The Fertility Treatment No One Talks About and Why It Matters
When most people think about fertility treatments, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing are usually top of mind. However, these aren’t the only options available. Less invasive approaches like intrauterine insemination (IUI) fly under the radar, simply because fewer people know they exist.
Brown Fertility’s Understanding Fertility Perceptions in the U.S. asked participants which fertility or family planning services they had heard of. Here’s what we found:
- 78% had heard of IVF
- 78% had heard of egg freezing
- 46% were familiar with gestational surrogacy
- 38% had heard of IUI
- 12% hadn’t heard of any of the listed options
This gap in awareness can matter more than it seems. If IVF is assumed to be the primary path, individuals may hold off on seeking care, believing treatment is too costly, too invasive, or simply out of reach.
What is IUI?
IUI is a fertility treatment that places concentrated, healthy sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization. It is often recommended for people facing mild fertility challenges such as ovulation disorders, unexplained infertility, or mild male factor infertility. Because it is less invasive and more affordable than IVF, IUI is usually the first line of treatment before progressing to more complex options.
The process generally follows four steps:
- Prep for ovulation: Medication may be used to stimulate the ovaries to produce and mature eggs. Ultrasounds and blood hormone tests pinpoint the best time for insemination. Ovulation is typically triggered with a hormone “trigger shot” about 36 hours before insemination.
- Sperm prep: On the day of insemination, a semen sample (partner or donor) is “washed” in the lab to isolate the healthiest and most mobile sperm.
- Procedure: Using a thin catheter, sperm is placed directly into the uterine cavity during a brief, office-based procedure.
- Aftercare: Mild cramping or spotting can happen, but most resume normal activities the same day. Next steps are provided based on results.
Why Awareness and Engagement Matter
Infertility affects roughly one in eight women of reproductive age in the U.S. Still, only a small percentage actually receive treatment. There are plenty of reasons for this. Some people don’t know where to start or worry about the cost and insurance. Others feel overwhelmed by the entire process. It is no surprise that many put off seeking care when treatment feels intimidating or out of reach.
The good news is that starting the conversation can make a difference. When patients connect with a reproductive specialist or OB-GYN, they open the door to learning about all the options available based on their circumstances. Getting informed early can help patients feel more in control, more hopeful, and less alone during what can be a stressful time.
Making Fertility Care Less Overwhelming
At Brown Fertility, we truly believe that every journey is unique and that informed choices begin with feeling supported. We understand that the emotional and financial sides of fertility care can both feel like a lot, which is why we walk patients through every step, including what to expect cost-wise.
Here’s how we help make high-quality-care accessible and manageable:
- Insurance: We accept a wide range of insurance plans. If understanding your plan feels confusing, our team is will walk you through your benefits and options.
- Military Discount Program: We’re proud to support active-duty service members and veterans. Brown Fertility accepts TRICARE and bills directly for any covered testing or treatment, and eligible patients receive a 10% discount on IVF cycles and other non-covered base procedures.
- Flexible financing options: We’ve partnered with trusted financing providers to help plan at your own pace:
- ARC Fertility offers affordable, predictable payment plans. You can even bundle discounted medications, genetic testing, and donor services into one monthly payment to help simplify things.
- PatientFi provides flexible, no-hassle monthly plans with a fast application, no hidden fees, and no credit score impact. You only finance the treatments you choose, making it easier to move forward at the right time and stay within budget.
- TruPath simplifies costs by offering an all-encompassing plan that includes multiple retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers, giving patients a predictable path forward without the stress of escalating fees.
Fertility care is a big step, but it shouldn’t feel out of reach. Whether you’re just getting started or actively planning next steps, we’re here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.
This post is the third of a three-part series exploring key insights from Brown Fertility’s Understanding Fertility Perceptions in the U.S. study.