Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) at
Birla Fertility & IVF
IUI is a type of fertility treatment that involves artificial insemination. It is a simple technique used when medication and timed intercourse fails. It involves placing processed semen samples containing motile sperm thorough the cervix into the uterine cavity around the time of ovulation to facilitate fertilisation.
IUI increases the chances of pregnancy as the semen quality is improved by washing. Egg quality is improved by medication and the timing of insemination is set with the ovulation.
Why IUI?
Unexplained subfertility of short duration
Mild male factor infertility
Cervical factor infertility
Problems with ovulation
Semen allergy
The IUI Process
Diagnostic tests before IUI
Before you begin your IUI treatment, it is important to know if your fallopian tubes are open and healthy. If the tubal patency test indicates an issue in any one of the fallopian tubes, IUI is carried out only if there is evidence that ovulation will occur from the ovary which is one the same side as the healthy fallopian tube.
Apart from the tubal patency test, semen analysis is also carried out. If the analysis indicates low sperm count or low sperm motility, IVF with ICSI may be recommended instead.
IUI
Based on your and your partner’s health, you may be recommended IUI with or without fertility medications to stimulate ovulation.
Step 1
If your treatment does not involve hormone therapy, you will undergo blood or urine tests to identify when you ovulate. For best results, IUI should be done right after ovulation (usually occurs 12-16 days before your next period).
If your treatment involves hormone therapy to stimulate ovulation, you will be monitored with ultrasound scans to track egg development. Once the egg reaches maturity, you will be given an injection to induce its release (ovulation induction).
Step 2
IUI is done 36 hours to 40 hours after ovulation or the trigger injection is used to stimulate the release of matured eggs. During the insemination process, a small catheter is inserted into your uterus through the cervix. High quality sperm extracted from the semen sample is further transferred into the womb through this catheter. The IUI process takes only a few minutes and is painless, although you may experience mild cramping after the procedure
Step 1
You will be required to provide a semen sample on the day of the IUI procedure.
Step 2
Your semen sample will be washed and processed to extract rapidly moving sperm.
Step 3
The extracted sperm is placed in a small catheter which is inserted into the uterus for insemination.
You will need to take a pregnancy test 12-14 days after the IUI procedure. Next steps are planned based on the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of IUI?
IUI is the acronym for “Intrauterine Insemination” – a procedure to directly insert washed and concentrated sperm into the uterus to aid fertilisation.
What are the risks of IUI?
IUI is a minimally invasive and safe procedure. Some women may experience mild cramps like menstrual cramps after insemination. In case of a stimulated IUI cycle, there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (a rare but dangerous complication from hormone therapy) and multiple pregnancies.
What are the success rates of IUI?
Success rates of IUI depends on several factors such as cause of infertility, age of the female partner, use of hormone therapy and sperm quality. Many women may require several cycles of IUI to become successfully pregnant.
When is the best time to have IUI?
Intrauterine insemination is done near the time of ovulation. The washed sperm is placed into the uterus when the ovary releases an egg for the process of fertilisation. The ovulation period is different for every woman and is monitored when getting into IUI treatment.
Is Intrauterine Insemination a painful process?
IUI is not an extremely painful process. Some amount of discomfort might be felt during this process.
What should be avoided after IUI?
Some lifestyle changes are recommended after IUI. Do not smoke or consume alcohol and limit your intake of caffeine.
Patient Testimonials
We took hormonal therapy with IUI. They gave personalised attention and were extremely helpful and approachable – true to their saying – All Heart. All Science. Their COVID-19 safety measures are commendable, and we felt very safe coming for our injections and consultations. All in all, I would definitely recommend Birla Fertility & IVF!
I am a happy customer of Birla Fertility & IVF. I have been in constant touch with the team since I conceived IVF. Their doctors are wonderful, very caring, and very helpful. During my whole IVF treatment, the whole team gave amazing support to me and my whole family.
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