Sperm selection for intrauterine injection (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination, commonly known as IUI, is a fertility treatment that involves preparing and selecting healthy sperm before placing them directly into the uterus during the woman’s ovulation period. This helps increase the number of active sperm that can reach the fallopian tube, improving the chance of fertilization compared with natural conception alone.

 

At Smile IVF Clinic, IUI is performed under the care of fertility specialists and experienced laboratory professionals. The treatment is suitable for selected couples who wish to improve their chances of pregnancy through a method that is close to the natural conception process, while being simple, convenient, and less complex than advanced assisted reproductive technologies.

 

What Is IUI?

 

IUI is a procedure in which sperm are collected, processed, and selected in the laboratory to obtain sperm with good movement and quality. The prepared sperm sample is then inserted into the uterus using a small, soft catheter around the time of ovulation.

By placing the selected sperm directly into the uterus, IUI helps reduce the distance sperm need to travel and increases the chance that sperm will reach the fallopian tube, where fertilization can occur.

 

Why Can IUI Improve the Chance of Pregnancy?

 

IUI may offer a higher chance of pregnancy than natural intercourse for some couples because:

• The sperm sample is prepared and selected to obtain sperm with better movement and quality.

• A higher number of active sperm can reach the uterus and fallopian tube.

• The sperm are placed directly into the uterus, reducing the distance they need to travel.

• The procedure is timed close to ovulation to increase the chance of fertilization.

• In some cases, medication may be used to stimulate the ovaries and support the growth of suitable follicles.

• Ultrasound monitoring helps assess follicle growth and endometrial thickness before the procedure.

The success of IUI depends on several factors, including the woman’s age, sperm quality, number of developing follicles, fallopian tube condition, endometrial thickness, and the underlying cause of infertility.

 

Who Is Suitable for IUI?

 

IUI may be suitable for couples or individuals with certain fertility conditions, such as:

Female Factors

• Women under 30 years old, as success rates may decrease with age

• Women with ovulation problems or chronic anovulation, including PCOS

• Women with cervical factors, such as cervical stenosis or difficulty with sperm passage

• Women with at least one normal and functioning fallopian tube

• Women with suitable endometrial thickness, generally at least 7 mm

Male Factors

• Men with an adequate number of motile sperm after preparation

• Cases where sperm quality is sufficient for IUI, including good sperm count, concentration, and forward movement

In general, IUI is considered more appropriate when the total motile sperm count is sufficient after sperm preparation.

 

Who May Not Be Suitable for IUI?

 

IUI may not be recommended in some cases, including:

• Both fallopian tubes are blocked or absent

• Severe pelvic adhesion or severe endometriosis

• Very low sperm count or poor sperm motility

• Inability to provide a sperm sample

• Repeated unsuccessful IUI attempts, especially after 4–6 cycles

• Cases where IVF or ICSI may offer a better chance of success

If IUI is not suitable, the doctor may recommend other fertility treatment options such as IVF or ICSI, depending on the cause of infertility and the couple’s medical condition.

 

Preparation Before IUI Treatment

Before starting IUI, both partners are encouraged to prepare their health to support fertility and treatment outcomes. Preparation may include:

• Eating a balanced diet with all five food groups

• Taking appropriate vitamins or supplements as recommended by the doctor

• Getting enough rest, ideally around 8 hours of sleep per day

• Exercising regularly

• Avoiding smoking and alcohol

• Following the doctor’s instructions carefully throughout the treatment cycle

Good preparation may help the body respond better to fertility medication and improve the overall treatment plan.

 

IUI Treatment Process and Timeline

 

The IUI process usually involves the following steps:

1. Ovarian Stimulation

The doctor may prescribe oral medication, injectable medication, or a combination of both to stimulate follicle development. Medication usually begins around day 3–5 of the menstrual cycle and may continue for several days.

2. Follicle Monitoring

During the stimulation period, ultrasound and sometimes blood tests are used to monitor follicle growth and the body’s response to treatment.

3. Ovulation Trigger

When the follicles reach a suitable size, usually around 18–20 mm, the doctor may give an ovulation trigger injection. Ovulation usually occurs approximately 35–40 hours after the injection.

4. Sperm Preparation and Selection

A semen sample is collected and processed in the laboratory. The goal is to select sperm with good movement and quality for insemination.

5. Intrauterine Insemination

The prepared sperm are inserted directly into the uterus using a small catheter around the time of ovulation.

6. Luteal Support and Pregnancy Test

After the procedure, medication may be prescribed to support the uterine lining. A pregnancy test is usually scheduled around two weeks after IUI.

 

Success Rate of IUI

 

The chance of pregnancy from IUI varies depending on individual factors. In general, IUI success rates may average around 15–20% per treatment cycle, depending on age, sperm quality, number of follicles, ovulation timing, endometrial condition, and the cause of infertility.

Most pregnancies from IUI are single pregnancies, although there may be a chance of twin pregnancy, especially when ovarian stimulation is used.

At Smile IVF Clinic, the doctor will evaluate each couple’s condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help maximize the chance of success.

 

Key Factors for an Effective IUI Cycle

 

An effective IUI cycle generally depends on several important factors, including:

• ๐ Suitable follicle size, usually around 16–18 mm or larger

• ๐ Mature follicles located on the same side as a functioning fallopian tube

• ๐ Endometrial thickness of at least 7 mm

• ๐ Adequate sperm quality after preparation

• ๐ Proper timing of insemination close to ovulation

Careful monitoring and accurate timing are important parts of IUI treatment.

 

Advantages of IUI

 

IUI is often considered a first-line fertility treatment for selected couples because it has several advantages:

• ๐ The procedure is close to the natural conception process

• ๐ It is simple and relatively quick

• ๐ It is less complex than IVF or ICSI

• ๐ It usually involves lower treatment cost

• ๐ It may provide a good cumulative pregnancy rate within the first few treatment cycles

 

Limitations of IUI

 

Although IUI can be effective for selected patients, it may not be suitable for all infertility cases. The chance of success may decrease if IUI has been attempted several times without pregnancy. If IUI is unsuccessful after multiple cycles, especially after 4 cycles, the doctor may recommend reassessment and consider other treatment options such as IVF or ICSI.

IVF or ICSI may be more suitable in cases involving fertilization problems, severe sperm abnormalities, blocked fallopian tubes, advanced maternal age, or repeated failed IUI attempts.

 

IUI at Smile IVF Clinic

 

Smile IVF Clinic provides IUI treatment with careful evaluation, sperm preparation, ovulation monitoring, and personalized treatment planning by fertility specialists. Our team aims to support couples with clear explanations, attentive care, and appropriate medical guidance at every step.

With experienced doctors, trained embryology and laboratory professionals, and modern fertility care, Smile IVF Clinic is ready to help couples take a meaningful step toward pregnancy with confidence.

Smile IVF Clinic offers Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), a fertility treatment enhancing pregnancy chances by placing selected sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. The clinic provides expert care, ovulation monitoring, sperm preparation, and personalized plans, ensuring an effective, less complex alternative to IVF and ICSI.