Trying intrauterine insemination (IUI) and wondering if there’s anything you can do to improve your chances?
If you’ve been trying for a while, you may have heard of hormone injections or “injectables” that can be used with IUI. One option that many doctors suggest, especially when basic treatments haven’t worked, is gonadotropin IUI.
If you’ve been wondering what it is, what’s involved, who it can help, and what to expect from the process, this guide will walk you through every step.
What is gonadotropin IUI?
Human chorionic gonadotropin hormones (HCG) are vital for the early stages of pregnancy. This hormone is responsible for ensuring progesterone is produced in a woman's body to sustain a pregnancy in the first trimester.
Gonadotropin IUI combines injectable fertility hormones (gonadotropins) with IUI. Gonadotropins, like follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) and luteinising hormones (LH), stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, whereas IUI places specially prepared sperm directly inside the uterus to increase the chance of fertilisation.
Who might benefit from gonadotropin IUI?
Gonadotropin IUI starts your ovulation cycle at the optimal time to conceive a baby and is often recommended for:
Individuals or couples with unexplained infertility issues
Women with inconsistent ovulation or ovulation disorders
Women with hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis
Couples with mild male factor infertility
Those for whom other treatments, such as clomiphene (Clomid) or letrozole, have not resulted in pregnancy
Couples dealing with early-stage, surgically corrected endometriosis
Your gynaecologist will order a progesterone test around seven days after your initial ovulation phase has occurred.
The progesterone test will also confirm whether or not your progesterone levels have increased after you take the gonadotropins.
If your progesterone levels remain low, you may be prescribed additional oral or vaginal progesterone supplement pills as complementary treatments.
Step-by-step process of gonadotropin IUI
Consultation and fertility evaluation
Couples undergoing gonadotropin IUI will receive medical examinations and tests to ensure their bodies are healthy enough and ready for the procedure.
Before you receive the gonadotropins, your gynaecologist will give you a transvaginal ultrasound and take hormone blood tests.
Your gynaecologist will also be measuring your ovarian follicles until they are at the right diameter.
Once your ovarian follicles are at the desired diameter, you will receive the gonadotropins. After receiving the gonadotropins, it will take your eggs 36–42 hours to be in prime condition for fertilisation.
The woman will receive:
Blood tests
An ultrasound to evaluate her egg supply
A checkup on her ovarian functions
A check on the condition and health of her reproductive organs
The man will receive a physical exam and a semen analysis that studies:
Sperm count
Concentration of sperm
Shape of sperm
Sperm movement
Ovulation induction with gonadotropins
Gonadotropin injections are started early in the cycle, usually days 2–4, and continued for around 7–14 days.
These hormones stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple follicles (eggs). Close monitoring by ultrasound and bloodwork is essential to measure follicle growth and hormone levels.
Monitoring follicle development and hormone levels
Regular scans track the number and size of follicles, as well as oestrogen levels, ensuring a safe and optimal response. Adjustments to medication may be made to avoid overstimulation.
Trigger shot (hCG) and timing ovulation
Once at least one follicle reaches maturity, an hCG ‘trigger shot’ is given to induce ovulation at the optimal moment. IUI is then scheduled 24–36 hours later.
Semen collection and sperm washing
On the day of IUI, a sperm sample is collected from the partner or donor. The sample undergoes ‘washing’ in the laboratory to concentrate healthy, motile sperm and remove other substances.
Our fertility specialists
Loading...
How do I prepare for my gonadotropin IUI procedure?
Preparation for a gonadotropin IUI procedure is fairly simple. You will need to:
Attend all monitoring appointments and follow medication instructions closely
Avoid unprotected intercourse unless advised, as there is a higher risk of multiples
Discuss any medications or supplements with your specialist
Arrive with a comfortably full bladder if instructed, as this sometimes aids the procedure
For a more detailed description of how to prepare for the gonadotropin IUI procedure, please consult with your fertility specialist. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
What can I expect during the procedure?
The IUI procedure is quick and minimally invasive:
You’ll lie on an exam table as a thin catheter is passed through the cervix
The washed sperm is placed directly into the uterine cavity
You may rest for a few minutes, but the process is usually painless and brief
What are the advantages and risks of using gonadotropins in IUI?
Advantages:
Higher pregnancy rates compared to IUI with oral medications alone
Suitable for cases of unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, and some ovulatory disorders
Risks:
Increased risk of multiple pregnancies (twins or more)
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), though rare with careful monitoring
Mild side effects from injections, such as bruising or swelling
Slight risk of infection or uterine cramping after IUI
What happens after the procedure?
After the procedure, you may resume normal activities almost immediately. You may experience some mild spotting or cramping after the procedure.
Two weeks after your ovulation period has occurred and a fertilisation attempt has been made, you will need to take a pregnancy test to see if the IUI procedure has led to a successful conception. If the pregnancy test is negative, you can begin the process again or seek an alternative fertility method.
FAQ
What does gonadotropin do for IUI?
Gonadotropins stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, enhancing the likelihood of conception with IUI.
What is the success rate of IUI with gonadotropins?
The pregnancy rate for gonadotropins with timed intercourse is 15 percent per cycle. If you do get pregnant, you have a 30 percent chance of conceiving twins or more.
Your individual chance of delivering a baby depends on several factors, including your age and the quantity and quality of your partner's sperm.
Which is better, Clomid or gonadotropin?
Gonadotropins generally lead to higher pregnancy rates compared to Clomid.
Clomid may have side effects, including hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating.
Women who take a gonadotropin occasionally develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS happens when a woman produces too many eggs after taking the drug.
It is best to weigh out the pros and cons of both Clomid and gonadotropin to see which option is best for you.
What are the odds of having twins with gonadotropins?
The risk of twins or higher-order multiples is significantly increased with gonadotropin use, especially versus oral medications. Rates can range from 10% to 30% for twins, so careful monitoring is crucial.
How to avoid twins in IUI?
Use the lowest effective dose of gonadotropins
Careful monitoring of follicle development
Sometimes cancelling the cycle if too many follicles develop
How fast does gonadotropin work?
Gonadotropins typically stimulate follicle growth within 7–14 days of starting injections.
Are gonadotropins expensive?
Gonadotropins are more expensive than oral medications like Clomid or letrozole due to the cost of injectable drugs and intensive monitoring. Costs vary widely based on dosage, cycle length, and individual clinic protocols.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Fertility Centre
- Paragon: 6252 7766
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Request an Appointment