Intrauterine Insemination

If you're exploring fertility options, intrauterine insemination (IUI) at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine in Portland, Oregon, can be an effective option that doesn't always require the complexity or expense of a fertility clinic. Whether you're facing fertility challenges, pursuing parenthood as a solo individual, or navigating family building as a queer couple, Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc, and the Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine team, can help you explore your options and feel confident about the road ahead. To learn more about IUI options, call Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine or request an appointment online today.

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

For intrauterine insemination (IUI), your Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine provider assists fertility by placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus. Bringing the sperm closer to the egg during ovulation increases your chances of fertilization.

Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine can perform IUI using both frozen donor sperm from sperm banks and fresh sperm samples from your partner or a donor you know. The team can process (or “wash”) fresh samples before the procedure to concentrate the healthy sperm.

If male factor fertility concerns arise, they may stem from sperm DNA fragmentation, and the team can use a Zymot device during sperm preparation to select higher-quality sperm for insemination.

Who can benefit from IUI?

IUI can be a valuable option for many individuals and couples, including:

• Queer individuals and couples who need donor sperm to conceive
• Solo parents by choice
• Those experiencing male factor fertility concerns
• Individuals with unexplained infertility
• Patients with endometriosis (endo) or adenomyosis (adeno)
• Patients with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)

Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine aims to provide guidance and education before you feel pressured to pursue fertility clinic care. The team can help you evaluate fertility through appropriate lab testing, discuss donor options, review legal and financial considerations, and create a personalized plan based on your family goals.

Do I need to come into the office for IUI?

Not necessarily. The team can guide you in how to do at-home vaginal inseminations using donor sperm or partner ejaculate if sex is currently painful or if trying to time your intimacy is negatively impacting your partnership. 

That being said, Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine maintains an on-call system to schedule inseminations based on your body's ovulation timing rather than office convenience.

What can I expect from the IUI process?

Before scheduling an IUI, you’ll have a fertility consultation. During this visit, the team can discuss your questions and review:

• Cycle tracking
• Ovulation timing
• Prior testing
• Donor options
• Lifestyle factors

Fertility is multifaceted, and success in conceiving depends on numerous factors, including age, fertility history, health, sperm quality, and underlying conditions. 

Because every patient and family-building journey is unique, Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine focuses less on generalized statistics and more on creating the individualized support and treatment plan that gives you the best opportunity for success.

To explore your IUI options, call Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine or book a consultation online today.