Intra Uterine Insemination - IUI
What is IUI?
Intra – Inside
Uterine – the uterus
Insemination – putting the sperm
The procedure of putting a prime lot of specially prepared sperm inside the uterus at the time of ovulation (egg release) is called “Intra Uterine Insemination”.
In this procedure, the sperm bypasses the cervical barrier and is put directly inside the uterus, which means that the sperm is placed closer to the uterine opening of fallopian tubes at the time of expected egg release to increase the chance of conception.
Pretreatment evaluation, proper case selection, good ovulation induction, proper monitoring and triggering of the ovulation, meticulous sperm preparation, accurate timing, atraumatic insemination, post-IUI support drugs, multiple factors play a crucial role in giving optimum success of IUI.
Who Can Benefit From IUI?
MALE FACTOR INFERTILITY
- Oligospermia (Less sperm count)
- Asthenospermia (Less sperm motility)
- Teratospermia (More percentage of abnormal sperm)
- Hypothermia (Less volume of semen)
- Viscous semen (Sticky semen)
- Frozen semen
- Anatomical defects of husband
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Azoospermia where donor sample used
- Problems in sexual relations
- Absentee husband due to job etc
- Performance problem on demand
FEMALE FACTOR INFERTILITY
- Poor cervical mucus
- Abnormal Post Coital Test – PCT
- Immunological factors at the cervix
- Anatomical defects of wife
- Poor ovulation
UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY
- For improving pregnancy in infertility treatment
How is IUI treatment done?
Female Partner
- The ovulation induction is done with the help of tablets or injections to increase the availability of several eggs at a proper time.
- The process of follicle development is monitored with Trans Vaginal Sonography – TVS.
- When follicles are ready, hCG injection is given for final maturation of oocyte and its release (Rupture of the follicle).
- A prepared sperm sample (washed semen) is injected into the uterus with the help of a thin, soft tube (cannula). This process of injecting sperm into the uterus is called Intra Uterine Insemination – IUI.
- IUI is a very simple, easy and painless procedure. It takes a few seconds to inject.
- The lady is advised to rest for 10 minutes, and then she can go back to her routine daily activity, including office work, travelling, domestic work etc.
- The couple can have intercourse from the same day and any time in the same cycle as per their choice and desire; there no restriction or compulsion.
Male Partner
- Husband’s semen is collected on the day of IUI.
- He may give his semen 1 to 2 hours before scheduled insemination.
- He may give semen earlier in the day at his convenience, and the prepared sperm can be inseminated later.
- Semen collection is routinely done in the hospital.
- Semen can be collected at home and then transported to the hospital. This is encouraged in Covid19 times.
- Frozen semen can be used for insemination if the husband can’t remain present on the day of insemination or can’t perform and give a sample on demand.
- If the husband is undergoing medical or surgical treatment, which can adversely affect sperm production, he can freeze his semen, which can be used for IUI when required.
- Cryoaccumalation – freezing multiple semen samples and then using them together for insemination at a time. This is useful when the availability of good quality sperm is less in one semen sample.
- For using frozen semen, the husband can freeze his semen at any convenient time. Once frozen, semen can be preserved and used after any duration of time, days – months or years.
Laboratory procedure – Sperm wash – Semen wash
- Semen contains a large amount of other unwanted material over and above sperm. Only sperm can be injected into the uterus. We have to prepare the semen in our laboratory so that we remove every unwanted substance and separate the best motile and morphologically normal sperm out of the semen sample. We also have to achieve capacitation of sperm which is crucial for fertilization.
Depending upon semen parameters, we decide the process of semen wash.
YOUR TREATING INSTITUTE MUST HAVE A FACILITY FOR ALL TYPES OF SPERM PREPARATION TECHNIQUES AVAILABLE AND WITH OPTIMUM RESULTS.
How is insemination done?
Insemination – the procedure of putting sperm in the uterus – is very simple.
- The patient is taken into the operation theatre
- A comfortable position is given to expose the private parts
- Aseptic precautions are taken
- A self-retaining instrument is put in the vagina to expose the cervix and maintain it.
- A thin cannula – pipe – is selected to inject the sperm into the uterus
- The mouth of the uterus is cleaned
- The cannula is put in the uterus through the cervix
- Prepared sperm is slowly injected into the uterus
What medications are used during IUI?
1. Ovulation Induction Medications: These are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. Common medications include:
- Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid): Often used as the first-line treatment.
- Letrozole (Femara): Another option that can be effective for inducing ovulation.
- Gonadotropins: These include medications like FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone), which are injected to stimulate the ovaries.
2. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): This is often administered as a trigger shot to induce ovulation once the eggs are ready.
3. Progesterone Supplements: After the IUI procedure, progesterone may be prescribed to support the uterine lining and improve the chances of implantation.
How effective is IUI in getting pregnant?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the chances of pregnancy. On average, the success rate for IUI is about 10-20% per cycle. Factors affecting success include:
- Age: Younger women generally have higher success rates.
- Fertility Issues: IUI is more effective for unexplained infertility or mild male factor issues.
- Ovulation Induction: Using medications to stimulate ovulation can improve success rates.
- Sperm Quality: Higher sperm quality can lead to better outcomes.
Multiple cycles may be needed, and factors like overall health and lifestyle can also influence the success of IUI.
Advantages of IUI
- It is simple
- It is less expensive than ART – IVF
- Better chance of pregnancy compared with natural intercourse
Disadvantages / Limitations of IUI
- Millions of sperm are required
- We can not see the fertilization
- We can not assure fertilization
- We can not assure embryo transportation to the uterus
- We can not see the quality of the embryo
- It has very less success chance compared to other high tech ART – IVF
- Uncommon risk of infection, bleeding
BAVISHI FERTILITY INSTITUTE does hundreds of IUI treatments every year. All facilities are in house. Skilled and experienced consultants and embryologists help in achieving an excellent and consistent success rate.
Why Choose Bavishi Fertility Institute for IUI Treatment in Ahmedabad?
- Extensive Experience: Our Ahmedabad clinic performs hundreds of IUI treatments each year, showcasing our extensive experience and expertise in the field of fertility care.
- Skilled Specialists: We are supported by a team of highly skilled consultants and embryologists who are experts in their respective fields, ensuring top-quality care and treatment.
- Comprehensive Facilities: Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art, in-house facilities, providing all necessary resources for successful IUI treatment, from advanced diagnostic tools to specialized laboratory equipment.
- Consistent Success Rates: We are committed to achieving excellent and consistent success rates for our patients, leveraging our experience and technology to maximize your chances of conception.
- Personalized Care: Our team offers personalized and compassionate care tailored to each couple’s unique needs, ensuring that you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment.
- Local Expertise: As an integral part of the Ahmedabad community, we understand the specific needs and concerns of local patients, allowing us to provide care that is both culturally sensitive and highly effective.
- Supportive Environment: We strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment, making your fertility journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
- Holistic Approach: Our approach includes not only medical treatment but also support and guidance throughout your fertility journey, helping you navigate each step with confidence.
- Convenient Location: Our centrally located clinic in Ahmedabad offers easy access and convenience, ensuring that you can attend appointments and receive treatment with minimal disruption to your daily life.
- Community Integration: We are actively involved in the local community, participating in educational workshops and events to support and educate couples about fertility and reproductive health.
Choose Bavishi Fertility Institute for IUI treatment in Ahmedabad to benefit from our extensive experience, advanced facilities, and personalized, compassionate care, ensuring the best chances for successful conception. Trust our expert team to guide you through every step of your fertility journey.
FAQs
The Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) process typically takes about 1 to 2 hours from start to finish. The overall timeline includes the preparation and monitoring phases, which can last several weeks. The IUI procedure itself involves a brief visit to the clinic where sperm is introduced directly into the uterus.
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): This involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of sperm reaching the egg. It is often used when there are issues like mild male infertility or cervical problems.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): This involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus. IVF is generally recommended for more complex fertility issues such as blocked fallopian tubes or severe male infertility.
IUI is usually not painful. Most women experience only mild discomfort during the procedure, which is often described as similar to a Pap smear. Some may experience light cramping or spotting afterwards.
The number of IUI cycles recommended before considering IVF can vary based on individual circumstances and the underlying fertility issues. Typically, 3 to 6 cycles of IUI are suggested, but your doctor will tailor advice based on your specific situation.
To improve your chances of success with IUI:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications and timing.
- Consider managing stress through relaxation techniques or counseling.
The success rate of IUI varies depending on factors such as age, fertility issues, and the use of fertility medications. On average, the success rate is about 10-20% per cycle. Success rates tend to be higher in women under 35 and lower in older women.
Yes, you can have sex after an IUI procedure. There are no specific restrictions against sexual activity following the procedure, but some doctors may recommend waiting for a few hours or days to allow the sperm to remain in the uterus.
Ahmedabad