Leslie Oldham finds that IUI can make pregnancy possible for many patients

When people think of fertility treatments, they might first think of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, patients may be able to conceive using a different family-building option called intrauterine insemination, or IUI.

Leslie Oldham, the nurse practitioner at our Los Angeles fertility center, guides her patients to help them understand whether they are good candidates for this treatment. “Some patients may be able to conceive just using intrauterine insemination, with or without fertility medications. Reviewing a patient’s medical history and diagnostic testing helps us make this decision.”

How does IUI work?

Intrauterine insemination involves placing sperm directly in a woman’s uterus to increase the likelihood of her conceiving. The sperm come from the male partner or a sperm donor. The laboratory at our Los Angeles fertility center will prepare the sperm before the woman comes in for the short, outpatient procedure.

During the IUI, the woman will relax on an exam table while our nurse practitioner inserts a thin, flexible tube into the vagina and through the cervix. Once the tube is inside the uterus and positioned properly, the sperm is released into the uterus. The procedure takes less than five minutes.

According to Leslie, “It’s a very simple and fast procedure. Not only that, it can be a very effective treatment for many patients.”

Who is a good candidate for intrauterine insemination?

When patients ask Leslie whether they are candidates for IUI, she will check their medical history and diagnostic testing to see whether they meet the following qualifications.

• Women with normal hormone levels, open fallopian tubes and a good egg supply
• A male partner or sperm donor with a good sperm count

She also tells patients that this procedure can be an excellent fertility treatment for single women and lesbian couples who will be using a sperm donor. “I truly enjoy working with single women and LGBT couples because it’s so rewarding. It’s exciting that we have effective family-building options that can allow them to grow their families on their terms.”

Contact us to learn more about IUI and whether it can help you welcome a healthy baby. Leslie and the rest of the Los Angeles fertility center team are looking forward to assisting you.