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IUI

Trying to build a family while facing infertility issues can be a challenge.

IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is often recommended as the first step in your fertility journey.

Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, PC in Omaha, NE, has helped patients conceive with innovative treatments like IUI since 2000.

What Is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination. This treatment option for infertility involves placing washed and concentrated sperm directly into the uterus. The procedure is timed to coincide with the release of eggs from your ovaries to increase the chances of fertilization.
IUI Diagram. Sperm are collected and washed. Concentrated well mobile sperm is used.
Artificial insemination improves your chance of conception by minimizing the distance between a viable egg and healthy sperm. IUI is recommended before trying in vitro fertilization (IVF) because it is less expensive, less invasive, and typically has fewer side effects and complications.

Are You Struggling With Infertility? Request a Consultation

If you are struggling to conceive, our doctors can help determine the cause of your infertility and recommend appropriate fertility treatments. To find out if IUI can help you conceive, request a consultation at our Omaha, NE, office or call (402) 717-4200.

"They are a great support system." 5-Star Reviews From Omaha Patients

1

Ayden Hodge

2022

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I can not give Heartland Reproduction enough praise! We worked with both Dr. Constance and Dr. Weedin and they were equally phenomenal. We had no issues getting scheduled and the office was very responsive every step of the way. 

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kimberly jensen

2021

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My experience with Heartland has been fantastic. We are so lucky to have two successful pregnancies. It was always sad to leave the team at Heartland but for the best reasons, we were pregnant! I would and have recommended Heartland to anyone trying to start a family. They are a great support system.

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Patients With
Unexplained Infertility
May Benefit From IUI

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For some patients, the cause of their fertility may be unexplained. If you've undergone fertility testing and the doctor can't find the reason for your inability to conceive, IUI is typically the first treatment to try. We may also suggest ovulation-inducing medication paired with IUI for patients with unexplained infertility.

Candidates for IUI Is IUI Right for You?

Patients With Male Infertility

IUI can help with both female and male infertility. Couples with male factor infertility, such as a low sperm count or weak sperm, can especially benefit from IUI. 

Patients With Mild Endometriosis

Has your endometriosis prevented you from being able to get pregnant? Intrauterine insemination may be a beneficial artificial insemination method for you.

Same-Sex Couples & Single Women

For same-sex couples and women who are conceiving by using a sperm donor, IUI is the recommended treatment to start with before undergoing IVF.

Under 35 Years Old

Ideal candidates are in their 20s or early 30s. If you are over 35, we may recommend combining IUI with fertility drugs to improve your chances of success. 

IUI Is Not Recommended For Certain Patients

While intrauterine insemination has many benefits that make the treatment well worth it, certain patients will not qualify for the procedure. If you have any of the following traits, our team of doctors will not recommend IUI because the procedure may not be as effective as other treatments, like IVF.

  • Severe endometriosis
  • Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
  • Susceptibility to infection
  • Serious scarring affecting any of the reproductive organs
  • Severe male infertility

Do You Qualify for IUI? Request a Consultation

Not sure if you qualify for intrauterine insemination or if it's the right infertility treatment for you? Start your journey with a consultation at our Omaha, NE, fertility center.

At Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, our doctors offer various methods to help couples struggling with infertility. Several of our doctors are board-certified and highly trained to help determine which artificial insemination method is correct for you. Request a consultation at our Omaha, NE, office or give us a call:

(402) 717-4200

Team of doctors
Our team of fertility specialists is here to help.

"We felt very involved every step of the way." More 5-Star Reviews From Omaha Patients

1

Samuel Sidzyik

2021

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The nurses and doctors are wonderful to work with. Our IVF worked first try. We were lucky and had everyone there being hopeful without also having unrealistic expectations kept us hopeful and grounded. If you have to go here, you are already under quite a bit of stress. It's good to feel like the staff is on your side.

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1

Sara Cooper

2021

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Our family is beyond thankful for everything Heartland has done for us over the last 9 months. They have been such a blessing to us! Without them, we’d have likely given up on the dream of growing our family. We always felt heard, known, and always received the most thorough explanation of any and all treatments, lab work, and scans. We felt very involved every step of the way.

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The Process of IUI It's More Simple Than You Think

Compared with other fertility treatments, the cost of artificial insemination is relatively low.
Compared with other fertility treatments, the cost of artificial insemination is relatively low.

Meeting for a Consultation

Your fertility process starts with a consultation with a doctor at our Omaha office. During this consultation, the doctor can formulate the best plan of action to aid in your fertility, whether that means IUI or another means of fertility treatment.

Taking Medication

IUI can be a non-hormonal or hormonal process. Your doctor may recommend that you take fertility medications that will stimulate ovulation before beginning your IUI procedure.

Monitoring Your Ovulation Cycle

Artificial insemination procedures take place when you are ovulating to increase the chance of fertilization. Your doctor will carefully monitor your ovulation cycle through ultrasounds and blood tests.

Ovulation typically occurs about two weeks after the first day of your period. You should abstain from sex for two to three days prior to ovulation to improve sperm count. 

Beginning the Washing Process

Same-sex couples, single women, and couples where the male partner is sterile can use donor sperm, which we test for genetic defects. The male partner will provide a sperm sample, which we will wash.

This process separates the semen from the seminal fluid to increase sperm concentration.

Placing the Sperm

To place the washed sperm, your doctor will insert a catheter through the cervix and into the uterus. She will then push the sperm through the catheter and into the uterus. The process typically takes less than a half hour to complete, and patients can expect minimal pain or discomfort. 

Repeat a Cycle

Pregnancy won't always occur on the first round of IUI you complete. Most doctors recommend multiple treatment cycles, as success rates often increase with three or more cycles.

Risks You May Encounter

While there are many benefits to the IUI procedure, it's not without its risks. Many patients find that the benefits of IUI outweigh the possible risks, but you should be aware of these potential risks before undergoing IUI treatment:

Infection

The risk of developing an infection from IUI is low but not unheard of. If an infection is in the vagina, it can spread to the uterus during the IUI process. Our fertility specialists will thoroughly review your medical history to prevent the spread of infections.

Spotting 

During the IUI procedure, a catheter is inserted into the cervix. This may result in mild spotting for a few days after your procedure. Note that this is often not a cause for concern, nor is it a sign that the procedure has failed.

Multiple Pregnancies

If you combine your IUI treatment with fertility drugs, you increase your chance of multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets), which can carry the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Patients who do not use fertility drugs with their IUI treatment have a lower chance of multiple pregnancies.

What Is the Success Rate of Each IUI Cycle?

When performed each month, IUI can have around a 20% success rate for couples.
According to the American Pregnancy Association
Successful treatment depends largely on your age, the use of fertility medication during IUI, and other unique factors that contribute to your infertility. The doctors at Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine can discuss your chances of success in greater detail during your consultation.

Why Choose Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine?

Board-Certified Doctors

Our doctors and nurse practitioners are board certified or pursuing board certification. This certification represents our staff's ability to stay on top of the latest developments and techniques in the field of assisted reproductive technology.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Our practice uses leading reproductive technology to help our patients at every step of their fertility journey. We use ultrasound technology, HCG trigger injections, insemination catheters, and other advanced equipment to help aid your fertility.

Humanity at Our Core

Our staff places humanity and respect at the core of our practice. With this, we strive to promote honesty, diversity, kindness, courtesy, privacy, confidentiality, and compassion in all that we do.

"Highly recommend going to Heartland." More 5-Star Reviews From Omaha Patients

1

Sara Cooper

2021

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Our family is beyond thankful for everything Heartland has done for us over the last 9 months. They have been such a blessing to us! Without them, we’d have likely given up on the dream of growing our family. 

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1

Sara Dale

2020

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I was a very fortunate to be a patient of Dr Constance and can not express how wonderful she is. After trying to conceive for two years, we were able to get pregnant after our first round of IVF. Highly recommend going to Heartland.

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Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine

Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine

Our board certified fertility specialists offer state-of-the-art fertility treatments. An open and inclusive environment, the Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine can address different causes of infertility and help LGBTQ couples build loving families.

Contact our practice online or call us at (402) 717-4200 to schedule a consultation.

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