IUI Support
An IUI stands for intrauterine insemination. This is a technique where washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the number of sperm that make it to the fallopian tubes.
An IUI can be performed during an natural cycle, or in conjunction with fertility medications that aim to induce ovulation or simulate an increase in the production of ovulating follicles. During a normal menstrual cycle only one follicle releases and egg. By releasing more than one mature egg there can be a greater chance of fertilization and conception.
During an IUI an ultrasound is often performed around day 12 of the menstrual cycle (which varies depending on you particular response) and is at time combined with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to simulate ovulation and the release of eggs within 24-36 hours.
Many fertility clinics often recommend IUI's in cases of:
- mild fertility problems
- unexplained fertility
- cervical factor infertility
- male factor infertility (such as count, motility, or morphology)
- sexual dysfunction
- donor sperm
Good canditates for IUI are often:
- women below the age of 39
- women with an normal ovarian reserve for age
- women with hostile or thick cervical mucus
- women without blocked fallopian tubes
- male factor infertility (motility, morphology, or count)
- men with sexual or erectile dysfunction
- you are open to the possibility of twins
IUI success rates are generally between 10-20% per cycle, and up to 30% depending on your specific case. It is important to go over the benefits and risks of IUI with you fertility doctors to determine if this is the best treatment for you.
Chinese medicine can greatly enhance IUI by:
- enhancing egg and follicle health and by regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian-axis. Fertility medication work very well to stimulate an increase in the number of follicle, but do not always address the health of the eggs that are released. (by optimizing the environment that eggs grow and mature acupuncture and Chinese medicine can improve follicle count and quality, which leads to higher conception and successful pregnancy rates)
- Increasing the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries which can improve implantation rates.
- Decreasing the side effects of fertility medications.
- regulating the sympathetic nervous system and decrease stress levels which can plan a large role in successful pregnancy outcomes
