IUI Timeline
While in vitro fertilization (IVF) is generally the most popular fertility treatment performed today, countless patients achieve success through intrauterine insemination (IUI). This artificial insemination procedure is less expensive than IVF and may be the ideal option for Los Angeles, CA couples having difficulty conceiving.
Many people interested in IUI wonder what the treatment process involves. Dr. Marc Kalan and Dr. Nurit Winkler would like to provide this general treatment timeline for IUI so you understand how it works and what to expect from an IUI cycle.
First Month to Two Months: Testing and Diagnostics
Before an IUI cycle can even begin, it’s important that we conduct various tests. This can help us monitor your cycle, check hormone levels, and determine the root cause or causes of your infertility issues. We can then tailor a treatment plan that takes these factors into account.
This planning phase can take a bit of time, which is why some patients may require up to two months of testing.
Day One of Your Period
Once you have your first period following the testing process, it’s important that you contact our clinic to schedule an appointment. This will help get the actual IUI process underway.
Days Two and Three of Your Period: Start Fertility Medication
When you visit our practice, we’ll conduct a few minor tests and checks and do bloodwork in order to determine the fertility drugs you’ll need and what doses you should take them in. You should begin taking your fertility drugs as instructed when you get them.
5-10 Days After Starting Medication
A few days after you’ve started taking fertility drugs, you’ll return to Los Angeles Reproductive Center for a follow-up visit. This will involve more bloodwork to monitor hormone levels, and to a chance to discuss any issues you’ve had while on fertility medication.
7-16 Days After Starting Medication: hCG Injection
At some point after that follow-up visit, patients will then be instructed to take their human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. This is an important part of ensuring hormone levels are optimal for pregnancy.
The Day After hCG Injection: The IUI Procedure
The day after the hCG injection, patients will come to the practice for the actual IUI procedure. The procedure itself only takes about 5 minutes, with no anesthesia required.
For some patients, another IUI session will be performed the day after the initial IUI. This can help increase the chances of successful pregnancy. Timing is everything when it comes to fertility treatments.
Two Weeks After IUI: The Official Pregnancy Test
Two weeks after the IUI procedure, patients will return to the practice for the official pregnancy test. If the IUI cycle was unsuccessful, we can discuss the process of performing another IUI cycle. Patients can also decide to try IVF if they experience multiple failed IUI cycles.
The timeline for additional IUI cycles or switching to IVF treatment can vary. This is why it’s important that all treatment timelines be customized to the needs of the patient and the realties they face.
Learn More About Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
For more information about IUI and your many other options for building a family and becoming pregnant, be sure to contact our skilled team of fertility doctors. You can reach Los Angeles Reproductive Center by phone at (818) 946-8051.
