IUI Treatment

What is the Intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure?

Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization. The procedure is typically done around ovulation time when an egg is released from the ovaries. Additionally, it may also involve the use of fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation.

IUI is often used to treat infertility caused by low sperm count or motility, and can also be used for other fertility issues. Infertility is a problem that affects couples all over the world. In the US itself, 12-18% of couples have to deal with infertility. For many of these couples, IUI is the perfect solution

Anyone experiencing difficulty conceiving should talk to their doctor about whether intrauterine insemination might be an appropriate option for them.

Who should get IUI procedure?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an effective fertility treatment that can help couples who are struggling to conceive naturally. IUI can help in the following scenarios

Couples with unexplained infertility may benefit from IUI as it increases the chances of sperm reaching the egg by depositing them directly into the uterus.
Couples, where the male partner has a low sperm count or poor motility, may also be good candidates for IUI.
Women with cervical mucus problems or mild endometriosis may also benefit from IUI as it bypasses any potential barriers and places sperm closer to their eggs.
Women who have irregular ovulation patterns or those using donor sperm could benefit from this procedure.
a couple that wants to prevent transmission of a genetic anomaly from the male participant to their offspring.

Who should not get the IUI procedure?

If you have any of the following issues you should discuss with your healthcare provider about them as IUI may not be the optimum solution for you:

women who have severe endometriosis
women who have undergone bilateral salpingectomy or have bilateral tubal occlusion
women with severe tubal disease
women who have had recurrent pelvic infections
men with azoospermia (unless donor sperm is preferred by the couple)

Note: Endometriosis is a health problem that causes pelvic pain, particularly during periods. It happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it.

It's important to note that IUI is not recommended for everyone and should be discussed thoroughly with a medical professional before proceeding. Age, overall health, and other underlying conditions must be considered when determining if IUI is right for you.

Risks and Benefits

What are the risks of the IUI procedure?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with intrauterine insemination (IUI). However, these risks are generally minor and the benefits of IUI often outweigh them. These risks include:

Infection: One potential risk is an infection, which can occur if bacteria enter the uterus during the procedure. To minimize this risk, antibiotics may be prescribed beforehand.
Cramping: Another possible complication is cramping or discomfort during or after the insertion of the catheter used to place sperm inside the uterus. This discomfort usually goes away quickly and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Multiple Pregnancies: There is also a small chance of multiple pregnancies as a result of IUI. This occurs when more than one egg is fertilized by sperm and implants in the uterus. While some couples may welcome twins or triplets, multiple pregnancies increase health risks for both mother and babies.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): In rare cases, fertility drugs used during IUI can cause OHSS, a condition in which the ovaries become swollen and painful. This happens because a larger than a natural number of eggs mature and get released as an over-response to fertility medicines.
Ectopic pregnancy: The risk of ectopic pregnancy is slightly higher with IUI than with natural conception

It's important to note that serious complications from IUI are rare. Your doctor will work closely with you throughout your treatment cycle to monitor for any signs of problems and address them promptly if they arise. It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of IUI with your healthcare provider to determine if it is the right fertility treatment option for you.

Alert: Contact your doctor immediately if after the IUI procedure, you experience dizziness, short breaths, sudden weight gain, severe pain in the abdominal or pelvic region, vomiting or sudden enlargement of the abdomen

What is the success rate of the IUI procedure?

The success rate of the Intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as age, infertility cause, and sperm count.

The success rate of IUI is not too high(10-20%). However, this percentage increases with every additional cycle of treatment.
Younger women have a higher chance of conceiving through IUI compared to older women. Women under 35 years old have a success rate ranging from 10-20%, while those over 40 years old may experience pregnancy only in exceptional cases.
The main factor that determines the success rate is the underlying fertility issue causing infertility. Couples who have unexplained infertility issues or ovulation disorders tend to experience higher chances of conception than those struggling with other types of fertility problems like blocked tubes or low sperm count.
In addition, using donor sperm can also increase the chances of successful pregnancy in some cases where male infertility factors are involved.
It’s important to understand that individual results may vary based on several different factors specific to each couple's unique situation. It’s essential to consult your doctor before undergoing any fertility treatments for personalized advice and guidance on what options are best suited for you.

Procedure Details

Intrauterine insemination can be an effective fertility treatment option for those struggling with infertility. By understanding what goes into preparing for and undergoing the procedure, as well as what to expect afterwards, you can feel more confident in pursuing this path toward starting or growing your family.

What to expect when you have the IUI procedure?

While IUI is generally considered safe and has a relatively high success rate, it's important to talk with your doctor about potential risks and whether it's the right choice for you.
If you decide to move forward with IUI, knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety or concerns. The procedure itself typically only takes a few minutes, is relatively painless and doesn’t need anaesthesia. However, some women may experience cramping or spotting afterwards.
If you're having trouble getting pregnant even after going through the procedure, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor about your options.

What are the preparatory steps of the Intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure?

Before undergoing an IUI procedure, there are a few preparatory steps that need to be taken.

First, your doctor will likely recommend that you track your menstrual cycle to determine the ideal time for insemination. In some cases, fertility drugs may also be prescribed to enhance ovulation.
Once the timing has been established, it's important to prepare both physically and emotionally for the procedure. This may involve abstaining from intercourse for a certain period before the IUI takes place, as well as avoiding activities like smoking or drinking alcohol.
On the day of the procedure itself, you'll need to arrive at your doctor's office with a full bladder - this can help make it easier for them to insert the catheter used during insemination. You may also want to wear comfortable clothing and bring along someone for emotional support.
While there are certainly some steps involved in preparing for an IUI procedure, following these guidelines can help increase your chances of success and ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day of treatment!

What happens during the Intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure?

During the Intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure, several steps are taken to ensure a successful outcome.

Firstly, a semen sample is collected from the male partner and washed to concentrate the sperm. Meanwhile, the female partner may be prescribed fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation.
Once both partners have completed their preparatory steps, it is time for the actual IUI procedure. The woman will lie down on an examination table as a speculum is inserted into her vagina to access her cervix. A catheter containing the concentrated sperm sample will then be carefully threaded through the cervix and into her uterus.
The process of inserting the catheter should not cause any pain or discomfort for most women but they may experience some cramping afterwards. Once everything is set up correctly, all that's left to do is wait! After about two weeks, a pregnancy test can determine whether or not conception has been achieved.
It's important to note that while IUI can increase your chances of getting pregnant, there are no guarantees- sometimes multiple cycles are necessary before finding success. However, with patience and perseverance, many couples achieve their dream of starting a family using this method!

What can you expect after the Intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure?

After the IUI procedure, it's normal to experience some cramping and spotting for a few days. It's recommended that you avoid strenuous activities or exercise. Your doctor may also advise you to continue taking progesterone supplements until your pregnancy test.

It's important to remember that getting pregnant with IUI is not guaranteed, and it may take a few cycles before achieving success. If the first cycle is unsuccessful, don't lose hope - many couples have been successful with subsequent attempts.

Key Takeaway:

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a low-risk fertility treatment that increases the chances of fertilization by placing sperm directly into the uterus.
The procedure involves the use of medication to stimulate ovulation, insertion of a catheter through the cervix to the uterus, and washing of the sperm sample before placement.
Risks of the procedure include infection, discomfort, and the possibility of multiple pregnancies.
The success rate varies, with younger women having a higher chance of conception than older women.
IUI may be suitable for couples with unexplained infertility or those with low sperm counts or poor motility.

Frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to get pregnant with IUI?
Generally, it takes two weeks post-procedure.
is IUI 100% successful?
No, it has a success rate of 10-20%
Is the IUI procedure painful?
The pain is low and so there is no need for anaesthesia or pain medication
How many rounds of IUI does it take to get pregnant?
3 to 4 cycles
Which is better IUI or IVF?
IVF has a higher success rate than IUI

Reference

Dr Purva Singh

MBBS MS OBGYN
IVF Specialist