Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of assisted reproductive technique, which is fairly less invasive and inexpensive. It involves direct placement of the sperms in the female partner’s uterus so as to bring more number of sperms in close proximity to the egg and improve chances of fertilization and pregnancy.
IUI is usually the first line of fertility treatment advised in many of the infertility cases
Process in men:
Semen sample is collected from the male partner (or donor) It is washed and cleaned to separate the sperms from the semen, contaminants, dead/immotile sperms Motile, good quality sperms are concentrated This concentrated sperm sample is taken into a thin, long, flexible tube (catheter), ready to be used
Abstinence from sexual activity is generally advised about 3 days before providing sample for IUI to get good quality sperms.
Frozen sperms can also be used after thawing.
In women:
IUI can be planned around the lady’s natural ovulation or ovulation induction can be done along with follicular monitoring.
For IUI with ovulation induction, certain medications are given to stimulate development of multiple follicles, the follicular maturation is monitored by regular sonography.
When the follicle is mature enough, hCG injection is given to stimulate egg release (ovulation), which is when the IUI procedure is planned.
In the procedure, the prepared sperm sample is injected into the uterus using a catheter. This shortens the route of the sperms and helps them to swim freely towards the egg to meet and become your little angel.
Hormonal support (progesterone) may be given post procedure. Pregnancy can be checked for after 2 weeks.
At Femcare fertility, you will first be given a detailed overview of the process and all your queries will be answered by our highly qualified infertility specialist. Our high-end infertility clinic has facilities of sperm washing & preparation, follicular monitoring and IUI under one roof to ensure a smooth process for you.
1. What will happen on the day of IUI ?
IUI is an out-patient procedure which will be done in the infertility clinic. It does not require hospital admission or anaesthesia.
At the clinic, the lady will be asked to lie down with your legs apart. Speculum is placed in the vagina to be able to access the cervix easily. A sterile catheter containing the sperm sample is introduced through the cervix into the uterus. The sample is injected and catheter is removed.
The patient will be asked to rest lying down for about 15 mins to half an hour after which she can go home. Strenuous activity is not advised post procedure. However there are no special restrictions after the procedure. Just take it easy and eat healthy !
2. How many cycles is IUI recommended for ?
IUI is usually recommended for 3-6 cycles depending on other history like woman’s age. Usually pregnancy is achieved within the first 3 cycles. It is generally not advised beyond 6 cycles, but this decision is best left to your fertility specialist.
3. When is IUI not suitable ?
IUI is not suitable in women with fallopian tube blockage, severe endometriosis or low ovarian reserves.
4. What are the risks and complications associated with IUI ?
It is quite a safe procedure, with minimal risks. However sometimes the woman might experience some spotting after the procedure. There might be some side-effects from the ovulation induction medicines like hot flashes, bloating, headache, nausea which may resolve once the medication is stopped.
Another complication that could arise from ovulation induction is risk of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets), but it can be managed under right surveillance.
A very rare complication is infection post procedure.
5. Will the IUI procedure be painful ?
It is more of discomfort than pain that women feel during the IUI procedure. There may be some cramping during and a after the procedure, which usually resolves in no time.
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