What is the success rate of IUI?
Every couple has a different response to IUI, and it can be difficult to predict its success. There are a number of factors that can determine the outcome of IUI, including – age, cause of infertility, the combination of drugs used, and any other infertility-related comorbidities the patient may be suffering from.

From the above-stated list, age remains the most important factor in the determination of the success of IUI. Once the woman goes past the age of 40, the success rate drops drastically. It is almost half of what it is expected to be in women at a much younger profile – in their early 20s and continues to decline gradually with the passing of years.

Patients suffering from ovulation-related disorders – such as anovulation, absent or irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, and resistant to hormonal medication etc will find it difficult to conceive. For example, patients suffering from PCOS will find IUI only if they actually ovulate. Women under the age of 40, who undergo hormonal treatment with IUI have a 20-26% success of live births per ovulation cycle, which is otherwise just 4-6% without IUI.
In case of male-factor infertility also, patients continue to evidence a high success rate with the help of IUI, however those with severe sperm-related problems may not have adequate success. While IUI provides sperm with a head start by placing them in the uterus, it still requires a sperm to reach and fertilize the egg on its own – thus, good quality sperm is a prerequisite for the success of IUI.

For patients suffering from anatomical difficulties to pregnancy and conception – such as a single-open fallopian tube, the success of IUI is just the same as those with normal two-open fallopian tubes. Given the fact that it takes just one fallopian tube for normal conception, the pregnancy is still a viable possibility with IUI. And the same gradually increases with increased IUI cycles attempted.

Patients with unexplained infertility – which essentially means they have good egg count, open fallopian tubes, a healthy uterus, sperm count within normal parameters, and no other explanation for difficulties – also have good conception outcomes with the help of IUI.

Overall, the success rates for IUI treatment can be improved with – appropriate timing, egg quality, and sperm quality. Appropriate use of supplements for the enhancement of egg quality, reduce inflammation and improve implantation are advisable. A good quality diet, active lifestyle and adherence to medications provided by your fertility experts is also helpful.