Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), is a fertility treatment where the best sperm are placed directly into the uterus to help fertilise the egg thereby increasing the chances of conception.

IUI is recommended in a common treatment in cases of unexplained infertility, sperm quality or uterus issues.

What is IUI?

IUI stands for intrauterine insemination, a fertility treatment that aids conception by placing sperm directly into the uterus. This process increases the likelihood of fertilisation by ensuring that high-quality sperm reaches the egg during ovulation.

IUI is often recommended for couples experiencing unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or issues related to cervical mucus.

At Birla Fertility & IVF, we collect, wash, and concentrate sperm to enhance its quality, improving the chances of successful fertilisation. By carefully timing the insemination with ovulation, IUI provides a less invasive, effective, and cost-effective option for many

Why IUI is Performed

  1. Semen Allergy: Some women experience allergic reactions to proteins in their partner’s semen, causing vaginal burning and discomfort. IUI helps by washing and removing these proteins.

  2. Mild Male Factor Infertility: When a male partner has a slightly low sperm count or issues with sperm size and shape, IUI can be beneficial.

  3. Infertility Due To Cervical Issues: Problems with cervical mucus can hinder sperm movement. IUI places sperm directly into the uterus to facilitate conception.

  4. Donor Sperm: For couples where the male partner has poor-quality sperm or for single women and same-sex couples, IUI with donor sperm is a viable option.

  5. Ovulation Problems: IUI can help women with ovulation issues, as it can be timed with ovulation induction treatments to boost the chances of conception.

How It is Done

  1. Timing of Ovulation: Accurate timing is crucial for IUI success. To determine the best time for insemination, ovulation is carefully tracked using various methods.

    • Urine Ovulation Predictor Kits: These kits show when a hormone surge happens before ovulation, indicating the best time to try for pregnancy.

    • Transvaginal Ultrasounds: A healthcare provider may perform these ultrasounds to monitor the development of ovarian follicles, providing a precise indication of ovulation.

    • hCG Injections: In some cases, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is injected to trigger ovulation at a specific time, ensuring the egg’s release coincides with the insemination procedure.

  2. Sperm Sample Preparation: The sperm sample is collected on the day of the procedure or prepared in advance through a process called sperm washing. This procedure separates high-quality sperm from the rest of the sample, increasing the likelihood of successful fertilisation.

  3. Insemination Procedure: During the insemination, the washed sperm is placed into a thin, flexible catheter, which is then inserted through the cervix into the uterus. The procedure is quick and generally painless, with most women experiencing minimal discomfort.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the right fertility clinic is crucial for starting your family. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we offer personalised care with expert specialists guiding you every step of the way. Our advanced labs and outstanding success rates have helped over 2,30,000 patients achieve their dream of parenthood.

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Things to Remember for IUI

Before the Treatment

  • Ovulation Tracking: This can be done using ovulation kits or ultrasounds to pinpoint the best time for IUI.
  • Semen Sample: A semen sample is collected and washed to separate healthy sperm, increasing pregnancy chances.
  • Tests: Your doctor may recommend blood tests, a uterus ultrasound, or screenings for STIs or other infections to ensure optimal health before IUI.

During the Treatment

  • The patient lies down, and a speculum is inserted into the vagina to allow access to the cervix.
  • The washed sperm is carefully placed directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter.
  • The sperm is released near the fallopian tubes, where fertilisation is most likely to occur.
  • The procedure is generally painless, though some women may experience mild discomfort similar to menstrual cramps.

After the Treatment

  • Some women may experience mild cramps or light spotting, which are normal and usually resolve within a day or two.
  • It's important to monitor any symptoms and report anything unusual to your doctor.
  • Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a short period to allow the body to adjust.
  • A pregnancy test is usually recommended about two weeks after the procedure to check if the IUI was successful.

Frequently Asked Questions

IUI is the acronym for “Intrauterine Insemination” – a procedure to directly insert washed and concentrated sperm into the uterus to aid fertilisation.

IUI is a minimally invasive and safe procedure. Some women may experience mild cramps like menstrual cramps after insemination. In case of a stimulated IUI cycle, there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (a rare but dangerous complication from hormone therapy) and multiple pregnancies.

Success rates of IUI depends on several factors such as cause of infertility, age of the female partner, use of hormone therapy and sperm quality. Many women may require several cycles of IUI to become successfully pregnant.

Intrauterine insemination is done near the time of ovulation. The washed sperm is placed into the uterus when the ovary releases an egg for the process of fertilisation. The ovulation period is different for every woman and is monitored when getting into IUI treatment.

IUI is not an extremely painful process. Some amount of discomfort might be felt during this process.

Some lifestyle changes are recommended after IUI. Do not smoke or consume alcohol and limit your intake of caffeine.

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