What is intrauterine insemination?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which your provider places sperm directly into your uterus. During natural conception, sperm travels into the vagina, through the cervix, into the uterus, and up the fallopian tubes.
IUI simplifies this process. It concentrates sperm near the uterus to increase your chances of conceiving.
Am I a good candidate for intrauterine insemination?
IUI is minimally invasive and one of the most affordable fertility treatment options. The fertility specialists at Fernando Bueso, M.D., P.A. and Francisco J. Bueso, M.D. might recommend IUI in the following situations:
- Unexplained infertility
- Mild endometriosis
- Low sperm count
- Issues with ejaculation or erection
- Couples who want to avoid passing genetic defects to their child
- Single women wishing to conceive
You might also benefit from IUI if you’re a member of a same-sex couple who wants to start a family.
How does intrauterine insemination work?
IUI is a pain-free and minimally invasive procedure. In most cases, it occurs on the “natural cycle.” This means you visit the office of Fernando Bueso, M.D., P.A. and Francisco J. Bueso, M.D. during ovulation. Your provider places the sperm into your uterus during the most fertile time of your menstrual cycle.
Other women benefit from IUI combined with ovarian stimulation. There are several medications, including clomiphene citrate, human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), that increase the number of eggs your ovaries produce and release. The more eggs your ovaries release, the more likely you are to conceive.
IUI doesn’t require anesthesia. On the day of your appointment, you lie down on an exam table, and your provider uses a speculum to gently open your vagina. Next, your provider inserts a small, thin tube into your vagina, through the cervix, and into your uterus. Your provider squeezes sperm through the tube, which fertilizes your eggs.
After fertilization, you lie on your back for 10-30 minutes. Following treatment, you can return to routine activities the same day.
How will I know if intrauterine insemination was successful?
Intrauterine insemination doesn’t provide immediate results. Two weeks following your initial appointment, you can take an over-the-counter pregnancy test. This will reveal whether or not the treatment resulted in conception.
If intrauterine insemination is successful, what are the next steps?
If your intrauterine insemination is successful, the experienced OB/GYNs at Fernando Bueso, M.D., P.A. and Francisco J. Bueso, M.D. can provide obstetrics care throughout your pregnancy. This includes regular check-ups, prenatal ultrasounds, and guidance on nutrition and exercise.
The team also provides after-baby care. Once you give birth, the family medicine doctors on staff can administer vaccines, perform pediatric check-ups, and more. The health of you and your baby is their top priority.
To explore intrauterine insemination further, schedule an appointment at Fernando Bueso, M.D., P.A. and Francisco J. Bueso, M.D. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book a consultation online today.
