Intrauterine insemination is a medical procedure to treat infertility. Normally, sperms travel from the vagina into the uterus and then reach the fallopian tubes. Only 5% of the sperm reach the fallopian tube to meet the released egg during ovulation. This is where fertilization occurs. Anything that hinders the journey of the sperm can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
In IUI, healthy sperm are placed directly into a woman’s uterus at the time of ovulation. Here the sperms are closer to the released egg. This is an assisted reproduction technique to help couples with infertility issues.
IUI is a recommended first-line option that requires functioning tubes. It is cost-effective as well as noninvasive. This advanced reproduction technique significantly increases your chances of conceiving.
What is IUI?
It is a non-invasive and reliable treatment to conceive painlessly. The entire procedure depends upon the health conditions, medical history and current fertility state of the partners. Intrauterine insemination can be a choice or recommendation by healthcare experts due to various reasons.
The procedure involves various steps:
Tracking and matching the time of ovulation is an essential factor. Intrauterine insemination requires the right time to sync with the release of the egg. Ovulation monitoring kits detect the timing by checking the level of luteinizing hormone. A transvaginal ultrasound is recommended to examine the mature eggs if any.
The preparation and selection of healthy sperm are probably on the day of the IUI procedure. This process is important to separate low-quality or diseased sperms from healthy sperms. It can be a fresh or frozen sample that goes through ‘sperm washing’. This process helps in the collection of a concentrated amount of healthy sperm.
Intrauterine Insemination is performed between 24-36 hours of ovulation. In the procedure, the prepared sperm sample will pass through the cervix into the uterus using a long and flexible tube.
Who qualifies for the procedure?
Any male or female who wants to conceive with or without involving partners can choose intrauterine insemination. This approach is a medical advancement that ensures healthy, effective and reliable results. IUI is recommended by fertility experts to overcome any conditions preventing pregnancy.
The procedure result depends on various factors such as age, fertility state, medical history, and cause of infertility.
Why the procedure is conducted?
Intrauterine Insemination is an affordable method to help people with pregnancy. Various factors can hinder the process of pregnancy. Partners choose IUI, if-
- The male partner is suffering from erectile dysfunction and unhealthy sperm.
- Unexplained infertility
- The sperm donor is involved if the women want to conceive.
- Production of mucus at the cervix that separates the vagina and uterus can resist sperm to reach the vagina. This cervical mucus obstructs normal fertilization.
- Absence of ovulation due to certain conditions.
- Semen allergy is a rare condition but it causes redness, burning sensations, itching and swelling in or around the vagina. IUI helps to effectively release sperms with the wash-out technique and prevent allergies.
- Low sperm count is a major reason for infertility. Weak, unhealthy and low sperm count or impairment can be diagnosed by semen analysis. It travels to the fallopian tube but fails to fertilize eggs.
- Endometriosis in women can obstruct pregnancy. IUI facilitates the monitoring and collection of healthy eggs with an advanced treatment approach.
- Weak movement of sperm or abnormality of sperm.
What are the benefits of Intrauterine Insemination?
Intrauterine insemination benefits a couple to conceive if they experience any conditions mentioned below-
- Women with abnormal menstruation
- Blockage in the fallopian tube
- Pelvic infection
- Infected fallopian tube
- Any type of endometriosis
- Genetic defect
- Any disorders associated with male reproductive health
This procedure is beneficial with less failure percentage and more safety index. It progresses with a high success graph with the least discomfort or complications.
What are the risks associated with Intrauterine Insemination?
There is less risk involved with IUI in comparison with other artificial fertility treatments. The risk with intrauterine insemination can include-
- The risk of infection can be a factor in the absence of sterile products during the procedure.
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting can occur due to the insertion of a catheter or during any other
- Multiple births
- Fluid build-up in the abdomen
- High doses of fertility medications might cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- Disturbed hormonal level
- Enlarged ovary
- Cramping
- Twisting of the ovary
- Side effects of fertility medicines, in some cases
Conclusion
Many people struggle with infertility and unstable pregnancies. Many factors such as genetics, lifestyle, disturbed biological clock, and certain health conditions can cause issues in conceiving. In any such case, healthcare experts ensure to choose the ideal and safe procedure such as Intrauterine insemination for a successful pregnancy.
Consult a doctor to overcome and treat any obstruction in getting pregnant.
Request an appointment at
Apollo Fertility, Varthur
Call 1860 500 4424 to book an appointment
If you experience any symptoms such as shortness of breath, constant nausea or vomiting, weight gain, pain in the lower abdomen or any discomfort during IUI or any fertility treatment, consult a doctor immediately.
There can be mild cramping or discomfort right after intra-uterine insemination. Most people resume their daily routine within 2-3 hours of the procedure. Avoid anything that causes an uncomfortable experience.
Follicle-stimulating hormone, human Chorionic Gonadotropin, folic acid and other vitamins are generally prescribed to promote ovaries maturation. Discuss with an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist to get the best treatment.
Heavy physical activities such as weight lifting, intense exercise, climbing or trekking, swimming and excessive pushing and pulling should be avoided after IUI.
Common diagnostic tests for couples are for infections, health conditions etc. Individual test criteria for women include examining hormone levels and evaluating the condition of the fallopian tube for successful IUI. For men, sperm count, mobility and motility are preferred.
