Intra-Uterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a treatment for infertility which involves placing sperm inside the uterus artificially to increase the chances of fertilization. It is used mainly in case of oligospermia (decreased sperm count) and asthenozoospermia (low sperm mobility). The sperm has a greater prospect of reaching the egg in the fallopian tube as they are given a head start by being inserted into the uterus directly.

This method is better than In Vitro Fertilization and other Assisted Reproductive Technology methods as it is cheaper. Intra-Uterine Insemination is also less invasive than other methods because fertilization occurs naturally in the body. 

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An Intra-Uterine Insemination may be needed in case of – 

  • Low sperm mobility
  • Ejaculation dysfunction
  • Low sperm count
  • Endometriosis problems
  • Cervical abnormalities

Infertility problems in males can be diagnosed by fertility examinations, semen analysis and general hormone tests.

Infertility problems in females can be diagnosed by ultrasounds, hysterosalpingography and ovulation tests.

Fertility drugs are given to the woman in order to stimulate the production of eggs before the insertion of sperm. An ovulation detection kit is used to determine whether ovulation has happened by checking the surge in LH. After ovulation has happened, the man’s sperm is collected and concentrated.  A catheter is used to insert the sperm into the uterus through the vagina. After two weeks of insemination, a pregnancy test is done to check if fertilization has successfully happened through IUI.

The success of Intra-Uterine Insemination depends on various factors. There are chances of pregnancies with multiples- twins, triplets or more, in case fertility medications are taken by the woman to stimulate ovulation. There are possibilities of infection and slight vaginal bleeding after the IUI.

The patient must take rest after an IUI and should avoid engaging in strenuous exercises for several days after the procedure.

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Intra-Uterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a treatment for infertility which involves placing sperm inside the uterus artificially to increase the chances of fertilization. It is used mainly in case of oligospermia (decreased sperm count) and asthenozoospermia (low sperm mobility). The sperm has a greater prospect of reaching the egg in the fallopian tube as they are given a head start by being inserted into the uterus directly.

This method is better than In Vitro Fertilization and other Assisted Reproductive Technology methods as it is cheaper. Intra-Uterine Insemination is also less invasive than other methods because fertilization occurs naturally in the body. 

Symptoms

An Intra-Uterine Insemination may be needed in case of – 

  • Low sperm mobility
  • Ejaculation dysfunction
  • Low sperm count
  • Endometriosis problems
  • Cervical abnormalities

Diagnosis

Infertility problems in males can be diagnosed by fertility examinations, semen analysis and general hormone tests.

Infertility problems in females can be diagnosed by ultrasounds, hysterosalpingography and ovulation tests.

Treatment

Fertility drugs are given to the woman in order to stimulate the production of eggs before the insertion of sperm. An ovulation detection kit is used to determine whether ovulation has happened by checking the surge in LH. After ovulation has happened, the man’s sperm is collected and concentrated.  A catheter is used to insert the sperm into the uterus through the vagina. After two weeks of insemination, a pregnancy test is done to check if fertilization has successfully happened through IUI.

Risks

The success of Intra-Uterine Insemination depends on various factors. There are chances of pregnancies with multiples- twins, triplets or more, in case fertility medications are taken by the woman to stimulate ovulation. There are possibilities of infection and slight vaginal bleeding after the IUI.

After Procedure

The patient must take rest after an IUI and should avoid engaging in strenuous exercises for several days after the procedure.

FAQ Section

1) What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine Insemination is a simple procedure performed for the treatment of infertility related issues. It involves the introducing of sperms directly into the uterine cavity of a woman during her period of ovulation. This is performed with the goal of inducing pregnancy due to the increased number of sperms reaching the fallopian tubes. It is also performed when the traditional methods have been unable to cause pregnancy or due to any fertility issues experienced in the other partner. It is also a method approached by same gender couples who wish to conceive.

2) When is IUI recommended?

Some of the instances when an Intrauterine Insemination procedure may be recommended are:

  • If the sperm count of the male partner is inadequate, then an IUI may be recommended to increase the probability of the sperms meeting the eggs.
  • In case the cervical mucus of the female partner is thick, which is unusual, then an IUI may facilitate the sperm to bypass the mucous membrane.
  • Cervical scar tissue which has been caused due to any previous procedures may reduce the sperm's ability to enter the uterus.
  • A single woman or same-sex couple may use IUI in order to conceive.
  • It is a comparatively cheaper and less invasive procedure when compared to In-Vitro fertilization, making it a more recommended procedure by your gynecologist.
  • It is also recommended in cases of ejaculation dysfunction.

3) How do to tell if I am an ideal candidate for IUI?

Usually, couples who have not been able to conceive a child after trying through the conventional methods, are recommended by the gynaecologists to undergo Intrauterine Insemination in order to increase the chances of the sperms entering the fallopian tubes and fertilise. It is more effective when the person undergoing IUI does not suffer from any major complications related to the ovaries or the uterus and has an overall good physical health.

4) When is IUI not recommended?

Intrauterine Insemination is usually not advised when the patient suffers from the following conditions:

  • Women suffering from severe diseases of the fallopian tubes.
  • Women who have a history of pelvic infections.
  • Women suffering from moderate to severe endometriosis.

5) What is the IUI Procedure?

Before the procedure is performed, the patient is given ovulation-stimulation medication and a critical observation is done to determine the number of healthy eggs. This is carried on till the ovulation period, when the procedure is performed, i.e. around twenty-four to thirty-six hours following the surge of LH hormone. It can also be performed without the medications. The semen collected is first washed in the laboratory to separate the semen from the seminal fluid. Once it is ready, an instrument called the speculum is inserted inside the vagina in order to visualize the cervix. A mild solution is used to clean the vagina and the surrounding tissues. This is followed by the insertion of the semen into the uterus with the help of a catheter in order to increase the chances of pregnancy. After the semen has been inserted, both the speculum and the catheter are removed.

6) How many IUIs should one try before moving on to IVF?

Couples usually resort to In-Vitro Fertilization Technique after two or three failed insemination attempts. However, earlier, couples underwent three to six cycles of insemination before switching to IVF.

 

7) What are the risks involved in IUI?

Most of the infections and risks involved in IUI is due to the medications and fertility drugs consumed for the procedure such as:

  • Hot flashes
  • Mood swings and depression
  • Nausea, headaches or visual disturbances
  • Swollen and painful ovaries, signaling ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
  • Pelvic discomfort, breast tenderness, or bloating
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Swelling or a rash around the injection site

The risks and complications that may occur due to the procedure are multiple pregnancies or infections around the injected site.

8) What is the success rate for IUI?

The success rate of the IUI procedure depends on various factors such as the age of the women, fallopian tube status and the fertility of the sperm sample. It is estimated that most women have a chance of around ten to twenty percent of becoming pregnant. The chances of pregnancy occurring increases with the number of insemination cycles. It is seen that women under the age of thirty-five years have a higher chance of becoming pregnant.

9) What happens after IUI?

After the procedure has been performed, there may be slight spotting, which is nothing to be concerned about and is quite normal. You may consult with your physician for extra precautions you may have to look out for. Also, be on a constant lookout for signs and symptoms of pregnancy through various methods like pregnancy kits or through check-ups with your gynaecologist.

10) What is the cost of IUI in India?

The cost of Intrauterine Insemination in very low in India. It ranges from 3,000 rupees to 10,000 rupees per cycle.