What is IUI (intrauterine insemination)?
The process of intrauterine insemination, or IUI, aids in conception. During ovulation, sperm are inserted directly into your uterus or womb. Artificial insemination is another term for this procedure.
Why is IUI carried out?
The options for IUI might be chosen for one or many of the following reasons: issues of infertility, same-sex couples desiring children, and single women desiring children using sperm donors.
Intrauterine Insemination or IUI may be used in the following:
- Cervical problems, such as abnormal mucus: The cervix separates the vagina from the uterus and it produces mucus, which enables sperm to move more easily. IUI gets around the cervix so that sperm can reach the fallopian tubes.
- Low sperm count or other problems of the sperm: Cervix produces mucus to support the motility of the sperm and also separates the vagina from the uterus. IUI performs a method of sperm entry into the Fallopian tube by bypassing the cervix.
- You are using donor sperm: You are using the facility of donor sperm, as one of the partners is deficient in sperm or of low quality. Same-sex couples or single women can also use the facility of donor sperm for undergoing in vitro fertilization-IUI with the help of donor insemination(DI).
- Malfunction of the erection or ejaculation: It may be applied when one partner is not capable of ejaculation or maintaining the erection.
- Allergy to semen: Very rarely, people can be allergic to their partner’s semen. It may cause redness, swelling, and burning of the vagina. IUI can still work because sperm washing removes the proteins leading to an allergic reaction.
- Infertility of unknown cause: A situation where it is not possible to diagnose infertility.
What stages are involved in IUI treatment?
Each healthcare professional and treatment plan may follow a somewhat different procedure. Typical IUI treatment entails the following:
- Ovulation: For this to happen, the healthcare provider needs to determine the exact time of ovulation so that the injection can be performed to coincide with it. This is possible by using at-home ovulation prediction kits, blood tests, transvaginal ultrasound, or administering medications that help the healthcare provider control ovulation, including human chorionic gonadotropin. Ovulation occurs 10-16 days after the first day of menstruation, and insemination will occur within 24-36 hours.
- Semen sample preparation: The partner provides a fresh sperm sample for the IUI procedure in the clinic; it is prepared through sperm washing to extract a concentrated amount of healthy sperm. If using the sperm of a donor, it usually comes washed from a sperm bank.
- Insemination: Insemination itself is a relatively easy procedure: one lies down, a speculum is inserted, a catheter is inserted, and a washed sample of sperm is injected into the uterus. A pregnancy will result when an egg is fertilized by sperm that then implants in the uterine lining. In some cases, progesterone may be administered following insemination to support the uterine lining and increase the chances of implantation. Pregnancy is usually tested two weeks after insemination.
What do you do to prepare for IUI treatment?
You’ll need to have fertility tests and a full medical check before you begin IUI treatment. Your partner will also be tested and examined. This may include:
- A test of the inside of your uterus.
- An ultrasound scan of your uterus.
- A semen test.
- Infection screening and STI screening.
- Blood tests.
Your healthcare provider may advise you to take folic acid, contained in most prenatal vitamins, at least three months before conception or IUI treatment.
What does one expect from an IUI procedure?
The following are some of the mild symptoms one may experience after IUI:
- Mild cramping
- Spotting for a day or two
Most return to normal activities immediately. After IUI, one should avoid anything uncomfortable; otherwise, there are typically no restrictions. Two weeks following IUI, it is possible to take a pregnancy test.
How painful is the process of IUI?
IUI can be performed without anesthesia, and the procedure should not hurt. On the other hand, possible risks include mild cramping and discomfort at the time of and shortly after insemination.
What are the risks of IUI?
Compared to other, more invasive reproductive treatments, such as IVF, IUI is relatively low risk. The risks associated with IUI include the following:
- Multiple pregnancy: With fertility meds, you may have more than one egg. That makes your chances of having twins or triplets–or higher-order multiples–higher. You’re at a higher risk of early labor and low birth weight if you’re carrying a multiple pregnancy.
- Infection: This is uncommon.
- Spotting: There may be slight bleeding from the vagina after surgery.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: The infrequent complication that may cause OHSS is an overdose of the drugs used in reproduction. Because of OHSS, your ovaries become swollen and painful.
Which are the most common IUI side effects?
Some people undergo medications for reproduction, and these may cause moderate side effects. The most common adverse effects after insemination include spotting and cramping.
IUI may be physically and emotionally stressful. Depression is a pervasive issue among those couples or individuals who are experiencing infertility and are undergoing assisted reproductive technology. If you are feeling downtrodden or overwhelmed, inform your health professional so he or she can guide you through the process.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
If any of the following occur after you have started the fertility medications to start IUI, you should call your healthcare provider:
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Dizziness or fainting.
What is the success rate for the IUI?
The most important factor that determines the success of the IUI, apart from the cause of infertility, is age. The majority of doctors will recommend IUI before one attains 40 years of age to enhance one’s hopes of conceiving.
An individual’s egg production decreases with age, and their quality also deteriorates. The rate of pregnancy in IUI, depending on age, is as follows:
- 17.6% between 20 and 30 of age
- 13.3% between 31 to 35 years of age
- 13.4% between 36 and 38 years of age
- 10.6% between 39 and 40 years of age
- 5.4% over 40 years
Why Tender Palm IVF & Fertility Center for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Treatment in Lucknow, India?
Tender Palm IVF & Fertility Center offers the Best IUI Treatment in Lucknow, India. We have an expert team of fertility specialists with vast experience in managing male and female infertility. Our center uses advanced ultrasound-guided IUI techniques, precision-timed ovulation monitoring, and high-quality sperm preparation methods to increase conception success. We offer personalized stimulation protocols, minimal discomfort, and compassionate care for couples facing unexplained infertility, mild male factor issues, or ovulation disorders. Choose us for safe, affordable, and effective IUI solutions in a supportive environment.