Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), or also known as Artificial Insemination (AI)

What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) also known as artificial insemination (AI), has been widely and successfully used since the 1970s. At Denver Fertility Care, Dr. Bruce Albrecht and Dr. Dana Ambler can perform IUI for hopeful parents struggling with infertility. Our unique approach to infertility treatment means many patients who usually would not be candidates for IUI at other practices can undergo treatment at our Lone Tree office in Englewood, CO. 

At Denver Fertility Albrecht Women’s Care, we offer IUI to a wider range of patients than other fertility clinics. At some practices, they will not perform IUI for patients with zero percent normal sperm morphology and will instead push for in vitro fertilization (IVF). We do not believe issues with morphology are a legitimate reason to automatically recommend IVF. Both Dr. Albrecht and Dr. Ambler believe in using the most minimally invasive treatments possible to achieve a successful pregnancy.

During your initial appointment, you and your partner will meet with Dr. Albrecht,  Dr. Ambler, or  Stephanie Elliot, NP to discuss your complete medical, familial, and gynecological history. Then your provider will perform an infertility evaluation and discuss your treatment options with you. Typically, IUI is a good first step for patients struggling with infertility. Depending on your unique concerns, IUI may be combined with ovarian stimulation. In addition, we will address alternative options to improve your success rates, including nutrition, psychologists, and more.

Graphic of artificial insemination
Artificial insemination can be used to overcome issues tied to both male and female infertility.

Who Should Consider IUI?

A solution for many infertility issues.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be recommended for a range of infertility issues. IUI can be used to overcome both male and female infertility, or when the root cause of infertility is unexplained.

If you, or your partner, have been diagnosed, or struggle with the following factors, contact the Denver Fertility team to discuss how IUI may be the right fit for you.

  • Low Sperm Count

  • Sperm Motility Issues

  • Sperm Morphology Issues

  • Mild Male Factor Infertility

  • Endometriosis 

  • Irregular or absent ovulation

  • Reproductive Organ Abnormalities (specifically the cervix and/or uterus)

  • Unreceptive Cervical Mucus

  • Unexplained Infertility

  • Utilization of Donor Sperm

AI and donor sperm.

For many couples struggling with male or female infertility, IUI can create a unique opportunity for pregnancy. In cases of insemination using donor sperm, we can perform tests to screen for genetic disorders and other issues, which can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, this technique can allow same-sex couples to conceive a child.

What to Expect During IUI:

Since IUI is typically a less invasive, less expensive option for fertility treatment, it is a great starting place for those who are struggling to get pregnant. If IUI is the right fit for you, our team at Denver Fertility will be there to support you along your journey. Many times, IUI is the only fertility intervention needed for couples to achieve a pregnancy. The process is relatively simple, and most patients experience little to no pain throughout their treatment. T

Insemination is performed during ovulation, so it usually takes two weeks after the procedure is performed to determine if the treatment was a success.  A positive pregnancy test at home is the first step to success!

Step 1: First, Dr. Albrecht or Dr. Ambler will perform tests to determine the optimal time in your ovulation cycle to perform the procedure, and which medications may or may not be recommended for use.

Step 2: Your partner or donor will provide a sperm sample.

Step 3: Once collected, the sperm is "washed" to remove chemicals and concentrated to increase the likelihood of conception. 

Step 4: Using a thin, flexible tube, we will place the most active and healthy sperm into your uterus. Most patients find this procedure to be relatively painless, though some may experience cramping and discomfort. Your condition will be monitored during follow-up appointments to determine what, if any, next steps should be taken. 

How Much Does IUI Cost?

IUI is often the first place to start when dealing with infertility due to its cost-effective nature. This non-invasive procedure costs approximately $500 for intrauterine insemination alone, and around $950 including medications and monitoring. In some circumstances, insurance will cover IUI.

How Successful is IUI?

Since success rates are largely dependent on many outlying factors, and IUI is typically a first option for those struggling with fertility, it is difficult to measure the exact success rate of this procedure. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of healthy sperm reaching the fallopian tube, providing the sperm a “head start”, but does require the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg on its own. IUI is a solution for roughly 20% of patients, while others move on to more involved techniques for conception with the care and compassion of our dedicated staff at Denver Fertility.

Combating Infertility

At Denver Fertility Care, we understand the frustration that infertility can cause. With the support of a caring staff, our fertility specialists perform a range of infertility treatments, including IUI, to help patients start a family. For more information about the procedure or additional treatments, contact our office online or call (720) 420-1570 today.

Denver Fertility team

Denver Fertility Care

Denver Fertility Care was founded in 2010 by one of the leading fertility specialists in the region, Dr. Bruce Albrecht. Together, with board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Dana Ambler, we provide comprehensive fertility treatments to help you achieve the family of your dreams. Our affiliations include:

  • AMA: American Medical Association
  • ASRM: American Society of Reproductive Medicine
  • ACOG: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • SREI: Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

To learn more, schedule a consultation by filling out our online form, or call: (720) 420-1570.

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