Multiple IUI Failure- What should be your next step?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment method that improves pregnancy chances by injecting carefully prepared sperm straight into the uterus, the organ in which a baby develops.

IUI involves inserting sperm around the time an ovary releases one or more eggs. The sperm and egg should combine in the fallopian tube, which connects the uterus to the ovaries. If this occurs, it results in pregnancy. The method is also known as artificial insemination.

But what happens when there is a case of multiple IUI failures occur in a patient? Let’s find out!

The Factors That Influence IUI Success

It is difficult to predict the success rate of IUI because each couple reacts differently to it. Some of the things that can influence the outcome are as follows:

• The woman’s age
• Ovarian reserve
• The parameters of the husband’s sperm
• The root cause of infertility
• Use of certain medications
• Other undisclosed fertility issues

IUI Failure Causes

Repeated IUI failures can be caused by a number of factors, including those listed below:

• Age: For women under the age of 35, the probability of IUI success is between 15-20% per attempt, and begins to decline beyond that. IUI has no impact on women beyond the age of 40.
• Poor egg quality: Poor quality eggs are more likely to have chromosomal abnormalities and to remain undivided after fertilization, resulting in poor embryos.
• Poor sperm quality: Poor sperm quality cells may not be motile or powerful enough to make it to the fallopian tubes. If no sperm is present within 12-24 hours following ovulation, the egg in the fallopian tube dissolves.
• Endometrial lining: If the endometrial lining is not healthy, the fertilized egg will not be able to enter the cavity.
• Ovulation problems: If there are ovulation problems or a lack of ovulation, no egg cells are created for fertilization.
• Progesterone deficiency: Progesterone hormone deficiency can result in IUI failure because it is required to maintain a pregnancy.
• Severe infertility: IUI may not be advised in some cases of infertility. Women with tubal obstruction, endometriosis, or a history of pelvic infections may not be suitable candidates for IUI.
• Unknown causes of infertility: In other cases, the cause of infertility is unknown, making determining the appropriate course of treatment challenging.

Steps to Take After the First Failed IUI

Don’t give up if your first IUI doesn’t result in a fruitful pregnancy. First and foremost, speak with your reproductive doctor to determine what caused the failure and to discuss possible future actions. This may entail additional diagnostic tests, alterations in medications or treatment procedures, or consideration of alternative reproductive treatments.

Steps to Take After Multiple Failed IUI Cycles

If a woman has had 3-4 failed IUI cycles, is over the age of 35, and has a poor ovarian reserve, after failing IUI, she should consider IVF as a serious treatment option.

Various studies and research have demonstrated that IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) and, in the case of severe male factor infertility, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) can significantly raise the chances of pregnancy and overcome IUI failure.

It is critical to get expert advice before deciding on fertility treatments. You should speak with fertility specialists at a reputed IVF clinic. They can also advise you about the success rates, risks and costs associated with each treatment so that you make a well-informed decision.

So, if you are having fertility problems, don’t be hesitant to get the help you need and do not give up hope on becoming a parent.

Also check:

Causes of IUI Failure and Chances of Successful Pregnancy After Failed IUI

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