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How does IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) work?

• Medication for Ovarian Stimulation : Medication is given to stimulate ovarian egg production.
• Ultrasound Follow up : An ultrasound is performed to monitor egg production in the ovaries.
• Medicine to trigger ovulation : Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is administered to stimulate release of eggs from the ovaries.
• Intrauterine Insemination : A catheter is used to inject the sperm directly through the cervix into the uterus. This process maximizes the number of sperm cells in the uterus, increasing the possibility of conception. The IUI procedure is short and involves minimal discomfort.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

The success of IUI

The success rate of IUI depends on the cause of the infertility.

Women under age 35 have higher success rates than women over age 35 with IUI. The chance of conceiving with IUK is about 10-15% per cycle. The cumulative conception rate is about 50% over 4 treatment cycles. Nature's efficiency for producing a baby in one month is about 15 5o 25%.

If IUI is going to work for a couple, it usually does so within 4 treatment cycles. If a pregnancy has not resulted by this time, the chances of IUI working are remote.