IUI
Intrauterine insemination, more commonly known as IUI, is defined as a procedure in which a fine tube (catheter) is inserted through the female cervix (the natural opening of the uterus) into the womb to deposit the collected sperm directly into the uterus. The technique is a straightforward procedure and does not involve any complications. Like all fertility treatment techniques, the primary purpose of IUI is to fertilise the eggs to achieve pregnancy.
Thus, IUI is an artificial insemination procedure wherein the sperm is medically washed and concentrated before the treatment process. To increase the chances of fertilisation, the collected sperm is placed directly in the uterus around the time the ovary releases eggs.
Do You Have Any Questions?
Who Needs IUI?
Artificial insemination treatment techniques or IUI are used together with ovulation induction medications to treat patients facing infertility issues. Compared to other fertility treatments like IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), the IUI is more affordable and is also considered a non-invasive treatment process.
The medical technique of IUI or artificial insemination can be effective for patients with:
- Cervical factor – abnormalities of cervical canal or cervical mucus.
- A single woman who wants to conceive
- Patent (open) fallopian tubes
- Unexplained infertility
- Mostly normal sperm evaluation
- Problems with erection or ejaculation
- Some ovulatory abnormalities – PCOS, irregular menstrual cycles,
- Absence of or minimal endometriosis (Mild or Stage I-II Endometriosis)
- Complete absence of sperm in the male (azoospermia)
- When a couple wants to avoid passing a genetic condition to the child
With the awareness in society and the advancement in technology, the technique of IUI is often recommended to same-sex couples. IUI with donor sperm is one of the most optimised ways to achieve pregnancy.
It is needless to say that IUI or artificial insemination helps couples treat infertility. However, IUI can not be recommended to couples who have:
- Ovarian failure (menopause) or diminished ovarian reserve (high FSH).
- Severe tubal damage or tubal blockage.
- Advanced stages of endometriosis.
- Advanced female age (>40 years old). Women who are in their late thirties are generally recommended the process of IVF.
- Severe male factor infertility can also result in a failed IUI. In this, the sperm count morphology and motility scores are significantly abnormal.
Factors that Determine the Success of IUI
When the blockage is near the ovary, the success rate of Intrauterine insemination or IUI is 11.7%. But when the blockage is close to the uterus, the success rate is 38.1%. The technique of IUI is highly beneficial for couples where the male partner is facing fertility issues. Under expert guidance and care, the couples will surely benefit from the procedure of IUI.
However, some crucial factors determine the success of Intrauterine insemination IUI. The details of which have been comprehensively discussed below.
Read along to have a better understanding-
Age: In determining the success of the IUI technique, age plays an important role. The success rate of the IUI treatment procedure significantly drops with an increase in age (this is primarily because the egg quality decreases with progressing age). Thus to conceive, one may need repeated IUI cycles.
Timing: When it comes to successful fertilisation, the timing plays an important role. The entire process is planned. Everything is scheduled depending upon the patient’s body, from collecting the sperm sample to the medicine timing and doses. Delay in any part can affect the success rate of conception and, in turn, IUI. The timing of IUI is fixed around the time of ovulation.
IUI or Intrauterine insemination has the lowest success rates in the situation where:
- You have had multiple pelvic infections.
- You have moderate to severe endometriosis.
- You have had both fallopian tubes blocked or removed.
- You have severe fallopian tube disease.
- Your male partner produces no sperm
IUI Cost in India
When compared to the global Intrauterine insemination price, the cost of IUI in India is very affordable. Several factors Influence IUI Costs In India. The details which have been discussed below:
- The number of IUI cycles required. Some couples may need to undergo multiple IUI cycles.
- Medications for Ovarian stimulation. The medicines and the dosage for all couples will not be the same.
- The injections for ovarian stimulation. Some couples may require multiple shots of the injections.
- Ovulation and follicle monitoring.
Many couples may require three cycles of IUI to get pregnant. However, the number of cycles and success rate varies from couple to couple.
The Takeaway
The medical advancements have made fertility treatment procedures highly successful. Each year thousands of couples are embracing parenthood with the help of assisted reproductive techniques.
You too can embrace parenthood with the help and guidance of Petals IVF, where we help you cover the journey from “couples to parents.” Schedule your appointment now, to get the best advice on the same.
FAQs
How many IUI does it take to get pregnant?
Studies have shown that most of the patients who undergo IUI get the desired results after the first three to four cycles of the IUI. 95% of the cases show successful IUI after the first three-four IUI procedures.
Is IUI good for unexplained infertility?
IUI is one of the widely recommended infertility treatment procedures. It is a non-invasive fertility treatment course that is successful in treating unexplained infertility concerns. IUI is also effective for treating infertility concerns in males.
How successful is IUI on the first try?
The more IUI cycles one goes through, the better chances of conceiving. 10% to 20% of women conceive successfully after the first IUI cycle. To get the best IUI treatment consult with the experts at Petal IVF.
When should the IUI procedure occur?
The experts at Petal IVF Centre recommend the patient opt to for an IUI procedure 12-24 hours prior to ovulation. The sperm that is inserted in this procedure can survive for about five days. Also, if two IUI’s are scheduled, then they are usually spaced at least 24 hours apart.