Background
  1. Home
  2. Center

IUI Treatment

For a handsome amount of couples with infertility, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) can increase the likelihood of getting pregnant normally.In this, sperm is directly placed inside a woman’s uterus to promote fertilization. It is a way of increasing the number of healthy sperms that reaches fallopian tubes. Though IUI makes it possible for sperm to reach fallopian tubes, it still must reach and fertilize the egg. The goal of IUI is to achieve pregnancy, which is possible if the sperm fertilizes the egg and egg implants properly on the uterus.

IUI is also known as ‘donor insemination’ or ‘artificial insemination’. When compared to IVF, it is a minimum invasive and affordable procedure.

There are many reasons for which you might consider IUI. The path of parenthood comes with many treatment options, which might make you worry more, but remember every approach is valid.

Various factors can cause infertility. However, IUI can be used as a fertility treatment in the following conditions.

  • Unexplained infertility  
  • Endometriosis
  • Cervical (neck of the womb) causes
  • Male-factor- Oligospermia, erectile dysfunction, infectious causes
  • Donor sperm.

 

Technique: IUI is a painless, non-invasive procedure, and it can also be done with your natural cycle without using medication. During your ovulation, sperms collected from your partner are used for IUI.

  • You may have to visit our clinic during menstruation for the blood test, ultrasound, and to receive instructions about medications.
  • If medications are needed, you will be advised to start your medications during your menstrual cycle.
  • After specific number of days, you will be called for an ultrasound and blood test.
  • Depending on your test results, you will be called to examine if you are ovulating, which is after 10 to 15 days of starting your medications.
  • Semen samples from your partner will be collected on the day of the procedure or well before and stored.
  • Sperms will be washed to remove seminal fluid and other debris.
  • IUI does not require anaesthesia; it is a quick procedure and is less painful.
  • You will be made to lie down. Your doctor will use a speculum to open the vagina gently.
  • The sperms will be inserted into the uterus using a long and thin tube.
  • You will be advised to relax in a reclined position for about thirty minutes.
  • You might experience slight discomfort or mild cramping during the procedure. Sometimes spotting or vaginal bleeding is also seen.
  • You will be asked to take a pregnancy test two weeks later.

Things to remember:  There might be chances of infection, but an experienced doctor takes all precautionary measures using sterile instruments to avoid any infection. If you are taking fertility medication during IUI, there are chances of multiple pregnancies. Your fertility doctor will adjust the medication and keep monitoring you to avoid any complications.

You may experience Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome when there is an over-response to fertility medication. Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Severe abdominal pain or pain in the pelvic area
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Bloating of the abdomen
  • Diarrhoea

Advantages:

  • Fewer medications needed
  • Less expensive
  • Less Invasive

Pitfall:

  • Addresses only few issues
  • Low success rate as compared to IVF
  • Not as effective as IVF in decreasing the chances of miscarriages
  • Multiple pregnancies can lead to high-risk pregnancy

If you are facing infertility issues and want to know if IUI is the right choice for you, then consulting a fertility doctor can help. By analysing your health and cause of infertility, your doctor can determine if you can consider IUI.