Intra-Uterine Insemination

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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