Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a popular fertility treatment option for couples struggling with conception. While IUI can be successful, it’s important to understand its limitations and know when to explore other options.
First, what is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) – sometimes called artificial insemination – is a procedure that involves the injection of filtered sperm into the uterus using a catheter. The sperm is first prepared to concentrate the most motile sperm in a small volume.
Intrauterine insemination is useful for fertility patients with minor male factor infertility (mildly low sperm count or low motility) or ovulatory dysfunction. It’s also a common choice for patients with unexplained fertility issues, or for patients who don’t have ready access to sperm, like same sex couples or single women. Patients who experience sexual dysfunction may also be good candidates for IUI as it may reduce some of the stress related to intimacy.
What are the Success Rates for IUI?
The success rates for IUI can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
– Age of the female partner
– Cause of infertility
– Use of fertility medications
– Quality of sperm sample
IUI success rates are closet to the maximum fertility rate in the general population trying to get pregnant through intercourse, which is approximately 15%, monthly, if the egg source is younger than age 35. Our goal with IUI is to create the optimal conditions for your chances of pregnancy to reach that same range.
It’s important to note that success rates for IUI tend to decrease as a woman ages, particularly after age 35 and vary based on the infertility diagnosis. Additionally, if there are severe male factor infertility issues or other complex fertility problems, the success rates for IUI may be significantly lower.
It can take several cycles of IUI to achieve pregnancy. Because time is typically of the essence when maternal age is involved, IVF may be a better option. Compared to IUI success rates, IVF offers conception rates that are 4 to 6 times higher than IUI. Often, the higher number of eggs obtained by egg retrievals in IVF means that the outcomes of multiple eggs can be compressed to a shorter time period compared to IUI.
When to Consider Changing Your Treatment Method
While IUI can be an effective and less invasive option for some couples, it may not be the most effective treatment option for everyone. Here are some situations where you may want to consider changing your treatment method:
1. Multiple Failed IUI Cycles
If you’ve undergone three or more unsuccessful IUI cycles, it may be time to explore other options. The likelihood of success with IUI plateaus and can decrease after three failed attempts.
2. Age-Related Fertility Decline
As women age, egg quality can decline, making IUI less effective. If you’re over 35 and have been trying IUI for several cycles, you may want to consider more advanced treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
3. Severe Male Factor Infertility
If the male partner has severe sperm abnormalities, high sperm DNA fragmentation or low sperm count and motility, IUI may not be the most effective treatment. In such cases, IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be recommended.
4. Tubal Factor Infertility
If you have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, IUI may not be a viable option, as the sperm needs to travel through the tubes to reach the egg. IVF may be a better choice in these cases.
Remember, every situation is unique, and the decision to change treatment methods should be made in consultation with a fertility specialist who can evaluate your specific circumstances.
For more information about fertility options, contact MCRM Fertility to discuss resources and the latest assisted reproductive techniques, or visit MCRMfertility.com. With perseverance and the right help, parenthood is possible! Make a consultation appointment today with an MCRM Fertility Specialist in St. Louis MO, or Tulsa, OK.