IUI treatment

Artificial insemination or Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a less invasive form of infertility treatment and is the best option for the couple who are struggling to conceive naturally.

Uterine insemination is a simple fertility treatment in which the semen is washed and concentrated and then directly inserted into the female uterus using a thin catheter. This process is performed around the time of ovulation or sometimes with the conjugation of some fertility drugs to maximize the conception. The treatment is done in multiple cycles until the pregnancy is achieved. It is the simplest procedure in which the sperm inseminates the uterus.

The procedure is performed in couples with unexplained infertility factors, minor sperm abnormality, hostile cervical mucus.

The treatment is right for those diagnosed with unexplained fertility, mild male factor infertility, irregular or absent evolution, those who cannot have penetrative sex, or those who have their partner's frozen sperm. This treatment aims to increase the number of sperm reaching the tubes, which increases the chances of fertilization.

Before providing the treatment, the semen is analyzed and washed, and most mobile sperm is used and inserted into the uterine cavity, which aids in successful conception.

Procedure

The treatment is performed during a natural cycle or by ovulation induction. The best technique is discussed by the doctor depending upon the patient’s condition. Then the female cycle is monitored to determine the ovulation day, and it is called the cycle tracking method. As the follicle is matured, the process of ovulation is triggered by hCG hormones. Then the sperm is injected into the uterine cavity using a very thin catheter.

The treatment is not painful, and it may cause mild cramping. One can return to work immediately after the treatment.

This treatment is generally more successful in females who are not of advanced age.

IUI Process

The Intrauterine insemination is divided into a number of stages prior to the actual ‘IUI procedure’. These steps include:

Treatment and Counseling

IUI treatment may be cumbersome physically and emotionally for a couple. Counseling with SJM Counselors help couples understand the treatment process.

Ovarian Stimulation

On day 2 of the menstrual cycle, the female partner is given medication to stimulate the development of follicles in the ovary. The stimulation is done till day 6 or as is deemed appropriate by the specialist.

Monitoring of the Ovulation Cycle

Stimulation leads to the development of the follicles which need to be monitored to check for the growth and size from day 9 to day 12 or 13. The interval of the scans is decided by the specialist as per the requirement.

Trigger for ovulation

On day 12, when the follicles have reached the desired size, an hCG injection is given to the female partner to trigger ovulation. Ovulation usually occurs 36 hours after the trigger.

IUI

On day 13, a scan is done to check whether ovulation has taken place. In case the ovulation has occurred, the IUI is scheduled for the same day or on day 14.

Who is recommended for IUI ?

Couples with certain specific fertility issues may benefit through IUI Cycles. This procedure may be recommended for couples facing:

Sexual Disorders

IUI is considered to be the right treatment option for couples in which the male partner is diagnosed with certain infertility-related problems including low sperm count, problem in shape and movement of sperm, or erectile dysfunction.

Ovulation Disorders

IUI is recommended to women with ovulation disorder and conditions like unexplained infertility. Initially, a patient is given medicines for ovarian stimulation to help enhancing and improving the fertility of a woman which may not be possible without medication.

Inhospitable cervical conditions

IUI helps in treating reproductive health disorders related to cervical stenosis or abnormalities by directly depositing sperm into the uterus. A thickened cervix can prevent sperm from reaching the egg thereby decreasing the chances of conception.

Grade I endometriosis with patent tubes

IUI treatment helps women conceive who are suffering from Grade I Endometriosis as the intervention of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) procedure is considered important with the fertility medications used to treat endometriosis conditions.

Age of the female partner

Age is an important factor to be considered while recommending a patient for IUI treatment. Top fertility experts consider IUI as a first-line treatment for age-related infertility because fertility medications are used to stimulate egg production before the treatment.

Male factor subfertility such as low sperm count and motility

IUI treatment is also useful in infertility cases related to male subfertility. IUI treatment has high success rates for male infertility. Some of the common male infertility issues are erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, or retrograde ejaculation.