Health Conditions

Formerly known as artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination (IUI) has been used for many years as a treatment approach for infertile couples. It may be successful when infertility is caused by certain male factors (such as spermatogenic disorders or sexual dysfunction), by female cervical factors, or by both. In IUI, concentrated sperm (from the male partner or a sperm donor) is introduced directly into the woman?s uterus through a tube that is inserted through her vagina.

Performed in a medical facility, the procedure is scheduled to be done during ovulation. Usually, a woman undergoing IUI will take fertility drugs before the procedure to induce ovulation, which means assuring that she produces mature eggs that can be fertilized. IUI results in successful conception in up to 40% of couples when the male partner's sperm is used. When donor sperm is used, success rates are generally higher ? averaging between 40% and 70%. If successful conception has not occurred after 6 months of appropriately-performed IUI, other treatment options should be explored.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.