A couple or a person ability to become pregnant depends on various things. Intrauterine insemination is used most often in people who have:
Donor sperm: This is sperm donated by someone who may be known or unknown to you. It is an option if you are single, your partner does not have sperm or the quality of the sperm is too low to conceive with. For people who need to use donor sperm to get pregnant, intrauterine insemination is most commonly used to achieve pregnancy. Donor sperm is obtained from certified labs and thawed before the IUI procedure.
Unexplained infertility: Often, IUI is done as a first treatment for unexplained infertility. Medicines that help the ovaries produce eggs are commonly used along with it.
Infertility related to endometriosis: Fertility problems can happen when tissue that is like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This is called endometriosis. Often, the first treatment approach for this cause of infertility is to use medicines to obtain a good-quality egg along with doing IUI.
Mild male factor infertility: Another name for this is subfertility. Some couples have trouble getting pregnant because of semen, the fluid that contains sperm. A test called semen analysis checks for problems with the amount, size, shape or movement of sperm. Semen analysis checks for these issues. IUI can overcome some of these issues. That is because preparing sperm for the procedure helps separate higher quality sperm from those of lower quality.
Cervical factor infertility: Problems with the cervix can cause infertility. The cervix is the narrow, lower end of the uterus. It provides the opening between the vagina and uterus. The cervix makes mucus around the time the ovary releases an egg, also called ovulation. The mucus helps sperm travel from the vagina to either fallopian tube, where the egg awaits. But if cervical mucus is too thick, it may impede the sperms journey. The cervix itself also may prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Scarring, such as that caused by a biopsy or other procedures, can cause the cervix to thicken. IUI bypasses the cervix to make pregnancy more likely. It places sperm directly into the uterus and increases the number of sperm available to meet the egg.
Ovulatory factor infertility: IUI also may be done for people who have infertility caused by problems with ovulation. These issues include a lack of ovulation or a reduced number of eggs.
Semen allergy: Rarely, an allergy to proteins in semen can cause a reaction. When the penis releases semen into the vagina, it causes a burning feeling and swelling where the semen touches the skin. A condom can protect you from the symptoms, but it also prevents pregnancy. IUI can allow for pregnancy and prevent the painful symptoms of the allergy. That is because many of the proteins in semen are removed before the sperm is inserted.
