CCRM FERTILITY CLINIC IN SEATTLE, WA
IUI in Bellevue, WA – intrauterine insemination (artificial insemination)
Serving the greater Seattle area
IUI near Seattle with partner or donor sperm
Intrauterine insemination, also referred to as artificial insemination, is a common treatment where sperm (partner or donor) is placed directly into the woman’s uterus during ovulation. This “head start” increases the odds that more sperm reaches the fallopian tubes then would have through sex. The sperm will still have to reach the egg and fertilize it on its own.
Not all patients need high-tech procedures such as IVF. At CCRM Fertility of Seattle, we have hundreds of successful pregnancies from IUI treatment alone. It’s easier, cheaper and may be all the treatment that you need. When medically appropriate, we recommend patients try a few rounds of IUI before moving to IVF.
The insemination procedure
The artificial insemination process involves washing and processing the sperm sample. This processing results in a much cleaner and more concentrated sample with most of the non-motile sperm and other fluids removed. Once the sperm is ready we can inject it into the woman’s uterus in a simple 5-minute office procedure. We perform a speculum exam just like a Pap smear visit, use a fine catheter to inject the sperm into the inside of the uterus, then remove the speculum and let you lay down for 10-15 minutes while the sperm are moving to the fallopian tubes. For most women, the procedure is painless or accompanied by no more than mild cramping.
IUI increases the number of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes
IUIs can be done naturally, or with additional fertility medications. The physicians will discuss the pros and cons of each approach and give their recommendations. Most treatments are performed with the help of medications such as clomid or letrozole (Femara), and/or injectable gonadotropins. Natural cycles may be appropriate for some women with regular periods.
Partner sperm or donor sperm?
We can perform artificial insemination with partner sperm (fresh or frozen) or frozen donor sperm. Here are some of the reasons to choose each option:
Fresh partner sperm
- Mild to moderate sperm problems (male factor infertility)
- Cervical factors such as previous LEEP procedure
- Drugs affecting cervical mucus production, including Clomid
Frozen partner sperm
- Sperm frozen prior to cancer treatment or other toxic medications (such as immunosuppressants)
- Male partners who travel frequently, or live or work out-of-town
Donor sperm
- Severe sperm problems (male factor infertility)
- Single women
- Same-sex couples
More information about using a sperm donor.
What are the risks of IUIs treatment?
If you are taking fertility medications during your IUI cycle then there is an increased chance of multiples. There is also a small risk of infection. Your physician will discuss these risk in detail with you before artificialinsemination treatment starts.
How successful is artificial insemination treatment?
Success depends on many factors and will vary depending on the patient. Success rates for Artificial Insemination can reach as high as 20% for some women. For this reason, we typically recommend planning on going through several rounds of treatment. Your physician will be better able to discuss your potential success rates with IUI.
Why choose IUI treatment at CCRM Fertility of Seattle?
First, we will measure your sperm numbers and quality accurately before you start treatment, and with every artificial insemination attempt. This allows us to identify couples where the sperm count is not ideal for IUI treatments.
Second, we are the first clinic in the US, and the only clinic in the Pacific Northwest, to use RFID tags to track patient samples. The sperm sample is tracked from the first collection container, through the andrology lab where the sperm sample is prepared, to the clinic where we perform the insemination. Finally, the ID of the sample is checked by the patient before it is used. This system was specifically designed for the fertility laboratory and we believe should be adopted industry-wide.
Of course we still write your names on all of the containers, but this is an extra layer of security that we have provided for all our IUI patients since 2007.
Third, we offer unique financial options, including discounted package prices or credit towards IVF.
We are pleased to be the first clinic in the Pacific Northwest to make IUI treatment more accessible, with our two new programs. The first is the Peace of Mind multi-cycle IUI discount program where you can prepay for three cycles of artificial insemination at a substantial discount. The second program, for couples who want to try to get pregnant with IUI before moving on to IVF if needed, gives you a credit towards IVF if the IUI treatment doesn’t result in a pregnancy.
IUI vs IVF in Bellevue, WA: Which treatment is right for you?
If you’re considering fertility treatment in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, understanding when to choose IUI vs IVF can help you take the next step with confidence.
IUI (intrauterine insemination) is often recommended as a first step because it is:
- Less invasive
- More affordable
- Ideal for mild male infertility, ovulation issues, or unexplained infertility
IVF (in vitro fertilization) may be recommended when:
- You want the highest success rates per cycle
- You have more complex fertility challenges (blocked tubes, advanced maternal age, low ovarian reserve)
- IUI has not been successful
- You need advanced options like genetic testing (PGT) or fertility preservation
At CCRM Fertility of Seattle, our Bellevue-based fertility specialists create personalized treatment plans to help you determine whether starting with IUI or moving directly to IVF is the best path forward.
Specialized IUI services at CCRM Fertility of Seattle
CCRM Fertility of Seattle offers tailored IUI treatment plans designed to support diverse paths to parenthood. Our expertise allows us to provide advanced care for conditions and family-building needs that benefit from specialized insemination approaches.
For patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), IUI combined with ovulation induction can significantly improve the chances of conception. Our specialists use evidence-based protocols, careful cycle monitoring, and hormonal assessments to optimize egg development and timing.
CCRM Fertility is proud to provide welcoming, inclusive fertility care to LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. Our lesbian IUI and donor-sperm IUI services offer affirming pathways to parenthood, and our team ensures each step—from donor selection to monitoring—is personalized and supportive.
Whether you’re navigating PCOS, using donor sperm, or comparing treatment options, CCRM Fertility of Seattle offers some of the most advanced IUI care available in the NYC metro area.
Learn more about the IUI procedure
CCRM Fertility of Seattle
11232 NE 15th St, Suite 201
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 646-4700
Fax: (425) 646-1076
Hours
Monday-Wednesday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday-Friday: 9:00am – 4:30pm
Weekends: 9:00am – 12:00pm