One of the main things preventing couples from enjoying a family life is the problem of infertility. But with a variety of effective treatment choices, couples can now hope to conceive. Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is one of such treatment that helps people conceive.
IUI is a reproductive treatment in which sperm from the male partner is delivered to the female partner’s uterus. The goal of this treatment is to transfer the maximum amount of healthy sperm from the male partner in order to increase the chances of conception.
IUI increases the likelihood of conception by introducing specially prepared sperm straight into the uterus, the part of the body where a baby develops. The method is also known as artificial insemination.
IUI involves inserting sperm at the time when the ovary releases one or more eggs. The desired goal is for the sperm and egg to combine in the fallopian tube, which connects the uterus and ovaries. This can result in pregnancy.
Intrauterine insemination can be coordinated with a person’s menstrual cycle. During each monthly cycle, one of the two ovaries releases an egg. Alternatively, fertility medications may be used in conjunction with IUI to stimulate egg production in the ovaries. The particular approach employed is determined by the causes of infertility.
Who is intrauterine insemination for?
Doctors may suggest IUI for couples who:
- Have been attempting to conceive for at least one year with no recognized cause of infertility.
- Include a male partner with subfertile semen characteristics (slightly reduced sperm count or motility).
- Include a female partner with scar tissue on her cervix.
- Want to utilize donor sperm to get pregnant?
- IUI isn’t only for couples. It may also help individuals who wish to utilize donor sperm to get pregnant.
Tips for Planning a Successful IUI
Choose an experienced expert: Select a fertility expert who provides evidence-based, successful IUI treatment. Your fertility expert’s experience and expertise are critical when executing sensitive treatments such as IUI. Choose an expert who can make swift decisions to ensure a good procedure.
Eat a well-balanced diet: The success of IUI is heavily dependent on what you eat. Maintain a well-balanced diet to help you achieve your pregnancy goals. During this hour, you are most in need of a nutritious diet.
Maintain your fitness: Exercise regularly and maintain a moderate fitness routine. Maintaining fitness during and after treatment is half the battle. This significantly increases the odds of becoming pregnant.
Quit smoking: Quitting smoking can improve your well-being at any point in time. The success of IUI is no exception. Avoiding or completely giving up smoking is a wonderful way to attain success.
Anxiety and stress management: Make sure you’re not overly stressed about having to undergo IUI. Relax and take care of yourself while planning your treatment.
Tips for the Day of IUI Procedure
Prior to your IUI, you will be given information on how to prepare. Many fertility specialists prefer that you come in with a full bladder and will tell you how much water you should drink beforehand. If you’re using a fresh semen sample, you’ll need to coordinate with your male partner. Know what else to expect during your IUI procedure:
Ovulation Detection: You may be advised to conduct at-home urine tests to determine ovulation. Once detected, contact your nurse for further measurements.
Ovulation Induction: If necessary, you may be requested to take a trigger shot to initiate ovulation.
IUI Procedure: 1-2 days after the trigger shot, you will return to your clinic. The male spouse gives a sperm sample an hour before the treatment, or previously frozen sperm is used. This sperm goes through a specific wash to separate and isolate the fastest swimmers.
Intrauterine Injection: Selected sperm is placed into a catheter and gently inserted into the uterus. This stage is usually painless and similar to the sensation of a pap smear.
Tips For After IUI
After completing your treatment, the wait to see whether the procedure was successful or not begins. During this time, you must do the following:
De-stress: Between 9 and 14 days after your IUI, you will return to the fertility specialist’s office for a blood test to assess whether or not the procedure was effective. The waiting period before your pregnancy test can be extremely daunting. Take time for yourself by seeing a counselor, spending time with your partner, getting a massage, or journaling. Engage in enjoyable activities or practice relaxation techniques.
Avoid hot baths: You should avoid taking hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas until you have been cleared by your doctor. Heat can interfere with the implantation procedure, so exercise caution.
Manage your expectations: Your IUI, like other reproductive procedures, may not work. Staying positive can help many individuals get through the wait, but remember that if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t rule out future IUIs. It also does not imply that you have done anything wrong.
When is IUI not recommended?
IUI is not suggested for people who come under the following circumstances:
- Women with mild to severe endometriosis.
- Women whose fallopian tubes have been badly damaged or blocked.
- Women who have had vaginal infections or scar tissue.
- Men who are unable to generate sperm or have a low count.
The success of your IUI is determined by your age, fertility diagnosis, and the amount of time you’ve tried to conceive. It is also important to consider where you will receive your treatment. For best results, ensure that your treatment takes place at a reputable fertility clinic and is overseen by an experienced fertility specialist.