After tying the knot, it's only natural that you and your partner would be excited to welcome a baby into the family. However, the path to conception isn't always straightforward. If you're experiencing some difficulty conceiving, your doctor might suggest intrauterine insemination (IUI) as an initial treatment.
Before deciding to start the IUI procedure, it's normal to be worried about the potential impacts of this treatment on your future baby and whether there's any difference between IUI babies and those conceived naturally. To help you make an informed decision, let's take a closer look at this fertility treatment.
What is IUI pregnancy?
An IUI pregnancy is a pregnancy achieved with the help of an IUI treatment. This treatment begins when your fertility specialist collects a sperm sample from your partner and prepares it (also known as sperm washing) to collect the healthiest and most active sperm.
To increase your chance of conception, you may also be prescribed fertility medication by your doctor to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs that can be fertilised by sperm and stimulate ovulation.
Your fertility specialist will schedule the procedure to coincide with your ovulation once the preparation stage is complete. When you finally ovulate, your doctor will gently place the washed sperm directly into your womb using a thin, flexible tube (catheter).
After the insemination process, the sperm will be on its way to the fallopian tubes to fertilise an egg. If fertilisation is successful, the fertilised egg, now called a zygote, travels down to the womb and implants itself in the uterine lining, where an IUI pregnancy will begin.
How does it differ from natural pregnancy?
The way that an IUI pregnancy happens is the same as the way that a natural pregnancy happens. All it takes for pregnancy to occur is the fertilisation of the egg by a single sperm.
The difference lies in the preparation stage and the use of fertility or hormonal medications. These include:
| Intrauterine insemination | Natural pregnancy |
|---|---|
| The semen sample will be washed to select the healthiest and most active sperm to maximise the chances of successful fertilisation. | Factors such as lifestyle choices and body weight determine the health and activity of the sperm in a natural pregnancy. |
| The sperm is inserted directly into the womb, which shortens the distance to the fallopian tubes. | During ejaculation, sperm are deposited near the cervix, which is the passageway between the vagina and the lower part of the womb. |
| Prior to the procedure, you may be given medication to stimulate your ovaries to produce more eggs and time your ovulation. | The egg is naturally produced and influenced by factors such as age and ovarian reserve, and ovulation timing can also vary. |
| You may receive progesterone supplements after IUI to help ensure implantation by maintaining the uterine lining. | The period between ovulation and menstruation (the luteal phase) can sometimes be shorter, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining (menstruation) earlier than expected. |
| Offer higher implantation chances (3-9%) if you’re over 40 years old, however, you may require repeated IUI cycles. | As you age, it’s becoming difficult to conceive due to reduced egg reserve. |
When is IUI recommended as a fertility option?
During ovulation, your ovary releases an egg that travels down to the fallopian tube. This is the ideal time for unprotected intercourse if you're trying to conceive because it allows sperm and eggs to meet for fertilisation.
However, natural conception can be challenging for various reasons. In such cases, your fertility specialist may recommend IUI, which is often considered in the following situations:
Male factor infertility:
This condition is characterised by low-quality sperm, which can lead to a reduced sperm count, as well as small, weak, slow, or abnormally shaped sperm.
This condition also covers cases where your partner cannot get or maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse, also known as impotence.
Thick cervical mucus:
The cervix produces mucus that helps sperm travel from the vagina into the uterus so they can swim to the fallopian tubes where the egg is located.
However, if the mucus is overly thick due to scarring from a biopsy or other medical procedures, it can hinder the movement of sperm.
Ovulation problems:
This condition involves a decline in fertility due to irregular ovulation, a reduced number of eggs released, or anovulation (the absence of ovulation) during the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis-related infertility:
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that’s similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of it. This abnormal growth can cause an obstruction in the fallopian tube, preventing sperm from reaching the egg and fertilising it.
Semen allergy:
In rare cases, when trying to conceive, couples found that their partner had an allergic reaction to their semen.
This reaction can be triggered by an allergy to the proteins in semen, which causes a burning feeling and swelling where the semen touches the skin.
Unexplained infertility:
This condition occurs when your doctor cannot find the cause of your infertility despite a thorough evaluation.
If you suspect that you might have fertility issues and wish to find out more about intrauterine insemination, schedule a consultation with Thomson Fertility Centre. Our fertility specialists can help assess your reproductive condition and provide further information about this fertility treatment.
Our fertility specialists
Loading...
What are the differences between IUI babies vs. normal babies?
While IUI babies are conceived through artificial insemination and naturally conceived babies are the result of sexual intercourse, there are no differences between them. Both babies are healthy and "normal", and the only difference between them is their method of insemination. Studies have shown that:
IUI babies are as healthy as naturally conceived babies.
There is no higher risk of genetic or developmental disorders due to IUI itself.
There are no differences in children motor development between IUI and natural conception.
Cognitive and physical development milestones are generally similar to those of naturally conceived peers.
Common myths about IUI babies
Although the evidence shows no differences between IUI and naturally conceived babies, some myths about IUI can cause unnecessary concern. Such as:
IUI babies are artificial or unnatural:
The IUI procedure simply helps the sperm reach the egg by placing it in the womb. Therefore, it is "artificial" in the sense that the sperm is deposited using a catheter instead of being deposited near the cervix via the penis.
The rest of the process, from fertilisation to pregnancy itself, happens naturally within the body and is exactly the same as natural conception.
IUI babies are weaker:
IUI babies reach developmental milestones on time and grow up to be healthy children, just like a naturally conceived baby. Although they may be born with slightly lower birth weights, this doesn't translate to significant health issues.
IUI babies have a higher chance of having genetic issues:
This probability depends entirely on whether the parents have any genetic conditions prior to IUI. If there is a genetic condition, the chances of it being passed on are higher, whether the baby is conceived through IUI or naturally.
Are there risks with an IUI?
Even though IUI is a safe and less invasive fertility treatment, it's not without risks. Here are some risks associated with this procedure:
A small risk of pelvic infection
Mild cramping or spotting post-procedure
Emotional stress if multiple cycles are needed
If fertility medications are used, there is a slightly higher chance that multiple eggs will be released, which increases the likelihood of twin or triplet pregnancies.
In rare cases, it can also cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which makes the ovaries painful and swollen.
These risks are generally minor and manageable under medical supervision. However, if these conditions persist or become more severe, schedule an appointment with Thomson Fertility Centre. Our fertility specialists can provide further diagnosis to determine the underlying cause and offer a personalised treatment plan.
FAQ
Is normal delivery possible after IUI?
Yes, IUI pregnancies are no different from natural pregnancies when it comes to delivery. Unless there are specific medical reasons that require a caesarean section, you can have a normal vaginal delivery, regardless of the conception method.
Does IUI have healthy babies?
Yes, babies conceived through IUI are usually just as healthy as those conceived naturally. Studies indicate that IUI does not increase the risk of birth abnormalities or long-term health issues.
Research also confirms that children born through IUI grow, learn, and develop at the same pace as those born without fertility treatment.
How successful is IUI on the first try?
Success rates vary depending on age and the underlying cause of infertility. On average, there is about a 10-15% chance of a pregnancy per cycle.
While some couples conceive on the first attempt, achieving pregnancy often requires several cycles. Cumulative success rates over three to six IUI cycles may reach 60-80% for women under 35, but these rates decrease with age.
How many cycles of IUI should I try?
Most fertility specialists recommend trying IUI for three to six cycles before considering other treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). However, if you are over 35, you should discuss alternative options with your doctor earlier, particularly if you do not become pregnant within three attempts.
What are the factors that can reduce the effectiveness of IUI?
There are several factors that may reduce the success rate of IUI treatment. These include:
- Being over 40 years of age
- Poor egg or sperm quality, including high sperm DNA fragmentation
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which can disrupt ovulation
- Moderate to severe endometriosis, affecting egg quality and the uterine environment
- Smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and chronic stress, all of which negatively impact fertility
- Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or pelvic infections
- When no clear cause of infertility is identified, IUI may be less likely to succeed
Can you choose the gender of a baby with IUI?
No, you can't choose a gender with IUI because this fertility treatment simply places prepared sperm closer to the egg to increase the chances of natural fertilisation. The sperm that fertilises the egg naturally determines its gender, and IUI cannot control this process.
The information provided is for general guidance only and should not be considered as medical advice. For a personalised fertility consultation and tailored advice about your reproductive health, schedule a consultation with Thomson Fertility Centre today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Fertility Centre
- Paragon: 6252 7766
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Request an Appointment