Intrauterine Insemination in Iran

How does IUI help you get pregnant?

IUI is a simple method that doesn’t require a stay in the hospital. It takes less than 30 minutes most of the time. In short, this is what it all means:

1. Monitoring ovulation: To keep track of your ovulation time, your doctor will use an ultrasound or hormone test.
2. Sperm preparation: You can get sperm from your partner or your donors. An infertility specialist collects sperm samples and “washes” them for debris and sperm that are not motile (moving) or healthy.
3. Putting in a catheter: The cervix and vaginal canal connect by thin, bendable tubes called catheters. These tubes go into the uterus. After being washed, the sperm is put right into your uterus through the tube.

After the process is over, you can return to your everyday life. There is no need to take time to heal.

Intrauterine Insemination can be a good option for:

• Couples:
  • Who has been trying to conceive for at least one year without success and with no identifiable cause of infertility?
  • The male partner has mild sperm abnormalities, like slightly lower sperm count or motility.
  • The female partner has cervical mucus issues or scarring on the cervix that might hinder sperm passage.
• Individuals:
  • Single women or same-sex female couples who want to get pregnant using donor sperm.

IUI may not be recommended if:

• You have a severe case of infertility, like a meager sperm count or blockage in the fallopian tubes.
• In these cases, in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other fertility treatments might be a better course of action.

How long does it take to get pregnant with IUI (Successful rates)?

Successful rates vary based on age, the reason for impotence, and sperm quality. No one answer works for everyone. On the other hand, studies show that between 10 and 20% of IUI cycles lead to pregnancy.

The following is a rough timeline:

• A lot of cycles: Most doctors say to try IUI for three to six cycles before trying any other way of pregnancy treatment.
• When to ovulate: The process around ovulation, when the egg is released, is best to have the best chance of being fertilized.

Personalized IUI Options for You

Here’s a breakdown of IUI approaches to fit your specific needs:

Timing Your IUI:

• Natural Cycle: This is ideal for those who ovulate regularly. Hormone tests and sometimes imaging will pinpoint your fertile window for optimal IUI scheduling. No medication is required.
• Ovulation Induction: If ovulation is infrequent, ovulation-inducing medications can stimulate egg development. Hormone tests and ultrasounds will track progress, and IUI will be scheduled when eggs are mature.

Sperm Source:

• Partner Sperm: Sperm collection and preparation for IUI will be provided if using your partner’s sperm. Sperm banking services are also available for pre-treatment preservation.
• Donor Sperm: Choose donor sperm from a reputable sperm bank or a known donor. The clinic will guide you through the coordination process.

What are the risks of IUI?

IUI is a safe and risk-free method with not many risks. Some of these risks include:

• Some mild pain or swelling during or after the treatment
• Spots or light blood. 
• Uterine infection (rare)

Get a consultation with a fertility expert:

If you want to know more about IUI, you should talk to a fertility specialist. To help you decide if IUI is the best way to get pregnant, they can look at your case and talk about how often it works.