Discover the Latest IUI Success Rates
Are you curious about whether intrauterine insemination (IUI) will help you get pregnant? Attain Fertility has the latest info on IUI success rates.
IUI success rates by number of cycles
- 86% chance of pregnancy with multiple IUI cycles
- 10 to 20% chance of pregnancy with one IUI cycle
- Under 35: 10 to 20 % chance of IUI pregnancy success
- Between 35 and 40: 10 % chance of IUI pregnancy success
- Women 40 and above: 5 % chance of IUI pregnancy success
Breaking down IUI success rates
Most couples that try IUI have an 86 percent chance of getting pregnant with IUI over time. But, you must understand that this success rate is for multiple cycles. To achieve this success rate you must be willing to try IUI multiple times.
If you try IUI one time (one cycle) you face lower, but still decent chances of success. One IUI cycle has a success rate at about 10 to 20 percent. This rate is similar to, or slightly lower than, pregnancy rates of fertile couples that become pregnant on their own.
Learn more about IUI
Age affects IUI success rates
As with most fertility procedures, IUI statistics are highest for younger women. Age affects fertility, and age affects IUI success rates.
No matter what age you are, there may be ways to increase your chances of pregnancy with IUI. Some doctors believe that performing two inseminations during one cycle can increase chances of IUI success. Others find that this does not drastically affect pregnancy rates.
Ask your doctor for more information about the number of inseminations and the number of IUI cycles that are right for you.
Fertility drugs improve IUI success
Fertility drugs may help you conceive with IUI. When it comes to fertility drugs, your doctor may prescribe clomiphene citrate (Clomid) before IUI to help stimulate ovulation.
If Clomid doesn’t help you get pregnant, your doctor may recommend injectable medications to stimulate ovulation and boost egg maturity. If you have tried IUI with Clomid or injectables for three to six cycles, and you have not gotten pregnant, discuss other options with your fertility specialist.
Healthy sperm boost IUI statistics
One of the secrets to IUI success is the specialized process of washing and preparing the sperm before insemination.
Here is how the IUI sperm washing process works:
- The weaker sperm are separated from the stronger and healthier sperm.
- The strong, healthy sperm are concentrated into a high volume in the insemination sample.
- Toxins are removed from the semen and sperm. These toxins may cause an allergic reaction in some women that can hinder pregnancy.
Sperm washing is beneficial for infertile couples as the procedure helps to increase IUI success rates.
Choosing between IUI and IVF
Intrauterine insemination is a relatively affordable fertility treatment, and many couples choose to try IUI before moving forward with the more intensive and expensive in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. When you weigh the benefits of IUI, including the lower cost, lower time commitment, and lower stress, you can see why many couples opt to try IUI first. Remember though, that your age may affect IUI statistics. If you are over 35, you may want to talk to your doctor to see if IVF is a better first option for you.
Ask a doctor in your area about IUI
Sources- American Fertility Association Gay Man, Gay Dad: Gay Men Can Become Fathers
- American Pregnancy Association Intrauterine Insemination: IUI
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Age and Fertility: A Guide for Patients, Report on varicocele and infertility Medications for Inducing Ovulation: A Guide for Patients
- Dr. Scott Roseff (From International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc): Overview of Fertility Medications
- International Council on Infertility Information Dissemination, Inc General Infertility FAQ
- RESOLVE: Medical Aspects of Donor Insemination.