You may assume that artificial insemination is simply a matter of placing male sperm into a female vagina in order for conception to take place without the intervention of sex. In its very simplest form, this could be the case. In terms of assisted reproduction, it is a little more complicated than that \u2013 although not very much so.<\/p>\n
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)<\/a> to give it its proper name, is one of the least invasive and simplest forms of assisted reproduction. It most obviously springs to mind in the case of single women and same sex couples wanting to start a family with the assistance of donor sperm. This is certainly one of its major applications but it has other benefits too. In this IVI blog article, we take a look at how IUI works<\/a>, artificial insemination success<\/strong> rates <\/strong>and its potential benefits for different people.<\/p>\n IUI basically consists of depositing a semen sample, which has been prepared in the laboratory in advance, inside a woman\u2019s uterus, either following a spontaneous ovulation or after inducing the ovulation following an ovarian stimulation treatment. With IUI the spermatozoon and the egg are put in the closest possible proximity in order to increase the chances of fertilisation and conception taking place that cycle. Here\u2019s the detail on how it works. Our video on artificial insemination<\/a> also explains the process.<\/p>\n According to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), artificial insemination success rates<\/strong> per individual cycle vary between 15.8% for women under 35, 11% for women aged 35 to 39 and 4.7% for women aged 40 to 42. Overall, over half of women having IUI become pregnant over the first six cycles.<\/p>\n However, the NHS warns that treatment is only available under certain circumstances; it may not be available to same-sex couples unless previous private treatment has identified a fertility problem, and waiting times in various areas of the UK can be quite extensive.<\/p>\n Here at IVI, our success rates vary according to the age of the woman and other factors including the reason for the infertility, whether a partner\u2019s or donor sperm is used and whether ovarian stimulation is used. Overall, if a couple has the full IUI procedure each month, our artificial insemination success rates <\/strong>can be up to 20% per cycle. Naturally, a great deal depends on a woman\u2019s or a couple\u2019s individual circumstances and it is always wise to discuss this with a fertility specialist before deciding on this course of treatment.<\/p>\n Whether you go through the NHS or a private clinic, you will be given tests to determine whether you are likely to benefit from IUI.<\/p>\n Assuming this is the case, who can benefit?<\/p>\n The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority<\/a> has some useful detailed information on finding a clinic for IUI treatment and weighing up the options for choosing a clinic in the UK or abroad. It also gives a good outline of the different legal regimes around sperm donation and the subsequent parental rights and responsibilities.<\/p>\n IUI remains one of the simplest and easiest forms of assisted reproduction for a whole range of people. You may be one of them; why not come and find out? You can get in touch through our online contact form<\/a>, or you could pay a visit to a Patient Open Evening<\/a> in our London clinic where you can get an expert answer to your questions in an easy-going and comfortable environment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You may assume that artificial insemination is simply a matter of placing male sperm into a female vagina in order for conception to take place without the intervention of sex. In its very simplest form, this could be the case. In terms of assisted reproduction, it is a little more complicated than that \u2013 although not very much so.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50527,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[17],"tags":[279,285,278],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is IUI and how does it work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Artificial insemination success rates: what are the chances?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why do IUI: who can benefit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Finding out more about IUI<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Come and talk to us at IVI<\/strong><\/h2>\n