Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves using sperm and ova (eggs) to be inserted into the uterus directly via an artificial vagina. The treatment is used to treat infertility in women unable to produce eggs or sperm naturally and in men with low sperm counts due to testicular failure or other reasons. If you consider donating eggs for such processes, you need to learn more below.
How is IUI Performed?
IUI can be performed with either donor sperm or a partner’s eggs as the source of fertilization. In this procedure, a small needle is inserted via the patient’s cervix to the uterus. A small amount of sperm is injected into the uterus alongside the egg(s). The fertilized egg will then travel down its own tube and attach itself to the uterus wall, where it will begin to grow.
In some cases, IUI may be combined with intrauterine insemination (ICI). ICI involves using sperm from a known donor rather than IVF or ICSI procedures that use multiple eggs from a donor or partner. It can be used if there is no male partner available, if you have had multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles or if you have been unable to get pregnant naturally.
What is the Difference Between Intrauterine Insemination and Embryo Freezing?
The main difference between Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and embryo freezing is that IUI involves the transfer of a mature egg from the female’s ovaries to her uterus, where it will be fertilized by sperm. In contrast, embryo freezing involves the destruction of immature eggs in order for them to be studied for quality control purposes.
Embryo freezing is used to determine the quality of embryos before implantation. The eggs are gathered from patients and frozen until they are needed for clinical use. There are two methods used to freeze eggs-vitrification or cryopreservation. Vitrification uses heat and chemicals to prevent ice crystals from forming inside the egg, while cryopreservation uses chemicals to prevent ice crystals from forming outside the egg.
What are the Benefits of Intrauterine Insemination?
Less invasive
Intrauterine insemination allows a couple to conceive without having to get pregnant at all. Intrauterine insemination is a very simple and less invasive procedure compared to other fertility treatment methods, such as IVF or IUI. This makes it the most popular method among couples who want to have a baby but cannot have one naturally.
Less stressful
The process of intrauterine insemination does not require an egg or sperm donor, so there is no need for any additional stress during the process. You can relax and enjoy the process instead of worrying about whether your partner’s body will accept the sperm or not or whether they can produce enough eggs for you to get pregnant.
It also allows couples who are having difficulties conceiving naturally because they have been trying for some time already without success or they suffer from infertility issues but still want to become parents one day since it does not require any significant medical procedures such as IVF or IUI which can be painful and stressful for both partners.
Key Takeaway
Intrauterine insemination is a very effective way of getting pregnant. It is less invasive and can be done in the comfort of your own home. There are no injections, no long waits for the results to come back, and no risks involved.