Intrauterine Insemination

What is IUI?

IUI is a fertility treatment that involves placing washed sperm inside of a woman’s uterus around ovulation time to increase the chances of fertilization.

Typically, the woman takes oral medication like clomid or letrozole to stimulate follicle growth.

Then a trigger shot is given to trigger ovulation.

The sperm is then washed and placed into the uterus approximately 24- 36 hours after the trigger close to the time of ovulation.

In certain situations, IUI can have a success rate as high as 20%. IUI is often used when there is a male factor issue, such as low sperm count or motility. IUI is also used for cases of hostile cervical mucus, unexplained infertility, or cervical scar tissue.

How can Acupuncture Help?

Acupuncture can improve blood circulation which can improve follicle growth, egg maturation, and growth of the endometrial lining. Increased blood flow in the uterine arteries increases pregnancy chances as well. For men, consistent acupuncture treatments over time, roughly 2 treatments a week for 5 weeks, can increase sperm count and motility.