IUI for male infertility may be able to help you grow your family

Our Austin fertility clinic team treats complex causes of infertility using effective treatments like IUI for male infertility. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be an excellent option for couples facing mild to moderate male fertility issues.

Typically, our doctors recommend IUI if the male partner’s semen analysis yields at least 10 million motile (moving) sperm. However, Texas Fertility Center (TFC) doctors have helped patients with sperm concentrations as low as one million motile sperm conceive using IUI for male factor fertility issues. If the sperm count is very low though, our team will likely suggest in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How does IUI for male factor fertility issues work?

IUI for male infertility is a simple procedure that involves placing the sperm directly in the woman’s uterus. By bypassing the vagina and cervix, IUI gives the sperm a head-start to reach the egg for fertilization. Our doctors can perform this procedure as part of a natural cycle or a cycle using medications like Clomid or gonadotropins to stimulate the ovaries.

To perform an IUI, the male partner must provide a semen sample by ejaculating into a sterile container. It is important for the man to avoid ejaculating for two to five days before the IUI so that his sperm count will be as high as possible. Once our laboratory team receives the sample, they will prepare it. This involves separating the active sperm from the seminal fluid.

What to expect on the day of the IUI for male infertility

On the day of the IUI, the woman will come to our Austin fertility clinic. During a brief pelvic exam, her doctor will insert a speculum and a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into her vagina. This catheter will deposit the washed and prepared sperm into the uterus, a process that takes less than two minutes. The woman may rarely feel some mild cramping, but it typically resolves quickly.

After the procedure, the woman will remain still for about 10 minutes. She can then resume all of her normal activities that day, including returning to work. Common side effects of an IUI may include cramping and light vaginal bleeding or discharge.

Success rates of IUI for male factor fertility issues

The success rates of IUI for male infertility vary depending on the treatment protocol. Typically, medicated IUI cycles produce higher success rates than unmedicated ones.

• Unmedicated IUI cycles produce pregnancy rates of 6-10% per cycle.
• IUI cycles with Clomid have pregnancy rates of 8-12% per cycle.
• IUI cycles with letrozole (Femara) have pregnancy rates of 10-15% per cycle.
• IUI cycles with gonadotropins have pregnancy rates of 20-25% per cycle.

Your doctor will be happy to recommend which treatment option is right for you and your family. Contact our Austin fertility clinic to start your journey to welcome a baby using IUI.