What is IUI?
IUI has been used to treat infertility for many years and is most often employed where there is mild male factor infertility, antigen/antibody reactions in the cervical mucus, or a male donor. The partner’s semen sample is collected preferably by masturbation, processed in the laboratory to remove the debris, dead sperms, round cells, seminal plasma etc. and only the highly motile concentrated bolus of sperms is inserted in the uterus at the time of ovulation. Success rates with IUI are dependent upon many factors including the age of the female, the quality and quantity of the sperm and the causes(s) of infertility. Follicle stimulating hormone or Clomid are often used in stimulated IUI. Usually, IUI is less expensive than IVF if pregnancy occurs during the first three cycles. However, per cycle success rates using IUI are much lower than IVF. This means more cycles will likely be required thus increasing overall cost.
