- Chattanooga: 423.899.0500
- Knoxville: 865.692.3433
Prior to insemination, the sperm is prepared in our lab to increase concentration and activity. Sperm preparation takes an average of about a hour and a half, but the procedure itself takes only minutes. Couples are welcome to leave while the specimen is being prepared and return closer to the procedure time. IUI treatment is relatively painless, although some women may experience mild cramping.
During the woman’s ovulation period, the fertility doctor will take the prepared sperm cells and transfer them directly to the uterus through a hollow catheter. After it is transferred to the uterus, the events of fertilization proceed in a natural way, with the sperm still needing to find and fertilize the egg(s) that have been produced.
In treatment cycles involving IUI, the ovaries have often been stimulated with medications so that more than one egg is released at ovulation. This allows for multiple chances of successful fertilization.
Intrauterine insemination is most often used when the sperm count or activity is lower than normal, or when the cause of conception difficulties is undetermined. IUI treatment is commonly used as a first course of treatment, but if multiple attempts are unsuccessful, a couple may meet with their doctor to discuss moving to IVF.
IUI places sperm directly into the uterus, while IVF fertilizes eggs in a lab before transferring the embryo.
| IUI | IVF | |
|---|---|---|
| Where fertilization happens | Inside the body (uterus) |
Outside the body (lab), then transferred |
| Typical procedure time |
A few minutes after ~90 minutes of sperm prep |
Multi-step cycle over several weeks |
| Common candidates | Lower sperm count/activity, unexplained infertility | Severe male-factor infertility, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, and unexplained infertility |
| Where it fits in treatment | Often tried first | Often, the next step, if IUI is unsuccessful. Or, recommended first for more complex cases |
| Invasiveness | Minimal; some mild cramping possible | Involves egg retrieval (a minor surgical procedure) and embryo transfer |
| Main risks | Infection, minor vaginal bleeding | Multiple gestation, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, premature birth |
| Cost | Contact the office for current pricing | ~$15,000/cycle average nationally; $24,300 flat under Fertility Center’s Refund Program (up to 3 cycles) |
Since it is a fairly simple procedure, there are very few risks associated with intrauterine insemination. Two potential risks to be aware of are the possibility of infection and the potential for minor vaginal bleeding as a result of the procedure.
Neither of these should have any impact on the success of a potential pregnancy, but it is always important to be aware of the potential risks associated with any new procedure!
Use this quick checklist to see how closely your situation lines up with typical IUI candidates.
IUI is most often considered when:
If multiple IUI cycles haven’t led to pregnancy, the next step is typically a conversation with your doctor about moving to IVF.
Fertility Center offers IUI services for patients from Nashville, Atlanta, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and beyond. Our two offices are both in Chattanooga and Knoxville. Fill out the form below to contact us for more information on IUI treatment today!
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also called artificial insemination, places prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to improve the chances of pregnancy.
IUI places sperm in the uterus and lets fertilization happen naturally inside the body. IVF fertilizes eggs with sperm in a lab, then transfers the resulting embryo into the uterus. IUI is generally less involved and is often tried before IVF.
IUI is relatively painless, though some women experience mild cramping during or after the procedure.
The main risks are infection and minor vaginal bleeding from the procedure. Neither typically affects the chances of a successful pregnancy.
This is decided between the patient and their doctor based on individual response to treatment; if repeated IUI cycles are unsuccessful, IVF is typically the next step.
At both Chattanooga and Knoxville locations, we serve patients from Nashville, Atlanta, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and beyond.