ICI vs IUI: How does it work?

Starting your fertility journey may seem a bit confusing, as there are plenty of treatments and abbreviations to learn about. However, most people without any known fertility issues start with either ICI or IUI. The two procedures are very similar, as the only difference between ICI and IUI is where the sperm is placed. In ICI, the sperm is placed in the cervix, making it possible to perform the procedure at home (also called home insemination). IUI treatments, on the other hand, must be performed at a fertility clinic as the sperm is inserted directly into the uterus.

ICI vs IUI - Other differences

Besides the placement of the sperm, there are two significant differences between ICI and IUI: 

• The difference in success rates when comparing ICI and IUI: Studies indicate that the success rate of IUI is around 18% per cycle, depending on age and fertility. The success rate for ICI is slightly lower due to the placement of the sperm. However, it is important to note that success rates vary based on several factors.
• Cost of procedure: Generally, ICI treatment is less expensive as it does not require a healthcare professional. Additionally, ICI treatment allows for the use of unwashed sperm, which is sperm that still contains the natural fluids surrounding the sperm cells in an ejaculate, thus making it cheaper than IUI sperm.

If you want to learn more about the difference between the cost of home insemination and other types of fertility treatment, then follow the link.

How does ICI work? 

ICI, also called the Turkey Baster Method, is a fertility treatment that can be done using unwashed (ICI-ready) or washed (IUI-ready) sperm. Cryos ships your chosen donor sperm directly to your home (home insemination) with an easy-to-follow step-by-step instruction document guides you in completing your ICI treatment successfully.

Follow the link to read more about the success rates of home insemination.

Step-by-step explanation of the ICI process

• Step 1: Once you have chosen a sperm donor and the sperm has been delivered to your home, you can start your treatment. Timing is critical in ICI treatment, as it is essential to ensure that you track your ovulation a couple of months before insemination. Once you have confirmed that you are ovulating or are about to ovulate, you can proceed with the treatment.
• Step 2: The first thing you need to do after receiving the sperm and the home insemination kit, is to thaw the sperm straws. Remove your sperm straw from the nitrogen tank and thaw at room temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes. From there, fit the thick end of the adapter onto the syringe and clean the straw using the alcohol pad. Now you can cut open the sealed end of the straw and place it into the thin end of the adapter.
• Step 3: Once the straws have been thawed, you can continue by laying down in a comfortable position, where you use a pillow to raise your hips. From there, you take the syringe and carefully insert it as far into the vaginal canal as possible. Inject the sperm into your vagina to complete the home insemination and then lay still in place for approximately 30 minutes.

Follow the instructions (see step-by-step home insemination instructions here as well). Taking the supplied plastic syringe, you will then transfer the thawed sperm from the straw into your vagina during your ovulation.

Watch the detailed video below to see how ICI or home insemination is done.

How does IUI work?

IUI is an infertility treatment performed by a physician, using sperm that has been prepared and washed. The sperm is placed directly into the uterus at the exact time you are ovulating for fertilization. This procedure is relatively short and is performed in a medical clinic or doctor's office.

The process of IUI treatment

• Step 1: Before the treatment can start, it is important to have the fertility tested, to see whether IUI treatment or IVF treatment is the right choice. For heterosexual couples, the man's sperm quality is also tested. If the man is struggling with low sperm quality, donor sperm might be necessary.
• Step 2: The next step is determining the optimal time for insemination, which must take place during ovulation. Ovulation typically occurs 12 to 16 days prior to the start of the next menstrual cycle. To ensure that the IUI treatment is performed at the most favourable time, your fertility clinic may conduct one or more ultrasound scans. Additionally, they may recommend a mild hormone stimulation or an ovulation injection to regulate egg production and optimize ovulation timing.
• Step 3: At the time of ovulation, insemination is performed by a fertility doctor, who injects the sperm cells into the woman's uterus. The procedure is almost pain-free and it only takes about 15 - 20 minutes before you can leave the clinic.

Watch the 3D video (Credit: Schering-Plough Corporation) below to see how an IUI works. You can also read more about the success rates when using IUI treatment to fulfil your dream of having a child.

Contact Cryos

If you need more information about donor sperm call 407-203-1175 to learn more about IUI or ICI procedures. You can also follow the link to learn more about IUI vs IVF and what to choose. Email us at [email protected] or use our live online chat during operating hours for a more private option to speak with our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Care Coordinators. They are happy to answer any questions you may have and advise you about your different options.

Join the Family Dreams - Cryos USA group on Facebook to talk to numerous other women who have had success with their IUI and ICI treatments, and now have the families of their dreams.

Articles about donor sperm

• Donor sperm cost
• Pros and cons of using a sperm donor
• Pictures of sperm donors