Artificial Insemination commonly known as IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), is a first-line fertility treatment for most couples dealing with infertility.
IUI treatment is a procedure that directly injects healthy-washed sperms into a female’s cervix, fallopian tubes, or uterus around the time of ovulation when the ovary releases one or more eggs.
The hoped outcome of the Intrauterine Insemination – IUI procedure is to enhance fertilization and increase the likelihood of pregnancy in these couples.
IUI is a common treatment option for:
IUI, this less-invasive treatment is easily performed with a combination of medications.
In some cases, the procedure is carried out naturally, during a woman’s natural ovulation process that too without any medications.
- Male Infertility: Patients with low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or morphology. Also, in males with erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.
- Female Infertility: Young females experiencing ovulatory problems, PCOS, irregular periods, or mild endometriosis.
- Cervical Factors: Females having issues with the cervix or cervical mucus.
- Unexplained Infertility: In cases with no specific reason or factor for infertility.
IUI Is Not A Treatment Option For Patients With
- Blocked or removed fallopian tubes
- Moderate or severe cases of endometriosis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Men with no sperm count (until they are willing to use donor sperm)
Why Is Artificial Insemination – IUI Process Useful?
The process shortens the sperm run and avoids any potential obstacles. IUI treatment is ideal for situations where conception is tough due to low sperm count, low mobility, or sperm allergy.
IUI helps cut down the sperm journey to the egg increasing the chances of conception. However, in cases where the sperm count or mobility is below a specific level, advanced IVF techniques of ICSI and IMSI are beneficial.
How Effective Is Intrauterine Insemination – IUI?
The success of Artificial Insemination depends on the factors of age and fertility problems. In general, for couples who choose IUI, their chances of conceiving multiply every time they do the procedure. This rate gradually increases with the help of fertility medicines.
What to expect during an IUI treatment?
Each fertility clinic and fertility doctor will have their protocol when conducting IUI treatment. It will usually be the following ways:
- Regular visits to the fertility clinic during your periods for ultrasounds and medications.
- Medications and test results will help determine your ovulation period.
- After regular visits for 15-16 days, the male partner will provide a semen sample on the day of the procedure.
- The semen sample will then immediately be taken to the lab, where it will be washed. The lab procedure removes all the seminal fluid and other debris.
- Later, the doctor selects a healthy concentrated sperm for the IUI procedure.
- Using a speculum the doctor will then place the sperm into the cervix, fallopian tubes, or into the uterus with a long, thin tube.
- The female partner will take rest on the exam table for the next 10-30 mins.
- After which you are discharged.
IUI Step-By-Step Treatment Procedure?
The IUI step-by-step treatment procedure includes:
- Egg Stimulation: This is the initial stage of the IUI procedure that stimulates egg growth with injections and medications.
- Ultrasound And Monitoring: Frequent ultrasound and blood monitoring will ensure the treatment is progressing safely.
- Ovulation Induced: As soon as the mature egg is seen, the patient receives a trigger injection, which triggers ovulation within the next 36 hours.
- Semen Sample Collection: During the next visit the male partner gives a sperm sample, which is then washed and processed in the laboratory.
- Insemination: In this procedure, a healthy, mature sperm is inserted into the woman’s cervix, fallopian tubes, or into uterus using a long, thin tube.
- This process is just like a routine pelvic exam
- Follow-up: A week after the IUI procedure, you and your partner will have to visit the fertility clinic to check your progesterone levels.
- Pregnancy test: You can take a home pregnancy test 14 days after the IUI procedure. Later the fertility doctor takes a beta-HCG test to confirm IUI pregnancy.
IUI Is Painful?
No, IUI is not painful.
IUI procedure is a daycare less invasive treatment procedure that does not require anesthesia. You may feel a slight pinching and cramping when the catheter is inserted through the cervix and while the sperm is being injected.
Don’t worry, this cramping is usually pretty short-term.
What are the risks of IUI?
Risks with the IUI treatment are usually:
- Rare chance of hyperstimulation of the ovary
- Side effects of medications
- Multiple pregnancies
- Premature birth
With the right treatment and proper diagnosis, our expert doctors tackle these risks from a minimum to none at Progenesis Fertility Center.
Our team of expert doctors at Progenesis IVF ensures your healthy and successful IUI pregnancy!
What Are The Success Rates Of IUI?
Well, the success rates vary for every individual. It all depends on your particular condition and the treatment provided by your fertility clinic.
The following are the contributing factors:
- Age of the woman
- Severe endometriosis
- Poor egg or sperm quality
- Damage to the fallopian tubes
- Blockage of fallopian tubes
What Is The Cost of IUI Treatment?
IUI cost is not as expensive as other fertility treatments, thus a lot of couples opt for IUI.
Progenesis Fertility center provides you with the most affordable IUI treatment plans.
To know more about the cost of IUI treatment get connected to us at https://progenesisivf.com/book-an-appointment/
IVF vs IUI What’s The Difference?
Here’s a key difference, IVF is a process involving egg stimulation, retrieval, fertilization, and transfer; whereas, an IUI injects sperm into a uterus to decrease the sperm travel time to the egg.
IUI (intrauterine insemination) is a process where sperm is placed directly into the uterus and fertilizes inside the body.
IVF (in-vitro fertilization) on the other hand, is a procedure in which embryos are developed and cultured in a laboratory.
IUI or IVF Which Is Right For Me?
Intrauterine Insemination IUI differs from IVF because fertilization takes place inside the uterus after insertion. Although the technique is less invasive and expensive than IVF, it may not be enough.
Some cases of blocked fallopian tubes, reduced ovarian reserve, erectile dysfunction, and low sperm mobility often require IVF over IUI.
Your doctor after studying your history and case will determine the perfect treatment fit for you.
Takeaway
Every person is unique, and so is their body. Depending on your budget, health condition, requirements, and preferences, you can discuss the treatment options with your doctor.
A lot of couples opt for IUI as it is less expensive. IUI is more effective than natural conception and can even help couples with unexplained infertility.
We find the best treatment fit for you. 6,000+ happy couples, you can be the next! Maximize your chances of IUI success with Progenesis Fertility Center!
FAQs
What is the full form of IUI?
Answer: IUI is Intra Uterine Insemination.
Who should consider IUI?
Answer: Males with low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or morphology
- Women with PCOS/PCOD, mild endometriosis, ovulatory disorder
- Unexplained Infertility
- Females with cervical issues
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
Answer:
During IUI (intrauterine insemination) your doctor places a sperm directly into the uterus and fertilization takes place inside the body.
During IVF(in-vitro fertilization) fertilization development and culturing of embryos takes place in a laboratory.
Is IUI Painful?
Answer: IUI procedure is a daycare less invasive treatment that does not require anesthesia. You might experience a slight pinching and cramping when the catheter is being passed through the cervix and while the sperm is getting injected.
Don’t worry, this cramping is usually pretty short-term.
What are the risks of IUI?
Risks with the IUI treatment are usually:
- Rare chance of hyperstimulation of the ovary
- Side effects of medications
- Multiple pregnancies
- Premature birth
With the right treatment and proper diagnosis, these risks can be tackled from a minimum to none at Progenesis Fertility Center.