Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Learn how intrauterine insemination (IUI) works, who it can help, and what to expect at each step. A less intensive first-step fertility treatment in New Jersey.
Book Your ConsultationTHE BASICS
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that places specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, giving more healthy sperm a shorter, easier path to the fallopian tubes where fertilization occurs. In many cases, fertility medicines are used to stimulate one or more eggs to grow, and your progress is carefully monitored with blood work and transvaginal ultrasonography. When ovulation is near, the sperm sample is washed, centrifuged and concentrated in our laboratory, and the prepared sperm is gently placed into the uterus using a thin, soft catheter. The insemination itself takes only a few minutes and does not require anesthesia. Because IUI is less intensive and more commonly covered by insurance plans than in vitro fertilization, it is commonly undertaken as a first-step treatment for appropriately selected patients.
IS IUI RIGHT FOR ME?
IUI is often an optimal starting point for patients who do not yet need the more aggressive approach of IVF. Your ARM physician will review your history and test results to determine whether IUI offers a strong chance of success for you. Patients who may benefit from IUI include, among others, those with more basic fertility issues such as:
- Short-term unexplained infertility
- Mild male-factor infertility (mildly reduced sperm count or motility)
- Ovulation problems that respond to fertility medications
- Cervical factor issues that make it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus
- Mild endometriosis
- A need for donor sperm, including single individuals and same-sex couples building a family
- A desire to try a less intensive, lower-cost treatment before considering IVF
IUI TREATMENT STEPS
An individualized IUI plan is created by your ARM physician after your initial evaluation is completed. Your medical history, age, and test results are taken into consideration to design a plan that will maximize your chance for success. Your Fertility Coach is available and ready to support you throughout this process.
Ovulation Induction and Monitoring: Depending on your treatment plan, oral or injectable fertility medications may be used to stimulate the ovaries to develop one or more mature eggs. You will be carefully monitored during this time with hormone blood tests and ultrasound so we can track your follicles and pinpoint the best timing for insemination.
Timing Ovulation: Once a follicle is mature, ovulation is confirmed either through blood work and ultrasound assessment, or a special "trigger" injection that matures the egg and precisely times its release. Your insemination is then scheduled for the optimal window.
Sperm Preparation: On the day of your procedure, a fresh or previously frozen sperm sample is prepared in our laboratory through a process involving sperm washing, centrifugation, and processing. This concentrates the healthiest, most active sperm and removes fluid and other components that are not needed for fertilization.
The Insemination: The prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter passed gently through the cervix. This quick, essentially painless procedure takes only a few minutes, requires no anesthesia, and is performed right in our office. All patients resume their normal activities the same day.
After Your IUI: In some cases, you may be given hormone support to help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy implantation. About two weeks after your insemination, you will have a blood test to see if your IUI cycle was successful. If the cycle is not successful, your ARM physician will review your results with you and discuss next steps, which may include additional IUI cycles or moving toward IVF.
To find out more about IUI and how it can benefit you, feel free to contact us for an initial consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve your dreams!
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. OUR TEAM IS READY TO HELP YOU!
We will assist you in every possible way to have a positive and successful experience as you proceed along your reproductive journey.
Whether you desire a second opinion, or this is your very first visit to a fertility center, you can get started by scheduling an appointment today!
You Are Not Alone. Our team is ready to help you!
We will assist you in every possible way to have a positive and successful experience as you proceed along your reproductive journey. Whether you desire a second opinion, or this is your very first visit to a fertility center, you can get started by scheduling an appointment today!
Request Your Appointment!
What our patients are saying
Dr. Qasim and his team are the best. They are very sensitive to their patients' feelings and problems. They helped me throughout the entire process and gave me so much strength when I needed it. My husband and I are currently 12 weeks pregnant, and we are the happiest. Dr. Qasim, thank you so much. May God bless you always.
Grecia C.
We can't express enough how grateful we are for the support and expertise we received from Dr. Rahul Sachdev and his team along our nurse Victoria from the very first consultation he and the team made us feel understood and cared for. They guided us through each step of the process with compassion and professionalism always taking the time to answer our questions and address my concerns.
Navi S.
5 weeks ago I delivered my IVF baby. I can't thank Dr. Sachdev enough for his knowledge and being straight forward with everything. The team was great as well. Thank you for my blessing 💕
Jennifer M.
Edison, NJ
CENTER FOR ADVANCED REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE & FERTILITY
4 Ethel Rd, Edison, NJ 08817
Princeton, NJ
CENTER FOR ADVANCED REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE & FERTILITY
114 Stanhope St, Princeton, NJ 08540
Cranford, NJ
CENTER FOR ADVANCED REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE & FERTILITY
123 N Union Ave #102, Cranford, NJ 07016