Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment designed to increase the chances of pregnancy by placing sperm directly into a woman's uterus around the time of ovulation. The procedure involves collecting sperm, either from a partner or a donor, and then preparing it in a laboratory to concentrate the most viable sperm. The prepared sperm is then introduced into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter inserted through the cervix. IUI is often recommended for couples experiencing infertility due to various factors such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or difficulties with cervical mucus. It can also be used in cases of unexplained infertility or for single women and couples using donor sperm. The primary goal of IUI is to enhance the likelihood of sperm reaching the egg by bypassing potential barriers in the cervix and increasing the concentration of sperm in the uterus. It is typically performed during the woman's fertile window, which is monitored through ovulation tracking. While IUI is generally a minimally invasive procedure with relatively few risks, complications can occur. These may include infection or discomfort associated with the catheter insertion. In some cases, there may be a risk of multiple pregnancies if fertility medications are used in conjunction with IUI, which can increase the likelihood of preterm birth and other complications. Additionally, IUI may not always result in pregnancy, particularly if underlying infertility issues are not addressed. Despite these potential complications, IUI remains a common and effective fertility treatment option, offering a less invasive alternative to more complex procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
