Top fertility experts are talking about intratubal insemination (ITI) right now – here’s what you need to know

Exploring fertility treatment options? You’ve probably come across IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF (in vitro fertilization), as well as a whole host of medications.

But what if there was something in between? A newer, less invasive option that’s approved by regulatory bodies worldwide, accessible without the need for any kind of formal infertility diagnosis, and starting to get real buzz among fertility doctors?

Enter intratubal insemination with FemaSeed

Intratubal insemination (ITI) with FemaSeed is a clinically-backed first-line treatment created by an incredible female founder and inventor at Femasys. 

Here’s what the experts are saying about it, and why it might be worth bringing up at your next appointment.

What is intratubal insemination (ITI) and why is it making waves in fertility care?

In simple terms, ITI places sperm directly into the fallopian tube, where fertilization naturally happens. With FemaSeed’s non-surgical, in-office catheter system, sperm are guided right to where they need to go, giving them the best possible shot at meeting the egg.

Its unique and safe approach is appealing to both doctors and patients because it combines precision with accessibility. 

ITI with FemaSeed is ideal for those who:

• have at least one functioning fallopian tube
• ovulate regularly
• are experiencing unexplained infertility or male factor
• aren’t ready for (or don’t need) traditional IVF

Dr. Michael Glassner, Founding Partner and Medical Director of Main Line Fertility & Reproductive Medicine, explains: “For more than 20 years, current approaches to infertility treatment have been limited during the initial stage of therapeutic care, but with the advancement of FemaSeed, we believe a next generation intrauterine procedure may have the opportunity to truly change this traditional paradigm.” 

What does the research say? Breaking down the data

Let’s talk data (don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple). FemaSeed’s effectiveness comes from a prospective clinical study, which means researchers tracked outcomes in real time, rather than relying on old records. This kind of research tends to give a clearer, more accurate picture.

So what did it show? Insights suggested that Femaseed’s ITI procedure is both well tolerated and effective, potentially more so than traditional IUI for certain patient groups.

Experts are especially encouraged by these results for the fact that this is a non-surgical, single-visit procedure that works with your natural cycle. For you as a patient, that could mean:

• fewer interventions
• lower costs compared to IVF
• more convenience if you’re navigating an already complex fertility journey

Dr. Jamil Mroueh, Reproductive Endocrinologist at Boston IVF, shares: “I worked extensively with FemaSeed during our initial clinical evaluation and was consistently impressed with the ease of use and patient satisfaction to this new treatment. My patients expressed their excitement over FemaSeed as a new advancement and I believe we will be able to help more women now that we can provide this important treatment widely.”

ITI shows promise for higher pregnancy rates than traditional IUI

When you’re considering fertility treatments, success rates matter. And according to data from FemaSeed’s prospective study, 1 in 4 women became pregnant, with most success occurring on the first cycle.

This shows that ITI has proven promise for higher pregnancy rates than traditional IUI, particularly for those with male factor infertility.

Here’s how the options stack up:

• IUI: Less invasive, but lower success rates and less targeted sperm delivery
• IVF: Highly effective, but costly, invasive, and time-consuming
• ITI with FemaSeed: More precise than IUI, less invasive than IVF, and more effective for patients with low male sperm count.

Want more detail on the differences? Peep our previous explainer on FemaSeed’s ITI vs IUI here

In this way, ITI is emerging as a first-line fertility treatment – ideal for those who are feeling sidelined because they want more than IUI but aren’t yet ready (or don’t need) to go through IVF and the financial and physical challenges it can bring.

What’s next for ITI in fertility treatment?

Fertility clinics and researchers are keeping a close eye on this one, and for good reason.

Here’s what’s happening now:

• ITI with FemaSeed is approved by regulatory bodies worldwide
• ITI is not yet standard everywhere – but availability is growing
• more clinics across the US are beginning to offer FemaSeed
• demand is rising from patients seeking affordable and effective alternatives to IVF

Researchers are now exploring expanded use cases, such as how ITI might perform in patients with different diagnoses or when combined with other supportive treatments. But really, it all comes down to having the choice.

According to Dr. Bradford Kolb, President of HRC Fertility, “FemaSeed is a progressive solution for the front end of care that will be a valuable addition to our suite of options, demonstrating our commitment to offer patients choices as they embark or continue their journey to parenthood.”

This buzz from fertility conferences and physician panels suggests that ITI is well on its way to becoming a mainstream offering in the not-so-distant future. 

So, how can you access ITI as a path forward for your own fertility journey?

Ask your physician about intratubal insemination with FemaSeed

Intratubal insemination with FemaSeed represents an exciting development in fertility care. It’s safe, non-surgical, clinic-based, and designed to deliver sperm directly to where fertilization naturally happens, with real data pointing to an increase in pregnancy success rates.

It’s a strong first-line option for many, especially if you’re dealing with unexplained infertility or male factor issues.

If that sounds like you, bring it up at your next appointment. It’s that simple. Ask your doctor about FemaSeed and whether ITI could work for your situation.

It never hurts to ask – and taking an active role in your care can make a real difference.

Want to learn more? Jump over to FemaSeed’s FAQs for further expert insight, and bookmark their resources page and handy diagnostic sheet to take with you to your appointment.