Are you curious about whether intrauterine insemination (IUI) will help you get pregnant? Attain Fertility has the latest info on IUI success rates. We offer some quick facts to help you decide if IUI is right for you.
IUI success rates are high
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 multiple IUI cycles until pregnancy occurs.
If you try IUI one time (one cycle) you face lower, but still decent chances of success, at 10 to 20 percent. This rate is similar to, or slightly lower than, pregnancy rates of fertile couples that become pregnant on their own.
Read more about IUI here at Attain Fertility, especially if you are wondering if IUI is right for you.
Age affects IUI success rates
As with most fertility procedures, IUI statistics are highest for younger women. Here are IUI pregnancy success rates by age for one cycle of IUI:
- Women under 35: 10 to 20 %
- Between 35 and 40: 10 %
- 40 and above: 5 %
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.
Fertility drugs improve IUI success
Fertility drugs and close monitoring of you ovulation cycles 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 3 to 6 cycles, and you have not gotten pregnant, discuss other options with your fertility specialist.
Learn more about fertility drugs and injectable medications for IUI.
Healthy sperm boost IUI statistics
One of the secrets to IUI success is the washing and preparation of 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 increases IUI success rates.
Should you choose IUI or IVF?
Intrauterine insemination is a relatively affordable fertility treatment, and many couples choose to try IUI before in vitro fertilization (IVF). IUI may be cheaper and easier than IVF, but IUI success rates are not as high as IVF success rates per cycle.
When you weigh the benefits of IUI, including lower cost, lower time involvement, and lower stress, you can see why many couples opt to try IUI first. Remember 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.
Get more information about IUI including what to expect during the IUI procedure.
Ask a doctor in your area about IUISources: 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”
