryos to the uterus.
- Women over 40 or those with conditions like tubal disease or severe sperm abnormalities may benefit from moving directly to IVF instead of multiple IUI attempts due to higher success and time sensitivity.
- Most clinicians recommend trying up to three IUI cycles before moving to IVF unless factors such as advanced maternal age or serious infertility causes suggest IVF upfront.
Cost and Insurance Considerations
IUI can be expensive, and insurance may not cover the procedure. In many cases, individuals have to pay out of pocket for IUI treatments. Only 15 states have laws that mandate insurance companies cover a portion of infertility costs. It's essential to discuss financial options with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Risks and Side Effects
IUI procedures carry risks, including infections and multiple births. The use of fertility drugs in IUI increases the likelihood of multiple pregnancies, including twins, triplets, or higher-order multiple pregnancies. Higher-order multiple pregnancies carry significantly higher risks to the pregnant individual and their fetuses, including premature birth.
Following an IUI procedure, an individual should contact a doctor if they experience severe abdominal pain or other side effects. Sperm sample washing involves the removal of seminal fluid to prevent cramping in the female.
Two weeks after an IUI, a person may wish to take a home pregnancy test, but a blood test is a more accurate means of determining if fertilization has occurred. Sperm insertion is done through a thin, flexible catheter inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
A study evaluated 366 people found that IUI resulted in a pregnancy rate of around 8.7% and a live birth rate of around 5.8%. Cycles generally range from one to several thousand dollars.
In brief, IUI success is influenced primarily by female age, sperm quality, cause of infertility, and ovulation timing, with typical success rates around 10–20% per cycle, whereas IVF generally offers higher success rates, especially for older women or more complex infertility cases.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, consuming eggs can be beneficial due to their rich nutritional profile, providing amino acids, choline, and essential vitamins.
- The process of IUI, a science-based fertility treatment, requires a minimum of about 5–10 million motile sperm post-wash for better outcomes, indicating the connection between sperm health and IUI success.
