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IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) 101
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More and more couples are realizing it’s not as easy to get pregnant as they’ve thought, and have long considered seeking professional help from fertility doctors. However, there’s a lot to digest and terms are hard to understand. What exactly are Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF)? Let's find out the treatment best suited for you with NUWA, and allow us to explain the differences between IUI and IVF!
IUI v.s IVF
What’s the difference between IUI and IVF? Treatments in artificial reproduction vary from person to person, and will also influence pregnancy success rates. To clear things up a bit, let’s dive into the more prominent differences between the two.
| IUI | IVF | |
|---|---|---|
| AKA | Also known as Intrauterine Insemination, or IUI | In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF |
| Procedure | With the laboratory's assistance, the husband's semen is washed to select sperm with good motility and normal morphology, which are then concentrated in 0.5 ml of culture medium. After washing, the selected sperm is directly injected into the uterine cavity during the wife's ovulation period through a catheter, allowing the sperm to naturally fertilize the egg, achieving the goal of conception. | Embryologists will guide the performance of in vitro fertilization and cultured embryos. The embryos are cultured in the lab for 3 to 5 days until they develop, after which they are transferred back into the mother's uterine cavity, preparing for implantation and pregnancy. |
| Pregnancy Success Rates | Percentage lower than that of IVF | Higher in percentage |
| Gov’t Subsidies | None | Yes |
Who’s Suitable for IUI?
Generally speaking, if you meet the following criteria, it is recommended that you seek professional advice.
✅ Infertility
✅ Sexual dysfunction
✅ Autoimmune diseases
✅ Low sperm count or motility
✅ Abnormal cervical mucus
✅ Mild ovulatory dysfunction, or endometriosis
Extended Reading: How do you define “infertility?” What are some basic tests for it?
8-Step Process
There are 8 steps for IUI treatment at NUWA Fertility:
Step 1: Before IUI treatment
Make an appointment with NUWA Fertility Center for a consultation with the doctor about the best treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Day 2 - 4 of menstrual cycle
Begin treatment with a blood test and an ultrasound check, with the doctor’s instructions on taking medications and injections.
Step 3: Day 5 - 7 of the menstrual cycle
Start inducing ovulation, must continue to follow the doctor’s instructions on taking medications and injections.
Step 4: Day 8 - 11 of the menstrual cycle
Return to NUWA for an ultrasound, and observe the maturity of the follicles.
Step 5: Day 11 - 12 of menstrual cycle
Inject ovulation trigger shot 34-36 hours before insemination.
Step 6: Day 11 - 14 of the menstrual cycle
Retrieve sperm the day of, and implant the washed sperm into the uterus cavity.
Step 7: Day 14 - 28 of the menstrual cycle
Take progesterone as recommended by the doctor.
Step 8: Day 28 - 30 of the menstrual cycle
Return to the clinic for a pregnancy test after a regular 28-30 day cycle!
Pregnancy Success Rate of IUI
The pregnancy success rate of IUI is about 15-20%, and factors affecting the success rate can also be due to the sperm’s motility, quantity, and morphology, as well as the egg’s quantity, quality, and implantation environment. The likelihood of success decreases with fewer eggs or reduced sperm motility. In comparison, the success rate of IVF is significantly higher, due to manual insemination, and the careful observation of the embryo’s growth in a controlled lab environment.
Most importantly, whether or not you decide on IUI or IVF, it is best to discuss the best options with your doctor before proceeding with the treatment, to reduce the disparity in understanding between the spouses regarding the treatment.
IUI Procedures Requirements:
Before making a decision, are there restrictions for IUI? What are some things to be paid attention to? Before undergoing treatment for IUI, please go through the below criteria:
Meeting these criteria
To undergo IUI, patients need to be a heterosexual couple, and must meet the below criteria:
- Legally married couples
- Viable uterus to successfully give birth
- At least one spouse has healthy and normal sperm and eggs
- Either spouse is diagnosed with infertility or has a hereditary disease
- Deemed suitable for IUI by a medical institution
Choose a government-accredited organization
Since the source of gametes for artificial insemination and the method of pregnancy and childbirth are no different from natural reproduction, they are not regulated by the Artificial Reproduction Act. However, it should be noted that there are still penalties for those who violate regulations regarding the selection of embryo gender. Therefore, please be sure to choose obstetrics and gynecology clinics licensed by the competent government authority.
👉 National Health Department Artificial Reproduction Institution Licensed List
Getting Help: Costs & Subsidies
The cost of intrauterine insemination (IUI) starts from NT$15,000, but the actual cost of it varies from each person’s medication and physical condition without government subsidy. On the other hand, the cost of IVF treatments is roughly between NT$150,000 to NT$180,000, not including medication.
The majority of couples undergoing IUI or IVF have endured a challenging journey of trying to conceive naturally without success before seeking professional help. As a result, their expectations for a successful pregnancy are quite high. It is recommended that they thoroughly consult with their doctor regarding timing and costs, to choose the best treatment suitable for them.
Extended Reading: 2024 Infertility IVF Subsidy Program Qualifications, Requirements, and Process All-In-One!
Q＆A
Q1: Do I need to lie down after IUI treatment? For how long?
As described in the process, semen retrieval will be scheduled on the day of the procedure. After the lab washes the semen to select sperm with good motility and normal morphology, the selected sperm will be implanted into the wife's uterus. Following implantation, there is no need for prolonged rest; after resting for 5 to 10 minutes, you can return home. Once home, maintain a normal lifestyle with a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and a positive mindset, and follow the doctor's instructions for medication.
Q2: After IUI, is it normal to have discharge?
After undergoing IUI, it is normal to experience a normal amount of discharge! Discharge is usually odorless and colorless, but you can consult your doctor if you have any questions.
Q3: When should I take a pregnancy test after IUI?
After a regular cycle of 28-30 days, you will be asked to return to the clinic for a pregnancy test. A more accurate time and date will be adjusted according to everyone’s physical state and it is recommended to follow your doctor’s instructions and recommendations.
Choose NUWA for your Fertility Plan!
Are you unsure of choosing the right medical institution for infertility treatments? We invite you to choose NUWA Fertility Center! Below are five things we do to help prospective parents leave this important task to us!
Chain of Reproductive Organizations
NUWA Healthcare has 3 high-quality IVF centers and 2 TCM centers in Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung, with a total of one hundred healthcare professionals providing comprehensive fertility treatments.
Expert Infertility Team
A crew of doctors with more than 10,000 successful in vitro fertilization procedures, including 15 reproductive medicine physicians, 5 Chinese medicine physicians, and 21 embryologists, stands as invaluable teammates for a successful pregnancy.
International-Grade Embryology Laboratory
We boast an international embryology lab, with an expert team of embryologists. Our well-rounded technology, team, and dedication are dedicated to enhancing pregnancy success rates!
Professional and Heartfelt Service
We prioritize each person's experience in the clinic and provide expecting parents with a sincere and trusting consultation, as well as a comfortable and private clinic environment.
Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine
NUWA Healthcare includes the NUWA Fertility Center and the NUWA TCM Center, where traditional Chinese and Western physicians work together to help you achieve your fertility goals.
For more information on IUI, please make an appointment online and consult with our doctors!
Author's Information
NUWA Fertility Center
With many infertility experts and more than 10,000 doctors with successful IVF experience, the company has 5 clinics, including 3 high-specification IVF reproduction centers, 3 international embryo laboratories, and 2 TCM centers, which are located in Taipei, Taoyuan, and Taichung.
Main Services: Infertility treatment, IVF, artificial insemination, egg freezing, egg borrowing, and pregnancy preparation. In 2021, NUWA Healthcare will formally cooperate with Dianthus Medical Group to provide one-stop integrated services for preparation, pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care, which will bring the greatest convenience for our patients. 👉Learn more about NUWA Healthcare