WHAT IS INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION?

Intrauterine insemination is a fertility treatment that can improve the chances of pregnancy for couples struggling to conceive. During the procedure, healthy sperm are directly placed into the uterus of the female partner during her fertile window. This process is a form of artificial insemination.

INDICATIONS / WHY IS AN IUI PERFORMED?

IUI is a medical procedure recommended for couples with infertility issues.

  • It is helpful for couples experiencing infertility due to medical conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, diseases affecting the Fallopian tube, pelvis, etc. 
  • It can also help couples with unexplained infertility
  • Single women wishing to have a baby with donor sperm
  • Cervical mucus or other problems with your cervix
  • Erection dysfunction : A condition where the male partner can’t get or sustain an erection or is not able to ejaculate.
  • Semen allergy : It is a rare condition where the individual is allergic to their partner's semen leading to a burning sensation, redness, and s and welling in the vagina.
  • For couples over 35 years of age
  • Ovulatory conditions in females such as reduced number or poor quality of eggs.

PRE-OPERATIVE PREPARATIONS 

Investigations : Once a diagnosis of infertility is made and IUI treatment is recommended, certain diagnostic tests like saline infusion sonogram (SIS) or hysterosalpingogram (HSG) are performed to assess the Fallopian tubes.

In addition to these tests, the patient will also need to undergo advised blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasound scanning before proceeding with the procedure. To ensure successful insemination, there are specific preparatory instructions that need to be followed.

female patient will receive instructions to track their ovulation cycle (date and time) by using an at-home ovulation prediction kit that detects luteinizing hormone (LH). To improve the quantity of eggs produced, the female patient may be given certain injections and medications. It is crucial to track the ovulation cycle as the process of insemination should be performed within 24 to 36 hours after LH is detected.

Regarding semen sample preparation, the male partner will be instructed to produce sperm samples either on the day of the procedure or, if the samples are collected beforehand, they will be frozen under sterile conditions.

If donor sperm samples are used, the couple will undergo certain formalities, and the sperm samples will be collected and preserved for the procedure.

IUI TREATMENT PROCEDURE

The IUI treatment procedure lasts only a few minutes and is quite simple and safe, requiring no anesthesia.

Once the semen sample is ready, the patient lies down on a bed and the specialist uses a speculum to open the cervix. Then, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus to deliver the sperm sample from a vial. Most women experience little to no pain during the procedure, although some may feel mild cramping.

SYMPTOMS NOTICED AFTER SURGERY

After the procedure, mild cramping and spotting are common. Most individuals can return to their routine within 24 hours.

RESULTS AFTER THE PROCEDURE
  • After the IUI procedure, the couple should wait for two weeks before taking a home pregnancy test. Once the results are confirmed, they should visit the specialist for further treatment and care.
  • If the results are unexpected, the specialist may suggest other treatment options or advise for another IUI procedure, considering the couple's condition.

IUI SIDE EFFECTS

  • IUI is a safe and simple fertility procedure.
  • Fertility medications used during the procedure may cause side effects.
  • Some common side effects of fertility medications include mild cramping, hot flashes, mood swings, headache, stomach pain, and spotting.

COMPLICATIONS/RISKS OF IUI

Intrauterine insemination does not have any potential complications or risks as it is a very simple and safe procedure. Some of the Rare complications encountered are

  • Infection : There is a rare chance of infection with IUI
  • Multiple pregnancy : There is a chance of the patient conceiving twins or triplets as the female is put on fertility drugs during the entire process of IUI
  • Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) : It is a rare side effect seen along with IUI caused by taking too much fertility medication. This condition may lead to swollen and painful ovaries.

ADVANTAGES OF IUI

  • IUI is a less invasive, less expensive, and painless fertility procedure
  • It enhances the quality of sperm and increases the chances of pregnancy
  • The success rate of IUI treatment is very high
  • The procedure takes only 15 minutes

HOW TO CHOOSE A SURGEON AND HOSPITAL FOR AN IUI PROCEDURE?

When selecting a surgeon and hospital for an IUI procedure, it is essential to consider the specialist's experience, training, certification, positive reviews, and references. Also, choose a hospital that is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is easily approachable. Evaluating the experiences of individuals who have undergone treatment for a similar condition can also help make better decisions about treatment or surgery options.

Skedoc can assist you in finding information related to the best fertility specialists and hospitals and help you select the right doctor for the right advice.

Top Surgeons for IUI

Top Hospitals for IUI

FAQ's Related to IUI

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To ensure the success of IUI, which is technically called as Intrauterine Insemination, it is best to visit a fertility specialist.

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No, IUI is minimally invasive and typically is not painful but can be a little uncomfortable accompanied by mild cramping.

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Couples with male infertility due to low sperm count or any issues related to changes in normal sperm anatomy.

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Intrauterine Insemination is preferred as it is less expensive and less invasive than IVF or In vitro fertilization. However, the treatment plan is based on the underlying cause.

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In Intrauterine Insemination a typical cycle of treatment takes about four weeks.

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Fertility specialists diagnose the cause for infertility and perform IUI.

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The best time is typically 1-2 days after ovulation for IUI. This results in improving the chance of fertilization and conception.

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Yes, IUI can be used in surrogacy. The intended parent's sperm is used for surrogacy and fertilization is achieved.

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IUI itself doesn't increase twin rates, but fertility drugs sometimes used with IUI can cause twin pregnany.

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IUI can be a good option for couples with infertility, especially if the cause is mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or ovulation issues.

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Yes, IUI can be a good first step for PCOS Polycystic ovary syndrome. This aids in fertilization to achieve pregnancy.

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Yes, IUI uses healthy sperm and a natural environment, so the chances of a healthy baby are just as high as natural conception.

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IUI itself has minimal side effects, but some women may experience mild cramping or spotting.

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An Infertility specialist has degree, an MD / MS in Obstetrics & Gynecology followed by a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.