- 2601 Lake Dr, Ste 301, Raleigh, NC, United States, North Carolina
- info@carolinaconceptions.com
- (919) 782-5911
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), sometimes called artificial insemination, is a brief, in-office procedure that places sperm directly into the uterus. Pregnancy rates with IUI are higher than with intercourse because an IUI helps increase the number of sperm that reach the uterus and increases the chance of fertilization.
IUI’s are a common fertility treatment, especially due to them having lower costs, less medications needed, and no recovery period. At Carolina Conceptions Fertility, we have an IUI success rate of 15-22% per IUI!
IUI is often recommended for:
During your consultation, your provider will explore options with you and determine if IUI is right for you.
The female patient will take fertility medications to assist in producing mature eggs ready to be fertilized. Ultrasound monitoring during your cycle helps our team predict the optimal time to schedule your trigger shot and IUI. Patients should continue with intercourse as usual during their medicated cycle.
24 to 36 hours before your scheduled insemination, you will trigger ovulation with an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) subcutaneously in your abdomen (aka just under the skin on your stomach!). For those using their male partner’s sperm, we recommend having intercourse on the day of the trigger shot. However, a male partner should abstain from ejaculation from this point until the day of the IUI. Longer periods of male abstinence may be recommended to increase the odds of fertilization – we will give you personalized guidance!
On procedure day, the sperm sample is washed in our lab, leaving only healthy, motile sperm. This sperm may be frozen donor sperm, or a fresh sample from a male partner. Much of the time spent in-office for your procedure will consist of the sample being collected and prepared for insemination.
A physician or nurse practitioner will insert a thin, flexible catheter into the uterus. Sperm will pass through the catheter, bypassing potential barriers that it may face after typical intercourse. This takes just a couple minutes and is typically painless, although some patients will experience some mild cramping.
Acetaminophen can help reduce this cramping, but do not use aspirin or ibuprofen for your IUI, as these medications may affect ovulation or implantation.
After your appointment, you can go about your day as usual! Some patients notice light spotting or cramping, which is normal. Depending on what’s best for you, your doctor may give you additional medications to take after the IUI.
Two weeks later, you’ll take an at-home pregnancy test to see if the cycle was successful!
We know waiting two weeks is easier said than done – we recommend advice given by Reproductive Psychologist, Dr. Ryan Blazei, in “Take Control Over Your Two Week Wait.”
Read our blog for more information about infertility, IVF and more.
