Start your fertility journey today. Schedule an appointment.
(512) 479-7979 (214) 414-3806 (713) 730-2229 (956) 800-4177 (210) 337-8453 
Appointments 
Appointments Appointments Appointments Appointments Appointments 
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is a medical procedure that is used to treat some cases of infertility. During IUI, specially washed and concentrated semen is placed directly into the uterus around the time a woman is ovulating. It can significantly increase the chances of conception.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is a medical procedure that is used to treat some cases of infertility. During IUI, specially washed and concentrated semen is placed directly into the uterus around the time a woman is ovulating. It can significantly increase the chances of conception.
IUI can be used as a fertility treatment on its own, or in combination with other treatments. It is most commonly combined with ovulation induction, in which medication is used to induce ovulation, or superovulation, which stimulates the release of multiple eggs in one month.
On its own, IUI can be an effective treatment for many kinds of male factor fertility problems. When combined with ovulation induction or superovulation, IUI can treat many causes of infertility including:
IUI can be used as a fertility treatment on its own, or in combination with other treatments. It is most commonly combined with ovulation induction, in which medication is used to induce ovulation, or superovulation, which stimulates the release of multiple eggs in one month.
On its own, IUI can be an effective treatment for many kinds of male factor fertility problems. When combined with ovulation induction or superovulation, IUI can treat many causes of infertility including:
There are many factors that can impact the success rate, including the age of the female partner, the male sperm count, and the number of mature follicles. It is essential that you have at least one fallopian tube that is open so that the egg is able to meet the sperm. Your provider may order additional testing to confirm that the fallopian tubes are open before having an IUI.
It is important to speak with your Aspire physician about whether IUI is an option for you and their expected success rate. Based on the results of your cycle, or if the IUI treatment is not successful within a few cycles, your physician may suggest moving on to a different type of treatment.
There are minimal risks related to having an IUI procedure. There is a slight risk of the woman developing an infection in the uterus or fallopian tubes from the catheter or sperm sample. However, this is very rare. Your Aspire physician and fertility nurse will explain more about what to expect after the IUI and what symptoms to watch out for.
IUI costs are significantly less than that of IVF, but may vary depending on the individual case. In many cases, IUI may be covered by your health insurance benefits. If you do have access to fertility treatment, you can receive care with Aspire because we accept all health insurance providers. Our financial associates can help you explore your insurance coverage.
An IUI is a very simple procedure and takes only a few minutes. Once the provider has determined that the female partner who will be inseminated is close to ovulation, she may be instructed to take a final trigger injection. This causes the eggs to mature and controls when ovulation will occur.
The male partner will come in at his appointment time and produce a sperm sample. Alternatively, a frozen sample or donor sperm sample can be used. The sperm will be washed, sorted and prepared for the insemination.
The female partner will also come in at her appointment time and be escorted to the examination room. She will be asked to undress from the waist down and place a drape over her lap. Together, the patient and provider will verify that the sperm sample is the correct one using several different identifiers. This offers you peace of mind, knowing that the correct sample is linked to you and used throughout your treatment.
During the actual insemination, the provider will insert a speculum into the vagina to visualize the cervix. The cervical canal will be cleaned off and a small catheter will be inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. You may feel a slight cramp when this happens; many women don't feel anything at all. The provider will then inject the sperm through the catheter. The catheter and speculum will be removed and you will be allowed to rest for several minutes. You can go back to work right after your appointment.
Your fertility nurse and physician will review further instructions with you before you leave the office.
Whether you're in Austin, Dallas, Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, or anywhere else in Texas, our team can help you achieve your fertility goals. Let's get the conversation started on the best fertility treatments for you. Contact Aspire with any questions. We invite you to learn more about our fertility clinics, get five-star patient support or request an appointment to get started.
We’re inspiring hope and building beautiful families. Contact Aspire Fertility today!
