Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that can increase a couple’s chances of conception. It involves placing specially prepared sperm directly into the woman’s uterus during ovulation. This bypasses the cervix and increases the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes, where fertilization can occur. IUI is a less invasive and less expensive option compared to other fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). It’s often considered a first-line treatment for couples experiencing infertility.
On the day of the procedure, coinciding with the woman’s ovulation, a sperm sample is collected.
This sample is then washed and analyzed to select the most motile (active and healthy) sperm. Using only highly motile sperm increases the chance of conception.
IUI treatment can benefit various individuals and couples facing reproductive challenges, including:
However, IUI is not suitable for women with tubal blockage, severe tubal damage, ovarian failure, or severe endometriosis. It is also not recommended for women aged 41 and above. Additionally, it’s not suitable for men with severe male factor infertility, where no viable sperm is found in the male partner’s semen. In such cases, other fertility treatments are considered.
Before proceeding with IUI, a thorough evaluation by a fertility specialist is essential. Our team at Vejthani Hospital will work closely with you to determine if IUI is the right course of treatment and create a personalized plan to maximize your chances of a successful pregnancy.
Before undergoing the IUI procedure, both partners receive specific instructions to maximize their chances of success.
The IUI procedure bypasses the cervix and deposits the sperm directly into the uterus. This allows most of the viable sperm to easily reach the fallopian tubes and not be slowed or stopped in the lower areas of the reproductive tract.
To further increase the chances of successful conception, the process uses over 1 million highly motile sperm during each insemination. Studies have shown that using fewer than 1 million sperm during each insemination significantly reduces the chances of a successful procedure.
The effectiveness of IUI treatment depends on several factors, such as the cause of infertility and your age. While individual results may vary, most patients wait around two weeks after the procedure to take a home pregnancy test and see if IUI was successful.
IUI treatment in Thailand is a cost-effective option, particularly at the VFC Center at Vejthani Hospital, where it costs under 30,000 THB for uninsured patients. Doctors often recommend IUI as a first-line treatment due to its affordability and high success rates for suitable candidates.