IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is one of the best fertility treatments with a high success rate. Several couples who have undergone IUI have achieved success. However, one question many have before choosing IUI is, “Is IUI 100% successful?”
The truth is NO. IUI is not 100% successful. In fact, no fertility treatment can guarantee you 100% success. Your success depends on your fertility and health condition.
In this article, we will discuss the success rate of IUI treatments and what you can do to improve it. Read till the end to learn all about IUI success rates.
What Are The Success Rates Of IUI Treatment?
It is normal for you to expect a 100% success rate during your IUI treatment. However, reality does not work like that.
On average, the success rate of an IUI cycle without any fertility medication (in a natural cycle) will be about 7–10%. If you took hormonal drugs to induce ovulation and assist pregnancy, the success rate might be about 15–25%.
These are the success rates of your first IUI cycle. One good thing about fertility treatments is that the more number of cycles you undergo, the higher your chances of a successful pregnancy.
So, you can consult with your fertility doctor and undergo two or three more IUI cycles to increase your chances of pregnancy.
Factors Affecting IUI Success Rates
- IUI failure can result from factors like age, poor sperm quality, fallopian tube damage, and underlying fertility conditions, which can be addressed to improve success rates.
There are many factors that could cause IUI failure. Identifying and rectifying these IUI failure reasons can increase your chances of success.
Age
The younger you are, the higher your chances of IUI success. This is because the quality and quantity of your eggs decrease as you age.
Sperm quality
If the quality of your partner’s sperm is not up to par, the sperm might not be able to fertilize the egg waiting in the fallopian tubes; this can cause IUI failure.
Fallopian tube damage
If your fallopian tubes are weak or have a blockage or other damage, it might hinder the sperm from reaching the egg. It might also prevent the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus for implantation, causing ectopic pregnancy. This can cause IUI failure.
Underlying fertility conditions
If you or your partner have any underlying health or fertility conditions, like PCOS, low sperm count, etc., it can impact IUI success rates. Ensure you treat this issue before starting your IUI treatment.
How To Improve IUI Success Rate?
- To increase IUI success rates, enhance egg and sperm quality, ensure proper insemination timing, and maintain overall health.
Although the success rates of IUI are low, there are some things you can do to increase your chances of IUI success.
Improve egg and sperm quality
Your egg and sperm quality play a crucial role in IUI success. Discuss with your doctor and take the prescribed medications to improve your egg and sperm quality. This can enhance your IUI success rates.
Ensure the timing is right for insemination
Timing is a very crucial factor in IUI. Insemination has to be done when mature eggs are available in the fallopian tubes for fertilization. Ensuring the procedure happens during this “fertility window” can increase the chances of IUI success.
Improve your overall health
Eat healthy and nutritious foods, do regular exercises, and maintain a healthy weight. These healthy lifestyle habits can improve your chances of a successful IUI.
Improve uterine receptivity
Your uterus needs to be receptive to the incoming fertilized egg to successfully implant it into the endometrium and provide essential nutrients to support its growth. If you have any issues with your uterus, resolving it before starting IUI can increase IUI success rates.
Like things you should do to improve IUI success rates, there are some things to avoid after IUI to increase your success rate. This includes alcohol consumption, eating junk and processed foods, etc. Discuss with your fertility doctor to understand what to do and what not to do for IUI success.
Conclusion
IUI is a very important procedure with considerably high success rates among fertility treatments. Don’t panic if you experience one IUI failure. You can undergo another IUI cycle or other fertility treatments to understand which fertility treatment works best for you and achieve pregnancy.
Your fertility doctor will be with you throughout your fertility journey. Confide in them if you have any concerns.
FAQs
On average, the success rate of an IUI cycle without any fertility medication (in a natural cycle) will be about 7–10%. If you took hormonal drugs to induce ovulation and assist pregnancy, the success rate might be about 15–25%
Timing is a very crucial factor in IUI. Insemination has to be done when mature eggs are available in the fallopian tubes for fertilization. Ensuring the procedure happens during this “fertility window” can increase the chances of IUI success.
Some major factors affecting IUI success rates are:
- Age
- Egg & sperm quality
- Fallopian tube damages
- Lifestyle factors
- Underlying health conditions