INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI)
What is IUI?
IUI, Intrauterine Insemination also referred to as Artificial Insemination, is an infertility treatment in which sperm is placed inside the female partner’s uterus near the fallopian tubes in order to increase the chances of pregnancy. This procedure helps sperm in getting closer to the egg. The sperm is placed in the uterus around the time when the female partner is ovulating. IUI decreases the distance that a sperm has to travel to reach egg thus, making conception easier and less time consuming. IUI treatment is rather cheap and less invasive choice when compared to In Vitro Fertilization.
Semen Preparation
Before insemination procedure may begin, semen is retrieved from your partner that undergoes a process called “sperm washing.” During sperm washing, a concentrated amount of healthy sperm from semen is collected. Also, it is necessary to remove seminal plasma to avoid contractions of the uterus caused by prostaglandins. Once the semen is prepared, the infertility specialist shall put the sperm right into your uterus. Pregnancy takes place only when the sperm fertilizes the egg and the resulting embryo implants itself to the lining of uterus.
Quality of the Specimen
The success of an IUI treatment widely depends upon the quality of specimen. Generally, after processing the semen sample the number of motile sperm should be 5 million at least for an IUI treatment to be successful.
Mode of Insemination
Insemination takes place at the IVF clinic where the doctor shall attach the sample of healthy sperm to the end of a flexible tube i.e., catheter. The catheter is injected into the uterus through cervical opening where the sperm sample is pushed through the tube into the uterus after which the catheter is removed.
Timing of Insemination
Monitoring the signs of ovulation are essential as timing plays a crucial role in Intrauterine Insemination. The reason behind it is that timing of insemination relative to ovulation is the key to successful IUI treatment. Most IUI treatments are done one or two days after ovulation is detected.It’s important to understand that not every female needs to undergo such investigations to reach the diagnosis of infertility.
Who should go for IUI?
Intrauterine Insemination like other infertility treatments help the infertile couples in achieving parenthood. However, it is a less advanced treatment and is suitable for couples who have:
- Unexplained Infertility
- Infertility due to Endometriosis
- Mild male factor infertility (subfertility)
- Semen allergy
- Infertility due the thickness of cervical mucus impeding the sperm’s journey towards the egg
- Infertility due to ovulation issues
Risks Associated with IUI
IUI is a relatively safe procedure and the risk of side effects and complications is very low however, there are some risks which may arise such as:
- Infection due to the procedure
- Spotting which fades away with time
- Multiple pregnancies
Risks Associated with IUI
IUI is a relatively safe procedure and the risk of side effects and complications is very low however, there are some risks which may arise such as:
- Infection due to the procedure
- Spotting which fades away with time
- Multiple pregnancies
Duration of IUI
The procedure of Intrauterine Insemination only takes a minute or two. It does not require anesthesia, medicines or pain relivers either. However, the procedure is carried out by experienced specialist with trained staff accompanying them. After the procedure, it is recommended to lie on your back for some time. Afterwards, you can go home on your feet and continue your daily activities.
IUI Success Rate
Being not so advanced treatment for infertility, the success rate of IUI is relatively low. The success rate of an IUI treatment depends upon a number of factors. For instance, if your infertility is unexplained with healthy eggs and fallopian tubes then the success rate of IUI treatment is around 7% to 10% per cycle whereas, if IUI treatment is combined with fertility medications then the success rate increases to 15% to 25% per cycle. Additionally, maternal age plays an essential role in the success of an IUI treatment.