Many individuals and couples may struggle to become pregnant naturally, but thankfully, modern fertility treatments can help to bypass these difficulties. One of the most common treatments is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), which is a minimally invasive method of helping sperm fertilise an egg.
What is IUI?
Natural conception occurs when sperm travels into the uterus to reach the egg that has been ovulated as part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. However, there can often be different barriers that prevent this from occurring easily, with many couples struggling to conceive naturally. In these cases, fertility treatment may be beneficial to help on the journey to pregnancy.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) — sometimes referred to as ‘artificial insemination’ — is a fertility treatment that gives sperm a better chance at fertilising an egg. Where sperm may struggle to reach the egg naturally, the IUI procedure involves directly inserting prepared sperm into the cavity of the uterus around the time of ovulation. By manually placing them there, some of the barriers to natural conception may be bypassed, enhancing the chances of fertilisation.
While there are many fertility treatments couples can opt for, IUI is often considered a less invasive and more cost-effective option before proceeding to more advanced treatments, such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
When is IUI treatment used?
IUI helps individuals and couples facing a variety of different fertility issues, including low sperm count, cervical factor infertility and unexplained infertility. People who have problems with their natural ovulation can benefit too, as well as women who struggle with endometriosis or a semen allergy.
Another reason IUI is commonly used is to help patients conceive using donor sperm. This is often the case for single women, same-sex couples, or couples where one partner doesn’t have enough quality sperm. Donor sperm samples are safely thawed and prepared to be inserted right at the time of ovulation.
Is there an IUI treatment age limit?
While there’s no strict age limit for IUI treatment, success rates tend to decline with increasing maternal age. IUI is most effective for women under the age of 35, but can still lead to pregnancy in women above that age. Consulting with your fertility specialist and healthcare providers can help you understand the viability of IUI based on your age and other related factors.
When is IUI not suitable?
Unfortunately, there are some cases where IUI fertility treatment may not be suitable. IUI may be ineffective when patients have severe tubal issues, significant uterine abnormalities or severe male infertility. Additionally, women with a history of pelvic infections may not be suitable for IUI treatment. In these situations, your fertility specialist can help you understand which other fertility treatments could be explored instead, giving you the best and safest chance of becoming pregnant.
IUI treatment procedure
An IUI cycle is typically short and involves minimal discomfort. However, there may be a variety of tests required before IUI, to help assess fertility health and prepare for the cycle.
Female patients may undergo an Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test, which is a simple blood test used to assess how much of the hormone still remains in the ovaries. This acts as a predictor of the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. Male patients may undergo similar tests to assess the number and quality of their sperm.
If your fertility specialists are confident in your overall health, they will conduct the assisted insemination process. The IUI procedure step by step typically involves:
- Sperm Collection: The male partner provides a fresh sample, or a frozen sample is prepared. From there, the sample is washed to find the most active sperm, which are then gently drawn up into a thin pipette needle.
- Injection: The washed sperm sample is attached to a catheter which is then inserted into the uterus via the vagina, and the sample inserted directly.
- Rest: After the IUI catheter is removed, each patient lies down for a brief period, but are then able to go about their day as normal.
- Test: Individuals and couples wait for two weeks before taking a pregnancy test.
While the wait after the procedure can be difficult, we encourage patients to stay active and try not to think too much about it. It’s also important not to test any earlier than that, as early results may be false and cause anxiety. We are always here to support you through this period.
How long to wait between IUI cycles
Naturally, patients need to wait at least two weeks after IUI treatment to find out whether they have fallen pregnant or not. From there, the amount of time to wait will be discussed with your fertility specialist based on your unique circumstances. Typically, patients will have the length of one menstrual cycle between IUI cycles, to help the body and mind recover and prepare.
Preparing for IUI
There are a number of different fertility treatments that patients can explore prior to starting IUI. Individuals and couples may benefit from timed intercourse, which is a process where a fertility specialist can help you pinpoint when you are at your most fertile so you can have sex at that time, increasing the chance of fertilisation. Similarly, ovulation induction can help you create a known ovulation period, improving the chances of conception.
Your fertility specialist will recommend the best treatment path based on your personal circumstances (including how long you’ve been trying), age, and overall health.
How much does IUI cost?
The IUI cost can vary for different individuals, and may also include payments for different fertility assessments. Many of these costs are partially subsidised by Medicare, with patients able to receive a rebate if they have a referral letter for their treatment. The Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) also provides an additional rebate on top of the regular amount when your costs go over an annual threshold. The EMSN threshold in 2023 is $2414.
At Create Fertility, we have different estimated out-of-pocket fees for our treatments. You can find out more about our estimated cost of IUI here.
IUI success rates
For each of our patients going through IUI, our focus is on helping them have a healthy baby as soon as possible. However, it is still statistically unlikely to have a live birth with only one cycle of IUI — it will typically take multiple cycles. As with most fertility treatments, one of the biggest determining factors is age, with younger patients typically more likely to achieve pregnancy. However, the likelihood of pregnancy increases at all ages with subsequent cycles.
Individuals and couples can enhance their likelihood of falling pregnant using IUI by making positive lifestyle changes, including improving diet and exercise, and reducing stress. Understanding optimal ovulation timing can also enhance the chances of success.
Lifestyle changes, proper medication adherence, and understanding optimal timing can enhance the chances of achieving a pregnancy with IUI.
IUI side effects and risks
IUI is a minimally invasive treatment that is unlikely to lead to major complications, but does carry some risks, depending on the way it is conducted. It is common to experience minor physical discomfort or spotting. When medication is used to induce ovulation as part of the procedure, there is a risk of multiple pregnancy, as well as hormonal changes as a result of the medication.
In uncommon cases, patients may develop Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Patients should immediately speak to their doctor or fertility specialist if they begin experiencing pelvic pain, heavy vaginal bleeding or fever. However, most treatment courses progress without any serious complications.
Helping you get pregnant
IUI represents a significant step in the fertility journey, and is one we are thoroughly prepared to help you with. Get in touch to discuss your personal fertility goals and circumstances, and how we can help you start your family.
