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Intrauterine Insemination ( IUI )
Intrauterine insemination ( IUI ) using the partner's
or donor sperm is often a viable option for couples experiencing infertility.
IUI requires that the female produce
and ovulate viable eggs that travel unimpeded through the fallopian
tubes and are capable of being fertilized by sperm. 
IUI is sometimes used as a "first line"
infertility treatment in combination with ovulation inducing medications
such as clomiphene citrate ( Clomid ) or FSH
( Gonal - F or Follistim ). Indications for IUI include:
- low sperm count,
- decreased sperm motility,
- increased numbers of abnormal sperm ( abnormal morphology
),
- poor cervical mucous with a poor post coital test,
- antisperm antibodies in either male or female, and
/ or
- unexplained infertility.
IUI is a painless procedure that requires only a few
minutes to perform. If the partner's count is low, his sperm can be collected,
specially prepared, washed, concentrated, and placed into the uterine
cavity. ( Unwashed sperm should never be placed directly into the uterus
as fatal allergic reactions can occur. )
In cases of moderate to severe male factor infertility,
in vitro fertilization ( IVF ) is the treatment
of first choice. Per cycle, success rates
with IVF are usually higher than IUI, and many patients opt for IVF
as the first line treatment. IUI is less expensive per cycle than IVF,
meaning some patients can afford more attempts; however, statistically
the chance of conception from two IVF attempts is significantly higher
than three to four IUI cycles.
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Phone
800-515-6637 or 757-446-7100