Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in Tennessee
Sometimes, sperm need an extra push to reach an egg. Intrauterine insemination increases the chances of pregnancy for a variety of infertility cases and factors.
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How IUI Works
IUI can be an effective treatment option for a variety of infertility cases and is most commonly recommended before trying more advanced treatments, such as IVF. Here is what a typical IUI procedure looks like at Tennessee Fertility Institute.
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Determine Time of Ovulation
If you and your doctor determine IUI is the right procedure for your family, the next steps will be to determine whether to do the procedure around the time of the patient’s natural ovulation cycle or to take fertility medication to stimulate the release of an egg.
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Collect the Semen
Your partner or a sperm donor will then provide a sample of their sperm. This can be done in the office or at home, depending on your preference.
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Wash and Concentrate the Sample
Once we receive the sample, our team will then “wash” or clean the sperm. This not only separates it from the seminal fluid, which can have reactions inside the uterus, but it also concentrates the sperm count and only includes the healthy ones.
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Ovulate
The doctor will work with the patient, whether that’s you or a third-party like a surrogate, to time the procedure exactly when ovulation occurs. This is why it’s so important to schedule the procedure around the natural time of ovulation or when the medication can trigger the release of an egg.
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Place the Semen Inside the Uterus
Once the patient ovulates, the doctor will use a thin catheter to place the sample past the cervix and into the uterus. The doctor will ask the patient to lie on their back for a few minutes before resuming their daily activities.
What are the success rates of IUI?
At Tennessee Fertility Institute, we understand that one of the first questions many patients ask about IUI is: Will it work for me? The answer depends on several personal factors, including age, diagnosis, sperm quality, and whether fertility medications are used.
On average, IUI has a per-cycle success rate of about 10-20% for individuals under 35. Success rates gradually decline with age, typically falling to 10-15% for patients between 35 and 40, and around 5-10% for those over 40. While these numbers may seem modest, they’re similar to the monthly chances of natural conception in couples without fertility issues.
Our team uses your unique medical history and fertility goals to guide your care. IUI can be a helpful first step for many individuals and couples, and we’ll always be honest about whether it offers a meaningful chance of success in your situation. Every treatment plan is thoughtfully tailored to give you the best possible outcome.
