If you’re struggling with infertility or considering assisted reproductive technology, you may have heard of IUI (Intrauterine Insemination). It’s a popular, relatively simple fertility treatment that can help couples with various fertility issues conceive. But what exactly does IUI entail, and how does it compare to other fertility treatments like IVF?
In this article, we’ll explain the IUI procedure step by step, explaining how it works, who it’s suitable for, and what to expect in terms of success rates, cost, and timing.
What Is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman’s uterus during her ovulation window when she is most fertile. The goal is to improve the chances of the sperm reaching the egg for fertilization, bypassing some of the challenges that can prevent pregnancy, such as low sperm count or cervical mucus issues.
The procedure is less invasive and less expensive than IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), making it a preferred option for many couples who are trying to conceive but don’t want to go through the more complex IVF process.
How Does IUI Work?
IUI works by increasing the chances of sperm reaching the egg and optimizing the conditions for fertilization. Here’s how the procedure typically unfolds:
- Ovulation Monitoring: Before IUI, doctors monitor the woman’s ovulation cycle using blood tests and ultrasound to determine the optimal time for insemination.
- Sperm Preparation: On the day of the procedure, sperm is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor. The sperm is then processed and “washed” in a lab to remove impurities and concentrate the healthiest sperm.
- Insemination: Once the timing is right, the prepared sperm is injected directly into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter. The procedure is typically painless and takes only a few minutes.
- Post-Insemination: After the procedure, you’ll typically rest for a short time before being sent home. Doctors may recommend a pregnancy test about 14 days later to determine if the procedure was successful.
Types of IUI Procedures
There are a few variations of IUI, depending on the cause of infertility and the treatment protocols:
1. Natural Cycle IUI
Natural cycle IUI doesn’t involve any fertility medications. It’s ideal for women who have regular ovulation but may struggle with sperm motility or cervical mucus issues. Ovulation is monitored naturally through ultrasounds and blood tests, and IUI is performed when ovulation occurs.
- Best for: Couples with no significant fertility issues but need help with sperm delivery.
- Benefits: Fewer medications and a natural approach to conceiving.
- Success Rates: Lower than medicated IUI, but still a viable option for many couples.
2. Medicated IUI
Medicated IUI involves the use of fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce one or more eggs. This is typically done for women who have irregular ovulation or other conditions such as PCOS. Medications like Clomid or gonadotropins are prescribed to promote egg development.
- Best for: Women with irregular cycles, ovulation problems, or unexplained infertility.
- Benefits: Increases the number of eggs available for fertilization, improving chances of success.
- Success Rates: Higher than natural cycle IUI due to increased egg production.
3. Donor Sperm IUI
For women or couples where the male partner has severe sperm issues, donor sperm can be used. The donor sperm is processed and inserted into the woman’s uterus using the same technique as traditional IUI.
- Best for: Same-sex couples, single women, or couples with male infertility issues.
- Benefits: Overcomes male infertility factors, allowing conception with donor sperm.
- Success Rates: Similar to IUI with male partner sperm, though dependent on the quality of the donor sperm.
Success Rates of IUI
The success rates of IUI can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the woman’s age, health, and fertility history. Here’s a rough breakdown of IUI success rates:
Average Success Rate by Age:
- Under 35: Around 15-20% per cycle.
- 35-40: Around 10-15% per cycle.
- Over 40: Success rates drop to around 5-10% per cycle.
Factors Affecting Success:
- Sperm Quality: The better the sperm, the higher the chance of success.
- Timing: IUI success is highly dependent on the timing of ovulation.
- Health Conditions: Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility can influence success rates.
- Previous Fertility History: Couples who have not conceived previously may have different success rates compared to those who have had children in the past.
Cost of IUI in Singapore
IUI is often seen as a more affordable option compared to IVF. The cost of IUI in Singapore typically includes consultation fees, ovulation tracking, sperm preparation, and the insemination procedure itself.
Average IUI Costs:
- Natural Cycle IUI: SGD 800 – 1,500 per cycle.
- Medicated IUI: SGD 1,500 – 3,000 per cycle (including medication costs).
- Donor Sperm IUI: Can be more expensive due to the cost of purchasing sperm, often around SGD 2,000 – 3,500.
Insurance Coverage:
Some private health insurance plans may cover part of the cost of IUI treatments, but IVF is generally covered under more comprehensive policies.
IUI is often the first step for couples with infertility issues. It’s a less invasive and more affordable option compared to IVF. However, success varies from person to person. It’s important to understand your fertility profile and set realistic expectations before starting the treatment.
Final Thoughts
IUI is a widely used and effective fertility treatment that can help many couples conceive, especially when male infertility, ovulation issues, or cervical factors are present. While the procedure is relatively simple, its success depends on several factors, including the health of the woman’s eggs, sperm quality, and timing.
For couples considering IUI in Singapore, it’s important to understand your fertility profile and work closely with your doctor to determine the best approach. Whether you’re opting for natural cycle IUI, medicated IUI, or donor sperm, the decision should be based on your unique situation and fertility needs.
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Sources:
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
