How Long Does it Take for IUI to Get Pregnant

How to Get Ready for IUI Treatment?

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a kind of artificial insemination and an advanced fertility treatment, similar to IVF. In this procedure, sperm is placed directly into a woman's uterus to increase the chances of fertilisation.

If you're considering this option to help fulfil your dream of having a baby, keep reading. We'll address your concerns in the following sections.

What is IUI?

In intrauterine insemination, healthcare professionals collect the sperm, wash them and concentrate them so that only healthy sperm remain. Then, they place the sperm directly into the woman's uterus using a catheter (thin tube), placed closer to the fallopian tubes.

This advanced procedure shortens the distance sperm must travel to reach the egg. So, the chances of pregnancy are enhanced.

How Long Does it Take for IUI to Get Pregnant?

To get pregnant, the IUI process takes approximately two weeks. It generally depends on how long it takes for the pregnancy hormone—human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)—to build up in enough amounts so it can easily be detected in your blood or urine.

Your doctor will guide you on whether to come in for a blood test or when to take an at-home pregnancy test.

How Long is the IUI Process?

The timeline for the IUI procedure is generally about four weeks or roughly 28 days. The time length is almost similar to the length of a normal menstrual cycle.

At the beginning of the IUI process, you (and your partner) need to go through a thorough health examination. From bloodwork and semen analysis to ultrasound and other diagnostics, everything is performed at this stage.

In some cases, doctors prescribe oral fertility medicine to the individual for five days. Sometimes, injectable medication is also prescribed for up to two weeks. However, not every couple needs these medications. But doctors suggest consuming them to increase the chances of ovulation and releasing healthy multiple eggs.

After that period, the insemination process is considered, which takes a few minutes. Your doctor asks you to lie down for 15 minutes to place it directly inside the uterus during ovulation.

Two weeks after insemination, you can take an at-home pregnancy test to confirm the result.  

What is the Difference Between IVF and IUI?

The primary difference between Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is the place of fertilisation. In IUI, fertilisation occurs inside the body, while in IVF, fertilisation happens in a laboratory setting.  

In IUI, doctors collect sperm samples and wash them so they get only high-quality sperm. Post that, the sample is inserted into the uterus during ovulation. This method increases the chance of fertilisation inside the body.

On the contrary, with IVF, doctors collect both the sperm and egg and fertilise them in a lab and then place them in the uterus as an embryo.

When it comes to cost, IUI is less expensive and less invasive than IVF, as it consists of a less complex process. However, it has a lower success rate when compared with IVF.

How to Prepare Yourself for IUI Treatment?

At the stage of preparation for IUI treatment, both you and your partner will need to undergo several medical evaluations and fertility testing. This may include:

• Blood tests.
• A uterine exam.
• A semen analysis.
• An ultrasound test of the uterus.

Test to know whether you have any sexually transmitted infections (STIS) and other infectious diseases.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe folic acid at least three months before the start of IUI treatment.

What Kind of Symptoms Do You Expect After IUI Treatment?

There are some mild symptoms an individual may deal with after IUI:

• Mild cramps.
• Spotting for one or two days.

What is the Success Rate of IUI Treatment?

Each couple may respond differently to this advanced treatment, and its success is hard to predict. However, several factors significantly influence the outcome, such as:

• Age
• underlying infertility diagnosis
• fertility medications usage(if any)
• other existing fertility issues

As per records, IUI success rates generally decline for women who exceed the age of 40 and for those who have not conceived after three IUI cycles. In these scenarios, talk with your fertility specialist to know whether this option is right for you or not.