IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination, is a popular fertility treatment where healthy sperm cells are injected into a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. IUI is a simple and non-invasive procedure that is commonly used in cases where couples experience difficulty in conceiving.
Advantages of IUI
Increased chance of pregnancy: IUI improves the chance of fertilization because it places sperm directly in the uterus, close to the fallopian tubes where fertilization occurs.
Lower cost compared to other fertility treatments: IUI is less expensive than in vitro fertilization (IVF), making it a more affordable option for couples who are struggling with infertility.
Minimal discomfort: The IUI procedure is relatively simple and does not require general anesthesia, which means it is generally less painful and more comfortable than other fertility treatments.
No need for medication to stimulate ovulation: In some cases, IUI can be performed without the use of fertility medication to stimulate ovulation, which can reduce the risk of complications and side effects associated with fertility drugs.
Can be used in combination with other treatments: IUI can be combined with other fertility treatments, such as ovulation induction or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), to further improve the chances of success.
Fewer risks of multiple pregnancies: IUI has a lower risk of multiple pregnancies than other fertility treatments, such as IVF, which can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the babies.
Helpful for male fertility issues: IUI can be used to treat some male fertility issues, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility, by placing a higher concentration of healthy sperm closer to the egg.
Steps involved in IUI Treatment
Ovarian stimulation: The woman is given fertility medication to stimulate ovulation, which helps to increase the number of eggs that are released during ovulation.
Monitoring of ovulation: The woman’s ovulation is monitored through ultrasound and blood tests to determine the optimal time for the IUI treatment.
Sperm preparation: The sperm sample is prepared through a process called sperm wash, which involves removing dead or slow-moving sperm cells and concentrating the quality sperm.
Insemination: The healthy sperm is injected into the woman’s uterus through a small catheter.
Post-procedure care: After the procedure, the woman may be advised to rest for a short period and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
IUI is a relatively low-cost fertility treatment, which makes it a popular choice for many couples. It is considered less invasive than other fertility treatments, such as IVF, which is a more complicated and expensive process.
How long is the IUI process from beginning to end?
Four weeks, or around 28 days, are needed to complete the IUI procedure from start to finish. It roughly corresponds to a menstrual cycle in duration. In addition to taking a trigger shot to release one egg, women who undergo the IUI process typically need to have their ovaries stimulated in advance to help the eggs develop. Only then can the insemination occur once the sperm sample has been prepared. This stimulation process may take place over a 10-day timeframe.
What do you do to prepare for IUI treatment?
You’ll need to do some tests before the IUI treatment to make sure it’s the best step for you and to assist your doctor in better understanding your reproductive requirements. For example, blood tests will be performed on you to check for the hormones that control your ovarian reserve and your genetic makeup to see whether you have any particular diseases. Your spouse will also be inspected and tested. These tests may include:
Uterine exam.
Blood tests.
Semen analysis.
Ultrasounds of your uterus.
Screening for sexually transmitted infections and other contagious diseases.
Precautions during IUI Procedure
Here are a few things that answer your question about what to do after IUI procedure or during the procedure. You could have a successful pregnancy if you take the following actions:
Take your folic acid.
Have a balanced diet and take care of yourself.
Avoid doing vigorous activities.
Maintain a healthy sleep routine.
Avoid drinking and smoking.
Don’t take any painkillers.
Try to stay away from dangerous radiation sources.
Regularly visit your fertility specialist
Do’s
Prioritise your health. Before you can work towards having a healthy baby, it is essential that you are fit first – both physically and mentally.
Manage stress and address any challenges you may have by seeking support.
Keep yourself physically active by exercising moderately.
Sleep 8 hours every night.
Keep your nutrition in check – a balanced diet is key and so is keeping track of your vitamins.
Give heed to your IVF specialist’s advice.
Take it one step at a time and be positive.
Don’t
Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
Decrease caffeine intake.
Abstain from ejaculation 2-3 days prior to collection of semen sample.
Success Rate of IUI
The success rate of IUI fluctuates depending on many factors, such as the age of the woman, the reason for infertility and the quality of the sperm injected.
The success rate of IUI is highest for couples experiencing infertility due to issues with the male sperm. In these cases, the sperm from the male partner can be washed and concentrated before being injected into the uterus, which can improve the chances of successful fertilisation. However, the success rate of IUI is lower for couples experiencing infertility due to issues with the woman’s reproductive system.
Overall, the success rate of IUI ranges from 10-20% per cycle, with up to 80% of couples achieving pregnancy after six cycles of IUI. However, the success rate of IUI decreases as the woman’s age increases, with a success rate of only 4% for women over the age of 40.
Why choose Babybloom Fertility?
We understand your dreams of expanding your family and that undergoing infertility treatment may seem like a taxing processes. At Babybloom Fertility, Best IUI treatment in Delhi our excellent doctors are equipped to help you every step of the way, and to ensure that you have seamless stepping stones onto parenthood.
You will be putting your trust in the able hands of our doctors who have notched one of the highest IVF success rates in India, with 1,40,000+ successful IVF pregnancies.
You will be in the care of highly specialised doctors trained in using the best-in-class technology to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.
You will be able to attain your parental aspirations sooner as it is our endeavour to ensure that you are able to conceive with the least possible number of ART cycles.
Your case is unique and we have solutions specific to your needs – this includes utilising donor eggs and/or sperms. We’ve got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
When is IUI recommended?
IUI is recommended when couples experience unexplained infertility as well as cervical hostility in the female patient and male infertility. When these conditions impact the ability of sperms to enter through the cervix into the uterus and fertilise the egg, IUI is the preferred treatment option.
When is IUI not recommended?
In some cases of infertility, females may experience low ovarian reserve, infections in cervix making a hostile environment for sperms, tubal diseases where both fallopian tubes are compromised, and moderate to severe cases of endometriosis. In such cases, IUI is not a recommended process; rather, in vitro fertilisation would be the preferred option with better outcomes.
Is IUI better than IVF?
The use case for IUI and IVF are different and the success rate of either depends on the patient’s case. IUI is a less invasive procedure that requires hormonal stimulation in the female and collected/donor sperms are placed inside the uterus; IVF in comparison requires more steps including ovum pickup, fertilisation of egg and sperm in the laboratory, laser assisted hatching, and embryo transfer.
What are the risks involved?
There are no major risks involved with IUI. The female may experience mild cramping after the procedure which goes away in a while and/or spotting for a short duration.
Is it safe to have intercourse before and after IUI?
It is suggested that the male partner abstains from ejaculating for 2-3 days before the collection of a semen samples in order to collect the maximum number of sperms and ensure their quality. After the procedure is performed, it is safe to have sexual intercourse 3-4 days later.
