The Success Rates of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Here at the Houston Fertility Center, we offer the latest options in assisted reproductive technology, allowing us to perform infertility treatment for male and female-related factors. We also pride ourselves on giving straight talk on different treatments and what they can achieve. Since we've been receiving a number of questions with regard to the effectiveness of intrauterine insemination (IUI), we'd like to go over these matters in brief right now.
How Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Works
During intrauterine insemination (IUI), sperm that has been specially cleaned and treated is placed into a woman's uterus though a catheter, bypassing the cervix and increasing the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy.
IUI is performed in order to address both male infertility and female infertility issues. IUI is also a common process used in order to impregnate a woman with sperm that has come from a donor. The current IUI process is more advanced than other artificial insemination techniques used in the past.
General Success Rates for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
For women who are 30 years old and younger, the average success rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI) is about 20% per month. This is a solid increase in terms of improving the chances of getting pregnant, and there are plenty of factors that affect these numbers, including the male or female causes of infertility that are being dealt with, timing of the IUI procedure, and so forth.
As women get older, the success rates of IUI decline. This is actually common with most fertility treatments since the optimal time for these processes to be performed tends to be in the early 30s and younger. As women age, the success rates of fertility treatments decline and the likelihood of birth defects and miscarriage go up, which is part of the natural aging process.
How Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Compares to Other Methods of Artificial Insemination
As we noted above, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a more successful and preferred form of artificial insemination when compared to treatment options of the past, such as intracervical insemination (ICI). Since the sperm is in closer proximity to viable eggs, the likelihood of pregnancy increases a great deal.
How Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Compares to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) has a lower success rate than in vitro fertilization (IVF), though this has everything to do with the exact nature of the procedure. During IVF, an egg and sperm is combined outside of the womb in a lab setting in order to guarantee successful fertilization and increase the chances of pregnancy and live birth. Given these matters, it should come as no surprise that IVF yields greater chances of success.
Weighing All of Your Options for Fertility Treatment
Deciding to undergo intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a major decision, and one that may or may not be ideal for you and your needs. During your consultation with our team, we will be more than happy to go over all fertility treatment options that could benefit you and help determine your ideal options with regard to starting the family of your dreams.
Schedule a Consultation at Houston Fertility Center
For more information about intrauterine insemination (IUI) and your many other options for assisted reproduction treatment, be sure to contact our team of fertility specialists today. At Houston Fertility Center, we will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and address your concerns, helping you make the best choices.
