1800 425 2255
What is Intrauterine Insemination?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a medical procedure aimed at addressing infertility. By directly placing specially prepared sperm into the uterus, where fetal development occurs, IUI significantly enhances the chances of achieving pregnancy. This procedure involves the insertion of sperm when the ovary releases one or more eggs. The desired outcome is for the sperm and egg to fuse in the fallopian tube, which connects the uterus to the ovaries, ultimately resulting in pregnancy. The timing of intrauterine insemination can be synchronised with a person’s menstrual cycle. In some cases, fertility medications may be administered alongside IUI to stimulate egg production in the ovaries. The underlying causes of infertility determine the specific approach employed.
Reasons for IUI
Generally, Intrauterine insemination is preferred for couples with unexplained reasons for infertility, Infertility due to medical conditions such as low sperm count or for same-sex couples and single women using donor sperm.
Other factors are:
- Endometriosis: When the uterus’s tissue lining grows outside the uterus’s walls.
- Cervical factor infertility: Cervical fluid is a mucus secreted during ovulation to assist sperm movement, but a very thick cervical fluid may impede sperm and thus prevent pregnancy.
- Ovulation factor infertility: This includes the absence of ovulation or a reduced number of eggs in the uterus.
- Semen allergy: Some people might have an allergic reaction to the proteins in semen, and thus, an allergic reaction causes a burning sensation, and the immune system might attack the sperm, which results in failed insemination.
The Procedure
During the process, an initial consultation is required, after which tests such as a Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS) or hysterosalpingogram are performed to ensure the fallopian tubes are open and to find out the health of the uterus. This information is required to find out the type of fertility treatment required.
Then, patients are prescribed medication to stimulate simulation, and the ovulation cycle is closely monitored via regular ultrasound and blood sample tests to determine the best window period for the process.
After the determination of the ovulation period, the partner or donor sperm is sampled, and through a process called sperm wash, the most superior quality sperm are obtained.
During the IUI treatment, a speculum is inserted to view the cervix area, after which a specialised tube designed for IUI is inserted to place the final sample into the uterus.
This process is generally short and painless. Once the procedure is done, pregnancy tests are taken after a 2-week window period, and the pregnancy is closely monitored from thereon. Otherwise, the procedure is repeated with a newly prepared sample or alternate treatment methods are determined.
Risks of Intrauterine Insemination
- Infection: A slight chance of infection is possible after the completion of the procedure.
- Spotting: The procedure involves placing a catheter which might cause slight bleeding in the vagina, called spotting. This does not, however, have any effect on the chance of pregnancy.
- Multiple pregnancy: The IUI procedure has no links to various pregnancies, such as twins and triplets. Yet, the medications are used to increase fertility, which might result in multiple pregnancies.
Conclusion
The pregnancy is constantly monitored with occasional tests at regular intervals; the pregnancy testing is done two weeks after the procedure to prevent false positives and false negatives, after which the next course of action is taken.
Taking the treatment at least for 3 to 6 cycles is suggested to maximise chances of success before the patient is moved on to other forms of treatment.
FAQs
1. How successful is IUI?
Success rates for IUI vary depending on factors such as age, cause of infertility, and the quality of sperm used. Generally, success rates range from 10% to 20% per cycle.
2. What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves the direct placement of sperm into the uterus using a speculum. On the other hand, In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) entails the surgical removal of eggs through a needle inserted through the back of the vagina, followed by fertilisation of these eggs outside of the body.
DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG/WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The Information including but not limited to text, graphics, images and other material contained on this blog are intended for education and awareness only. No material on this blog is intended to be a substitute for professional medical help including diagnosis or treatment. It is always advisable to consult medical professional before relying on the content. Neither the Author nor Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd accepts any responsibility for any potential risk to any visitor/reader.