Basic Treatment Options

At Aspire Houston Fertility Institute, we understand that fertility treatment is not “one size fits all.” Every patient at HFI is on their individual journey and deserves a plan that incorporates their specific health concerns. Whether that plan is for basic or advanced treatment, we want you to understand the rationale and science behind our evidence-based approach to helping you achieve parenthood.

Ovulation Induction and Timed Intercourse

Timed intercourse is the most basic recommendation we make to aspiring parents. Many of our patients have already tried this approach by using Clomid (clomiphene citrate) or Femara (letrozole) with their referring physician prior to seeing their consultation with us. Typically, this type of treatment cycle will begin by taking medicines (oral or injections) to grow anywhere from one to four eggs.

Once these eggs are mature, our proivders will generally recommend that the patient take a “trigger” medicine to help start ovulation. Then, patients are instructed to have intercourse at a specific time to maximize the likelihood for sperm to fertilize an egg and implant a pregnancy. While some people who practice timed intercourse will get pregnant, success rates are typically higher with other types of treatment.

Ovulation Induction and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Ovulation induction is often paired with intrauterine insemination, or IUI. Typically, ovulation induction begins with ovarian stimulation using either pills or injections. Ultrasounds are then performed during this phase to monitor the growth of one to four eggs, on average. Once egg growth is confirmed, a trigger shot is given to induce ovulation and one or two IUI procedures are performed, placing sperm into the uterus and tubes to increase the likelihood of fertilization. IUI is most commonly used in cases with slightly abnormal sperm counts, irregular ovulation, blockage in the cervix, or when there is unexplained infertility.

To perform IUI, a semen sample needs to be washed before it is placed into the uterus. Once the sample is ready, a physician will place a speculum to visualize the cervix, similar to what is done during a pap smear. On average, the procedure takes anywhere from one to two minutes, and patients can return to their normal activity within 10 minutes of the procedure. Following IUI, your physician may recommend progesterone supplementation in the form of pills, cream, or injections.

At Aspire HFI, only providers will perform your IUI.

If you have more questions about IUI and want to know if it may be a good fit for you, contact us for a consultation today.