Why Does IUI Fail? Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do Next
Expert Verified
How is this page expert verified?
This information has been reviewed and approved by an experienced fertility specialist at Indira IVF to provide accurate and up-to-date guidance for our readers.
x
Disclosure
The information provided here serves as a general guide and does not constitute medical advice. We strongly advise consulting a certified fertility expert for professional assessment and personalized treatment recommendations.
Overview
IUI is one of the most sought-after fertility treatments among couples around the world due to its convenience, affordability, and low risk. It primarily acts as a saviour not only for couples experiencing infertility issues but also for same-sex couples who cannot conceive naturally. While IUI can be highly effective and successful, many factors influence its outcome, and it does not always result in pregnancy. This leads couples to wonder why IUI fails and how they can improve their chances of pregnancy through IUI. This article explains the reasons for IUI failure, the symptoms of failure, and the natural chances of pregnancy after a failed IUI.
Why IUI Fails? (Common Reasons for IUI Failure)
No doctor can predict the success rate of an IUI before or after the procedure, as each human body reacts differently. Here are some reasons for IUI failure, including both medical and lifestyle factors.
- Poor egg quality: If an egg is of poor quality, it may have chromosomal abnormalities and remain undivided after fertilisation. Some eggs lead to even weak embryos.
- Low sperm motility: If a sperm isn’t motile enough, it isn’t strong enough to be fertilised and reach the fallopian tube.
- Blocked or scarred fallopian tubes: IUI is a treatment that heavily relies on the proper functioning of the fallopian tubes. An unhealthy fallopian tube cannot result in a successful IUI treatment.
- Thin endometrial lining: If there’s a thin endometrial lining, the fertilised egg will not be able to embed in the uterine cavity.
- Ovulation disorders: If your ovulation cycle is irregular or you have a hormonal imbalance, it means that the ovaries don’t release an egg, leading to a failed IUI.
- Age factor and unexplained infertility: For women under 35 years old, the success rate per IUI cycle is around 15% to 20%. IUI success is almost impossible for women over 40.
Failed IUI Symptoms – How to Identify?
Oftentimes, when IUI fails, the body shows symptoms for the patient to recognise. However, most of the time, these symptoms go unnoticed as they resemble those of a menstrual cycle. Generally speaking, if fertilisation hasn’t occurred, your body will return to its normal ovulation cycle, and hormonal balance will be re-established. Women can check if implantation has taken place by taking a pregnancy test after two weeks. Women may experience some emotional highs and lows, but this usually does not indicate pregnancy. Some symptoms of IUI failure include:
- Period-like cramps
- Spotting or bleeding before periods
- No rise in HCG (negative pregnancy test)
- Regular periods resuming after the IUI cycle
Chances of Natural Pregnancy After Failed IUI
A failed IUI does not signify the end of your fertility journey. Many couples conceive naturally after experiencing one or more unsuccessful IUI cycles. The likelihood of a natural pregnancy following failed IUI largely depends on factors such as female age, egg quality, sperm motility, and overall reproductive health.
The fertility rate for women under 35 who experience no serious fertility issues ranges from 15% to 20% in the first few months following an unsuccessful IUI procedure. Hormone treatments and follicle development during IUI cycles can temporarily improve fertility rates in specific cases. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and monitoring ovulation can help you conceive naturally in the interval between your IUI treatments.
What to Do After a Failed IUI Cycle?
A failed IUI can be emotionally discouraging, but remember it is not the end of your fertility options. The next step is to consult your fertility specialist to review possible factors such as egg quality, sperm count, timing of insemination, or uterine issues. After analysing the IUI, your doctor may repeat the cycle with improved protocols to enhance results.
- Consult your fertility specialist to review why the IUI failed and look out for any issues.
- Repeat IUI with improved techniques such as trigger shots, ovarian stimulation, or sperm washing.
- Consider more advanced treatments, like IVF, if multiple IUI cycles are unsuccessful.
- Practice healthy lifestyle changes: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
When to Choose IVF?
IVF is a fertility treatment for couples who fail to achieve pregnancy even after unprotected sex after trying for one year. IVF after a failed IUI also helps couples enjoy parenthood. It is also a choice when other medical problems make it impossible to conceive through natural methods. Some reasons to choose IVF include:
- Disorders in ovulation
- Obstruction of fallopian tubes
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Hormonal imbalances
- Low sperm count in men
- Immotile or malformed sperms
- Unexplained infertility in men and women
- Higher risk of genetic disorders
- An infertility specialist will recommend IVF after diagnosing the cause of infertility, medical problems, and history of fertility treatments.
Conclusion
Remember that no medical treatment guarantees a 100% success rate. Failures can occur, and although it can be emotionally, mentally, and physically challenging, you should not be discouraged. Fertility specialists are always there to support you and ensure your fertility journey does not become discouraging. With accurate diagnosis and treatment adjustments, your chances of conception remain optimistic. Most importantly, never lose hope, because seeing those tiny toes makes everything worthwhile.
Common Questions Asked
How many times should I try IUI before moving to IVF?
Fertility specialists recommend undergoing at least 3-4 cycles of IUI before proceeding to IVF. After each subsequent attempt of IUI, the chances of pregnancy reduce, and doctors typically suggest resorting to IVF to boost fertility chances.
Can you get pregnant naturally after a failed IUI?
Yes, you can conceive naturally after a failed IUI. Some couples conceive naturally in between IUI cycles if there are no major fertility issues. .
Can stress cause IUI to fail?
Though the chances are low, it is not completely impossible. High stress levels are associated with a negative impact on hormones, ovulation and overall reproductive health.
Is there a risk of birth defects through IVF?
IVF is a popular assistive reproductive technique used throughout the globe. Millions of babies are born to date through this technique, and no such reports are seen of increased risk of birth defects through IVF. The doctors carry out proper screening and tests to avoid any such defects.
How soon after failing an IUI can I try again?
Doctors typically recommend taking a short break before the next attempt to relax and monitor the body’s response. However, it is possible to attempt IUI at your next menstrual cycle, which will be approximately 4-6 weeks.
Do failed IUI delay periods?
In some cases, a failed IUI can delay your period by a few days due to hormonal medications used during the cycle.
Why would an IUI be unsuccessful?
Several factors can cause IUI failure, including poor egg or sperm quality, timing issues, blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalance, or uterine problems
What to do after 3 failed IUIs?
After three unsuccessful IUI cycles, it’s important to reassess your treatment plan. Your doctor may recommend switching to IVF or advanced fertility testing to identify underlying causes.
How to boost IUI success?
Follow prescribed medication schedules carefully, Time the IUI accurately around ovulation, Maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight, Limit caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, Manage stress through yoga or relaxation techniques, Choose an experienced fertility clinic for accurate monitoring and treatment.