Are There Risks Associated with Intrauterine Insemination?
Did you know the cervix limits the number of sperm cells that can enter the uterus? That means only a small number of sperm actually reach the fallopian tubes. That's why intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most commonly used fertility treatments at fertility clinics in New York City. During the procedure, the cervix is bypassed entirely and sperm cells are placed into your uterus during ovulation. This makes the sperm's trip much shorter and increased the chances of sperm reaching the egg. Three steps are required for each cycle:
- A sperm sample is collected,
- The sperm is processed,
- The sperm is placed in the uterus using a small catheter.
The entire process takes only a few hours and is completed at a New York fertility clinic around the time of ovulation. Surgery or a hospital stay is not required. However, you may need to take injections of a drug to stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs. It does not require an embryo transfer; the fertilization occurs inside your body.
Is Intrauterine Insemination Dangerous?
IUI is not a risky procedure. There is a very slight chance of infection from uterine catheterization and injection of the sperm. The risk of infection is less than 0.2 percent. Some women report mild cramping after IUI at a fertility clinic NYC but that too is rare.
There is also a chance of a multiple pregnancy as well as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This is related to ovarian stimulation that’s sometimes required to ensure eggs are produced by the ovaries.
Does Intrauterine Insemination Work?
For many, IUI is highly effective. For women with unexplained infertility, endometriosis, ovulatory infertility or men with coital disorders or mild male factor infertility, IUI is a great option.
The key to success is the timing of insemination. To ensure an egg is to present to be fertilized, you may receive injections of HCG to stimulate the ovaries or you may use an ovulation predictor kit.
Successful IUI procedures depend on a variety of factors including the woman’s age, length of infertility, health of her fallopian tubes and the mane’s sperm count. Additionally, successful IUI is highly dependent whether the ovaries respond to stimulation, the timing of insemination and sperm health.
IUI is one of the many services we offer at New York Reproductive Wellness. Along with IVF, egg freezing, natural cycle and minimal stimulation IVF, we stand ready to help you conceive. Find out how we can help you by scheduling an appointment today. Call 516-612-8466 for more information.
