IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

A type of artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination (IUI) is used to treat infertility. A concentrated sperm that has been washed and concentrated is placed directly inside your uterus around the time your ovary releases one or more eggs for fertilization. It is a simple, safe, affordable procedure with a considerable amount of success rate. Also known as Donor Insemination, Alternative Insemination, or Artificial Insemination, it is at times used during complications associated with female infertility.

WHY IUI

It is less expensive when compared to the In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) technique. IUI has a high pregnancy rate wherein certain fertility-enhancing drugs are also prescribed before the treatment to facilitate the success of the procedure. It is less invasive when compared to the In-Vitro Fertilization technique. It also takes less time & involves very minimal discomfort.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM IUI?

The method is recommended for people who have had difficulty conceiving naturally. For couples younger than 35, this entails unprotected sex for at least a year. Over 35 couples may benefit from IUI if they have had unprotected sex for a period of six months. Candidates for IUI should be in good general health and not be suffering from health problems that would adversely affect their overall wellness.

Procedure

IUI is employed by inserting the semen directly into the uterus of the woman. Before insertion, the semen is separated from seminal fluid, through a process called Sperm Washing. It is then directly inserted into a woman’s uterus/cervix/fallopian tube with the help of a catheter to facilitate fertilization. It ensures that an increased number of sperms reach the fallopian tube and thereby enhancing the chances of fertilization. It is used in cases of ejaculation dysfunction, unexplained fertility, hostile cervical condition including cervical mucus problems, cervical scar tissue from past procedures, etc. Before the treatment, ovulation stimulating medication may be used to increase the chances of fertilization. The procedure is then performed at the time of ovulation, which is indicated by a surge in LH hormones before the cycle.

RESULTS:

The success rate is 10-15% for the procedure depends on several factors, which include age & underlying fertility challenges. A short time after insemination, you should lay on your back. Once the procedure is completed, you can get dressed and resume your normal daily activities. It is possible to experience light spotting for up to a day after the procedure. Before taking a home pregnancy test, wait two weeks. Testing too soon could produce a result that is – false negative or false positive.

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)