Intratubal and intrauterine insemination are two different artificial insemination methods
No two people are alike, so we offer a wide variety of treatment options at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas. However, having more choices can sometimes be confusing. To turn confusion into clarity, our Las Vegas fertility specialists take the time to explain the different options. One area patients often have questions about is the difference between intratubal and intrauterine insemination. Both can be effective artificial insemination methods.
What’s the difference between intratubal and intrauterine insemination?
Both of these fertility treatments are methods of artificial insemination, but that doesn’t mean they’re the same. The difference between the two comes down to where our doctors place the sperm to achieve fertilization.
- Intratubal insemination relies on FemaSeed to deliver sperm right to the fallopian tube that contains the mature egg.
- Intrauterine insemination, also known as IUI, involves placing sperm into the uterus. The hope is that it will then travel to the fallopian tube.
With either option, our Las Vegas fertility specialists typically prescribe oral fertility medications to control cycle timing and improve success.
How do you decide which of the artificial insemination methods is best for a patient?
Both intratubal and intrauterine insemination require a patient to have at least one open fallopian tube. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is available for patients who don’t meet this requirement.
When a patient is a candidate for either intratubal insemination with FemaSeed or IUI, they often want to know which treatment to select. Our Las Vegas fertility specialists consider the following information to help hopeful parents select the best option for them.
- Intratubal insemination places sperm directly into the fallopian tube with the egg, while IUI requires the sperm to travel from the uterus to the fallopian tube.
- Intrauterine insemination is more familiar to many patients, so they may feel more comfortable pursuing it.
- The FemaSeed method may be a better option for people who are dealing with a low sperm count, unexplained infertility or a blocked fallopian tube.
- Both artificial insemination methods are quick and minimally invasive. They also don’t require sedation, and come with minimal side effects.
While not everyone is a good candidate for intratubal and intrauterine insemination, these methods help many patients become parents. Our team can help you determine which of these artificial insemination methods is right for you. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more.
