Fertility Treatment Options: IUI, DI, and Surrogacy

Due to technological advances, there are now multiple fertility treatments such as IUI, DI and Surrogacy are available to help couples and individuals achieve their dream of starting a family. In our blog today, we will discuss a few of these options and when a fertility specialist may recommend them.

Fertility Check-Up

In order to determine the best treatment option, a basic fertility check-up takes place after your initial consultation. Your check-up may include the following:

• Pelvic ultrasound examination: A non-invasive method used to examine any abnormalities in the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It will also check for scarring, uterine fibroids and polyps. Your physician will also use an ultrasound to count the number of resting follicles. This will determine the potential response to ovarian stimulation.
• Ovarian reserve testing: A series of blood tests that help determine the quality and quantity of eggs available for ovulation. Typically, this test will be performed on women who are over the age of 35 and more likely to have a low ovarian reserve.
• Semen analysis: Assesses sperm motility, shape, and maturity. Sperm, Analysis of volume, sperm count, and PH levels are also takes place.

Intrauterine Insemination – IUI

What is it?: IUI, also known as artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment that places washed and prepared sperm near the egg during an ovulation cycle. It can be during a stimulated cycle, which is when you are taking fertility medications to encourage the production of mature eggs, or IUI will take place during your natural ovulation cycle.

When it recommended?: Often a variety of reasons can contribute to carry out Intrauterine insemination. After the conduction of semen analysis, the results may indicate low sperm count, low sperm quality, or poor mobility. a medical condition, such as endometriosis, may also hinder Ovulation.

Donor Sperm Insemination (DI)

What is it?: This treatment option is very similar to Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). The only difference is that you use a donor‘s sperm and not that of your husband’s or partner’s.  

When is it used?: DI is usually an available option for single women who are trying to conceive or when a couple needs someone to donate sperm for them. This can be for a variety of reasons such as a low sperm count, zero sperm production, or the probability of passing on a genetic condition to the baby.

Surrogacy

What is it?: Surrogacy is the term that describes the process in which another woman helps carry and delivers a child for another couple or individual. It involves the Intended Parents throughout the pregnancy. They are also present at birth and assume full parental responsibilities immediately thereafter.

Gestational surrogacy is the preferred surrogacy method for most Intended Parents. This method uses the eggs of the intended mother and the sperm of the intended father. The egg insemination then takes place via IVF. Then it is transferred into the surrogate. This ensures that there are no genetic ties to the surrogate. In some cases, donor eggs and/or donor sperm will be used.

Surrogacy is a fairly complex fertility process comparing to the IUI or DI with many legal considerations. We have helped many intended couples build a family with surrogacy, including same-sex couples. 

When is it used?: A surrogate is usually useful when the intended mother cannot carry the baby herself due to uterine irregularities, multiple failed IVF cycles, or a medical condition that could cause risk to themselves or their baby during pregnancy. It is also the ‘go-to’ option for gay couples planning to have their own family.

Surgical Sperm Retrieval (SSR)

What is it?:  SSR is a highly-specialized medical procedure which the urologists carry out. It is a way of extracting sperm from men who are not producing any when they ejaculate. It usually performed under mild anesthetic. An expert andrologist then analyzes the retrieved sperm. Treatment through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) uses it.

When is it used?: Surgical Sperm Retrieval often takes place to help men suffering from Azoospermia, (a condition in which there is no sperm in the ejaculate). Other conditions may include blockages in the passage tubes, vasectomy, or failed vasectomy reversal.

Coastal Fertility, a fertility clinic in Orange County, has helped thousands of patients start the family of their dreams. For more information, you can visit us at coastalfertility.com or call (949) 726-0600.