IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

IUI FAQs

• How effective is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

  There are many factors that influence the success rate of IUI, including your age, cause of infertility, and whether medications are used to induce ovulation. A medicated IUI cycle puts your chance of pregnancy at about 1 in 5, which is the same as natural conception. We recommend you speak with an RMA of New York fertility clinic physician or member of our care team about the best fertility treatment options for you.

• How long does an IUI cycle take?

  An IUI cycle takes around four weeks, the length of one menstrual cycle. During the first two weeks, you will either track ovulation at home using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) or come into the office for bloodwork and transvaginal ultrasounds to help your physician determine the timing of ovulation. When a follicle containing the egg reaches the right size, a medication called Ovidrel is used to trigger ovulation. The IUI is performed 24-48 hours after the trigger, and a pregnancy test can be taken two weeks later.

• What are the potential risks and side effects of IUI?

  IUI is considered a low risk procedure. If you undergo a medicated cycle, you may experience side effects similar to menstruation or pregnancy, such as mood swings, pelvic discomfort or cramping, and bloating. A medicated cycle may cause the release of multiple eggs, which can increase the chances of conceiving multiples.

• Can IUI be combined with fertility medications?

  Yes. Not all patients require fertility medications, but medications can increase the chances of ovulation and releasing multiple eggs. A medicated cycle, or ovulation induction (OI) cycle, may include oral medications such as Clomid or Letrozole. These medications stimulate the ovaries to ovulate if a woman does not do so on her own, or to produce more than one egg in a cycle.

• How many IUI cycles are typically recommended?

  Depending on a patient’s age and fertility status, your physician may recommend as few as one or as many as six or more IUI cycles before moving on to IVF.

• What should I expect during an IUI procedure?

  We perform IUI procedures at our office. You’ll lay on an exam table, and a speculum is placed in the vagina. A thin catheter, which you’re unlikely to feel, is used to transfer the concentrated sperm solution into the top of the uterus. You’ll be asked to remain in a relaxed position for 5-15 minutes. Patients often describe the procedure as being comparable to a PAP smear, and there may be mild cramping and spotting following the IUI. You can resume normal physical activities, including sexual intercourse, on the same day as the procedure.

• Should I start with IUI or IVF?

  Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is often recommended as the first step in a fertility journey, given it is less invasive and more affordable than IVF. It is a good option if you have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, are in a same-sex partnership using donor sperm, if your partner is experiencing male infertility, or you intend to be a single parent. However, success rates are higher with IVF than IUI, especially for women over 40 and those who have more complex fertility issues. For that reason, it is recommended that some patients begin with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment as their first step. Your RMA of New York physician will make a recommendation based on factors including your age, fertility status, and any diagnoses.

• Does IUI cause multiple pregnancy?

  An unmedicated IUI cycle does not increase the chance of having multiple births. When you combine an IUI cycle with fertility medication, however, you’re more likely to release multiple eggs during ovulation, which can increase the chance of more than one egg being fertilized.

• Is IUI a good option for a couple facing male-factor infertility?

  IUI can be a good option when sperm count is low, when sperm quality, sperm mobility, or ejaculation problems are a concern, or when using donor sperm. Sperm undergoes a process known as sperm washing, which ensures that only the highest quality sperm are used during the procedure. For men facing more severe fertility issues, IVF may be a better treatment option.

• Does insurance cover IUI?

  IUI cycles are covered by some insurance plans. Other plans may cover a portion of the IUI cycle, such as monitoring visits or medications. RMA of New York partners with insurance providers and financial institutions to offer a variety of services and resources to help you achieve your goal of building your family. We have a dedicated finance team to ensure you have a clear understanding of the various expenses and fees that impact the total cost of your fertility treatment.