Intrauterine Insemination, or IUI

Many factors can interfere with an individual or couple’s ability to conceive a child. Mark Rispler MD and Joshua J. Berger MD, PhD identify common causes of infertility and recommends the appropriate steps, including intrauterine insemination, or IUI. When you seek treatment from our Manhattan Beach fertility specialist, he will perform a complete evaluation to determine the right plan that will help you have a healthy baby.

When to consider IUI

Often, intrauterine insemination represents a reasonable first approach, especially when unexplained infertility appears to be contributing to the problem. When the doctor cannot find a definitive issue with either partner, he often begins by combining fertility medications with IUI. Additionally, our Manhattan Beach fertility specialist may recommend treatment via IUI for:

• Minor male factor infertility
• Endometriosis-related issues
• Semen allergies
• Lesbian couples
• Single women

Intrauterine insemination circumvents problem areas

If the quality of the cervical mucus, a low sperm count or slow-swimming sperm are hindering the chances of conception, our Manhattan Beach fertility specialist may select intrauterine insemination as the treatment of choice.

Bypassing the cervix, IUI involves depositing the sperm directly into the uterus, allowing it to more easily move into the Fallopian tubes. Conception rates for an IUI are dependent on female age as well as cervical, tubal and sperm health.

What to expect from the IUI procedure

Upon completing diagnostic testing, the doctor usually begins the IUI process by prescribing fertility medications and monitoring your cycle to watch for signs of ovulation. Your partner or donor will need to provide a semen sample, which we will then wash and prepare to achieve the healthiest sample for the procedure.

During the actual appointment with our Manhattan Beach fertility specialist, you can expect an experience similar to a pelvic exam. The doctor will inject the sperm into the uterus using a thin catheter. Immediately following the procedure, patients will spend 15 – 20 minutes lying down before leaving. Most women resume their normal activities soon after their appointment.

At our fertility center, our team employs established treatments for infertility, including the use of IUI. We partner with our patients to determine the best strategy for each situation. If you want to learn more about intrauterine insemination, contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment with our Manhattan Beach fertility specialist.