Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most cost-effective and commonly used treatments for infertility. The procedure can be used to address a variety of both male and female fertility problems. Below, we will take a closer look at the IUI process, as well as how much the procedure might cost.

IUI Process

IUI is a form of artificial insemination. During this procedure, the man provides a semen specimen, which is taken to the laboratory. In the laboratory, the semen is placed in a centrifuge, and healthy, motile sperm are separated from the seminal fluid.The actual insemination must be performed when the woman is ovulating. If the woman ovulates on a regular basis, she can track her ovulation and have the procedure performed when she is fertile. For women who do not ovulate regularly, a medication such as Clomid may be prescribed. For some women, injectable gonadotropins may be used in small doses during the IUI process. During IUI, the physician inserts a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterus. Then, the sperm is injected through the catheter so that it is deposited into the uterus, where it can travel to the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg.‍

Uses of IUI

‍One of IUI's greatest strengths is its ability to treat a variety of causes of infertility, which makes it extremely versatile. IUI can be used to treat the following conditions and more:

• Low sperm count - Sperm is concentrated during IUI, which bypasses problems with low sperm count.
• Poor sperm motility or morphology - Men with a high percentage of sperm with abnormal shape see some improvement but not as much as men with a lower percentage of abnormals.
• Problems with the cervix - If the cervix is thick, scarred, or otherwise abnormal, IUI can be helpful
• Infertility with no known cause - Even if a precise cause of infertility has not been identified, IUI can be helpful.

IUI RatesIUI tends to be one of the most cost-effective fertility treatments, because relatively little time and resources are required. The price can fluctuate somewhat depending on whether or not fertility medication is used, as well as what type of medication is ordered.In Illinois, the majority of insurance plans cover IUI or other fertility treatments. This means that the biggest factor affecting your out-of-pocket costs is your insurance. If you are not sure about how your insurance covers IUI, you can contact your insurance provider for more information. Dr. Randy Morris would be happy to meet with you about whether or not IUI is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call IVF1 at (630) 357-6540.