IUI Chances of Success

If you’re considering fertility treatment, you have probably heard of Intrauterine insemination (IUI) as an option. The  IUI process focuses on inserting concentrated sperm right into the uterus. But what are the chances of the process being successful? IUI’s success rate depends on many factors and here we will look at what these chances are. 

Key Takeaways

• Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is the process of inserting prepared sperm directly into the uterus to increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
• IUI can be a viable route to a healthy pregnancy for couples or individuals who have struggled with infertility for a wide variety of reasons.
• The IUI process is significantly cheaper than some other options like in vitro fertilization.

What Is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination, also known as artificial insemination, is an assisted reproductive technology treatment that places specially treated sperm into the uterus to increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

IUI has been in place for hundreds of years, with the first recorded instance of successful intrauterine insemination occurring in London in 1793, and the process has been refined and improved substantially in the modern era.

Who Can IUI Benefit?

According to one study, infertility affects between 7 and 17 percent of couples in the United States who are attempting to have a child. IUI is one of several popular treatment modalities used by couples struggling with infertility preferred for its invasiveness and affordability. In some circumstances, it is the best way to improve the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

The University of Pennsylvania has published research suggesting IUI could be an effective option for the following individuals:

• Assigned male at-birth partners (AMAB) with subfertile semen parameters, including low sperm count and/or motility
• AMAB partners experiencing difficulties with achieving an erection or ejaculation
• Assigned female at-birth partners (AFAB) with scar tissue on the cervix
• AFAB partners with problems relating to the cervix or cervical mucus
• Couples or individuals who wish to use donor sperm to get pregnant

What Is the IUI Process?

IUI treatments are very straightforward. During the initial consultation, a healthcare provider will perform some basic tests to assess the health of the uterus,  fallopian tubes, and sperm to ensure IUI is the correct course forward for the patient. Because IUI must be performed during an ovulation cycle, a medication like Clomid will be prescribed to stimulate ovulation.

Once the provider has determined the ideal time to begin the IUI treatments, a sperm sample is acquired either from the desired partner or a third-party donor depending on the treatment plan for the patient. The sperm sample then undergoes a process known as a “sperm wash,” which involves removing non-sperm compounds from the semen as well as low-viability sperm, leaving behind only sperm that will most likely yield a successful pregnancy.

Finally,  the prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus. This is a quick and relatively painless procedure performed by a healthcare professional. A speculum is inserted to allow a small catheter to be placed into the uterus, and the sperm sample is injected. The entire process rarely has any negative side effects although some women report mild cramping and spotting for a day or two after the procedure.

How Much Does IUI Cost?

Compared to other fertility treatments like IVF, IUI  is generally much more affordable. A standard IUI treatment cycle can range anywhere from $300 to around $4,000, and the cost usually includes consultation, testing, monitoring, and a single, non-surgical procedure.

If the first round of IUI does not result in a pregnancy, many couples or individuals will try additional IUI procedures before moving on to another fertility treatment. If you are unsure about what step to take next, the compassionate healthcare professionals at Ivy Fertility will walk with you and advise you in your family-building journey.

What Influences the Success of IUI?

It only takes two weeks to know if the IUI treatment was successful. The likelihood of success of an IUI treatment can vary based on a variety of factors, including age, timing of procedure, and ovarian stimulation.

Ovarian Stimulation

Ovarian stimulation is a treatment used before IUI or IVF to promote ovulation and increase the number of eggs released. It can be done with medication or injections. Using an ovarian stimulation protocol can dramatically increase the chances of success during an IUI cycle. A 2021 study found IUI treatments were nearly twice as effective when using Clomid or similar medications, rather than relying on the timing of a natural ovulation cycle.

Age

Studies have shown a connection between successful pregnancy rates and the age of both birthing partners. These studies conclude that there are significantly higher success rates for AFAB patients under the age of 25 and AMAB donors under the age of 30, with a gradual, steady drop-off in success rates as age increases into the mid-to-late 30s.

Endometrial thickness

Timing is key when it comes to any fertility treatment. One factor that appears to play a major role is endometrial thickness at the time of an IUI treatment. The endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus which is shed during a menstrual cycle, and as each cycle progresses it increases in thickness. A 2021 fertility study found patients whose endometrium was beyond a certain thickness saw statistically significant improvements in pregnancy rates compared to other participants in the study.

Treatment Frequency

While most IUI treatment cycles involve a single IUI procedure, some clinics have claimed a second procedure during the same ovulation cycle can increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. This process, called double IUI, is still being studied and the results are unclear in many cases. 

A review of nine clinical trials found the likelihood of pregnancy following a double IUI cycle increased, but the live birth rate and miscarriage rate did not show significant improvements in the trials reviewed by the study. While double IUI may have some benefits, more research is necessary before any definite conclusions can be drawn.

Bottom Line

IUI is a popular option for couples and individuals seeking assistance with fertility challenges or who are seeking to conceive using donated sperm. The procedure is safe, affordable, and generally painless, and has a lengthy history of success for prospective parents. However, like any important medical procedure, patients should work with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.