how does iui work?
iui stands for intrauterine insemination. It is also sometimes called donor insemination, alternative insemination, or artificial insemination. iui works by placing sperm directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation, which helps bring the sperm closer to the egg. this reduces the time and distance the sperm must travel, making it easier to fertilize the egg.
Before undergoing the insemination procedure, you may take fertility drugs that stimulate ovulation. the semen is collected from your partner or a donor. goes through a process called “sperm washing” that collects a concentrated amount of healthy sperm from semen.
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Then your doctor puts the sperm directly into your uterus. pregnancy occurs if the sperm fertilizes the egg and the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus.
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iui is a simple, low-tech procedure and can be less expensive than other types of fertility treatment. it increases your chances of pregnancy, but everyone’s body is different, so there’s no guarantee iui will work.
what can i expect during the iui?
Before iui, you may take fertility drugs to help your eggs mature and be ready to be fertilized. your doctor will perform the insemination procedure during ovulation (when your ovaries release an egg). sometimes you will be given hormones that trigger ovulation. They’ll find out exactly when you’re ovulating and ready for the procedure to maximize your chances of getting pregnant.
your partner or donor collects a semen sample at home or at the doctor’s office. Sperm are prepared for insemination through a process called “sperm washing” that extracts a concentrated amount of healthy sperm. Sperm washing also helps remove chemicals from semen that can cause reactions in the uterus and make it difficult to get pregnant. If you use donor sperm from a sperm bank, the sperm bank usually sends sperm to the doctor’s office that is already “washed” and ready for IUI.
During the IUI procedure, the doctor slides a thin, flexible tube through the cervix and into the uterus. they use a small syringe to insert the sperm through the tube directly into the uterus. pregnancy occurs if sperm fertilizes an egg and the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus.
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The insemination procedure is done in your doctor’s office or at a fertility clinic, and it only takes 5-10 minutes. It’s pretty quick and you don’t need anesthesia. iui is usually not painful, but some people have mild cramps.
how much does iui cost?
The cost of iui varies depending on the type of insurance coverage you have and the amount of your doctor’s fees. iui is usually less expensive than other fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization. it usually costs between $300 and $1,000 without insurance.
Some states have laws that health insurance companies must cover some or all of the costs of infertility treatment if you meet certain requirements. but many insurance plans do not offer any coverage for fertility treatment.
You can learn more about IVF insurance coverage and other fertility treatments from the National Infertility Association.
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