The good news: IUIs can work! Intrauterine insemination (sometimes laughingly referred to as “the turkey baster method”), or IUI, can help overcome issues like low sperm count or low sperm motility by getting sperm closer to where it needs to be around the time of ovulation.

This method of dealing with infertility is also less expensive and much less invasive for the person hoping to carry the pregnancy. It can also be a great method if you’re planning on using donor sperm.

The harder news to hear: it may not work the first time. 

That said, there are things you can do to increase your chances of a successful IUI, and in this episode, Dr. Shahine goes into your many options, both medical and behavioral. 

In this episode you’ll hear:

[00:00] Intro to the Episode

[01:27] IUI review – what it is, how it works, how is it different from IVF

[04:31] Tips BEFORE you do your first IUI

   Tip #1 Get testing before you start 

   Tip #2 Review your family goals with your doctor

   Tip #3 Make a long-term plan – how many IUIs?

[06:10] 5 Tips for Success with IUIs

   [06:10] Tip # 1 Medications used with IUIs

   [07:25] Tip #2 Monitoring with IUI cycle: OPK vs. Ultrasounds

   [08:33] Tip#3 Use of Trigger Shots for timing IUI

   [09:11] Tip#4 Optimize sperm counts for IUI to improve success

   [10:15] Tip #5 Optimize overall health to improve success with IUI

[11:43] Chances of Success with IUI

[12:33] Fertility Story for the week – An indication for IUI that you may not have heard of before

[15:37] Summary and Outro

Resources mentioned: 

Drlorashahine.com

[email protected]

Tips for Timing Trying: Dr. Shahine’s video on Baby-Making Tips

Tips for Ovulation: Dr. Shahine’s video on How to Know When You are Ovulating

 

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