So, you are wondering whether you should undergo the treatment of IUI. if that is the case then this guide is going to provide you detailed information about the procedure. Also, keep in mind that every case is different so your fertility doctor will inform you in a better manner.

IUI is a method of artificial insemination in which the sperm is injected directly into the uterus when the ovulation is near. Let’s understand the procedure in detail.

What is the working of the IUI procedure?

IUI in India is considered the first-line treatment when the patient is diagnosed with mild endometriosis, unexplained infertility, or mild male infertility. In this procedure 2 things are done:

• The egg growth is stimulated by giving the women the injection.
• Medications help in making the women more fertile.

With the help of infection, the sperm is placed in the reproductive tract which allows the egg to meet it more easily. The male partner will give the semen sample 2 to 3 hours before the insemination starts. The semen is washed so that the sperm is separated from the semen fluid. It is important to wash it properly because the semen fluid has certain substances that can irritate the uterus. This also makes it easy for the sperm to fertilize the egg. The entire process takes a few minutes and the patient will not feel discomfort.

Difference: IUI and IVF

The main difference is that sperm is only placed into the uterus so that it can get fertilized. So, you can say that with IUI procedure the fertilization happens naturally.

Who needs this procedure?

• Women diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
• Ovulation problems like patients with PCOS or hypothalamic.
• Ejaculatory dysfunction or semen abnormalities.
• Before surgery, male partners got their sperm frozen.
• Patients looking for donor sperm or single women want to get pregnant.

What about the cost?

As compared to other treatment option this is less expensive which makes it accessible in the first place. Also, the procedure is less invasive.

How to prepare for the treatment?

• Before the procedure, some types of tests are done which are the same as that of IVF. the fertility doctor will let you know which treatment plan is best for you. Blood work will be done to check the hormones and genetic testing to check for any disease.
• The sperm used in the treatment will be analyzed properly.
• To check the fallopian tubes are open HSG will be done.
• Before the procedure, the couple should not do sex for 2 to 3 days.
• The women who are not ovulating will be given medications to induce ovulation.

To know whether the treatment is successful or not you need to wait for 2 weeks. The blood test is done by the doctor to determine the pregnancy. Make sure that you follow the doctor’s instructions throughout the treatment.

While the natural method of conception routes the sperm from the vagina to the cervix and finally to the fallopian tubes, the IUI process places it directly into the uterus of the woman to ensure certainty of conception. IUI treatment or Intrauterine Insemination as it is popularly known is one of the most preferred ART techniques. IUI can be availed at any IUI centre. Sofat IVF centre also provides this facility

IUI and infertility 

• IUI is used in the following reproductive problems-
• Low sperm count in men
• Low sperm mobility
• A single woman who wishes to conceive
• Couples who don’t want the genetic problem of the man to transfer to the child
• Couples with unexplained infertility

However, IUI is not recommended for the following cases-

• Female with severe endometriosis
• A woman with absent or blocked   fallopian tubes
• Women who suffer from multiple pelvic infections
•  Men with   low sperm count or abnormal ejaculation problem

These cases will not benefit from the technique of IUI.

IUI procedure 

The procedures plus points are that it is painless and non-surgical. It is for these reasons, called the natural cycle. It is completely devoid of medications. The woman is allowed to ovulate naturally and the doctor places her partner’s sperm in her uterus during her ovulation time. This technique raises the chances of a successful conception.

IUI steps

• The first step is to visit the doctor for an ultrasound, blood test, and medical tests.
• If the doctor gives you medicines then most probably you will have to start them as soon as your period starts.
• A week later, the doctor will ask you to visit again for another ultrasound.
• Based on the ultrasound, the doctor will work out your ovulation period. He will ask you and your partner to return during that period.

In case the sperm of the male partner is required, he will be required to produce his sample on the day the IUI is scheduled. If the donor sperm is required, then the sperm will be thawed on the day of the IUI.

The sperm sample is washed after being sent to the library. This process removes any debris or seminal fluid which will not be required during the treatment. The sperm sample should be highly concentrated to raise the chances of conception.

When the procedure starts

• The doctor will ask the woman to lie on a table. Using a speculum, he will open the vagina and examine the cervix of the woman.
• Using a catheter, he will pass the sperm to the cervix.
• The woman will be asked to lie in the position for about half an hour after the procedure.
• While most of the women experience no or less discomfort, some women might experience mild bleeding or cramping.

IUI is the treatment option which is given to both men and women when they are dealing with issues of infertility. Well, there are different cases in which the treatment can be used. In this guide, we will tell you whether the treatment is the best option available to treat the issue of infertility.

What is IUI?

IUI procedure has been in use for many years. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a procedure in which sperm is placed directly into the uterus which has been washed in the laboratory. The sperm is placed by using a catheter which is then passed by the cervix. In some cases, if the cause of infertility is not severe then a doctor might recommend this option before IVF.

When the woman is about to ovulate the insemination is performed. Also, the women are given ovarian stimulation fertility medications so that egg production is increased and get matured on time. You can say this is the first fertility treatment which the doctor can suggest you as it is simple and also the chances of pregnancy are increased.

Who can undergo the treatment of IUI?

For women

IUI is often given to the women for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or ovulation issue because fertility medications make the cycle regular.

IUI also increase the chances of pregnancy in women with unexplained infertility or mild endometriosis.

IUI is also used to deal with the cervical issue which includes scars from previous surgery or abnormal development of the vagina. These things affect the passage of the sperm.

IUI is also an option for overweight women.

If both fallopian tubes are blocked or even of them is blocked.

It is not recommended for women with:

• Endometriosis: Moderate to severe
• Pelvic infection
• Infertility for more than 4 years
• If you are facing any issue you can seek medical advice from our gynae.

For Male issues

• The IUI treatment is a good choice is the sperm of the male partner is normal or if there are mild infertility issues like the sperm count is a little below average or sperm shape is not proper.
• It also helps people who are suffering from ejaculation issue.
• Before the cancer treatment if men have frozen their sperm to preserve fertility then IUI works best.

For Women and Men

IUI is the first option along with medication to make the egg mature if the case is unexplained infertility. IUI is commonly when there is no fertility issue which includes a couple of same-sex couples as well as single women, who need donor sperm.

What is the IUI success rate?

The success depends on age, infertility, use of fertility drugs and how many cycles are performed.

To know more about the treatment you can visit our IUI centre and know more about the treatment.

If you are planning to have a baby but you are facing problem conceiving naturally. This means you are facing some issue with your fertility. Due to this, you have to get infertility treatment and one such treatment option is IUI (Intrauterine insemination).

During the IUI Treatment, the sperm is directly inserted into the women’s reproductive tract using a catheter. This method is really helpful for patients with one blocked Fallopian tube, low sperm count, the problem in cervical muscles, and other health condition. The success rate of this treatment is also high and we have mentioned some ways in which you can increase your chances of conception.

• Avoid from Male Ejaculation

Before the IUI medical treatment, the men should refrain from ejaculation for at least 3 days. This is because it increases the chances of sperm quantity as well as the quality of sperm in the semen. But keep in mind do not refrain for more than 5 days as it might decrease the chances.

• Do not Stress

By taking too much stress will reduce your successful chances to conceive. If you are worried about the procedure than you should not as it is fairly simple and it takes a few visits to the clinic or hospital.  Moreover, only 5 minutes are needed for the scan. You just have to take 2 hours set aside for the treatment.

• Eat Proper Food

your chances of conception will automatically increase if you eat right kind of food. Even during pregnancy and after pregnancy this thing should be kept in mind. Include all those food items which boost fertility. You should avoid oily, packed, and sugary food. No doubt, it won’t give results immediately but it will definitely make a difference.

• Discuss The Need For Hormonal Support

During the treatment, the patient might be given shots which help in stimulating the ovaries so that more quality eggs are produced. You should consult your doctor about this option as they can guide you better.

• Go for Acupuncture

Before the treatment, you should try the option of acupuncture as it helps in increasing the blood flow throughout the body. Moreover, this also helps in improving the quality of the egg which will increase the chances of conception. For best results, you should start this at least 3 months before the treatment starts.

• Start Doing Exercise

It is essential that you keep yourself active and energized throughout the day. For this, you should involve yourself in light exercise. But keep in mind you should not involve in any type of vigorous activity as it put too much pressure on the body.

You should consult the Gynecologist in Punjab as they will guide you better about the entire process and the things which you should keep in mind during as well as after the treatment.

You might be exploring different fertility treatment options and hearing new words which you have never heard of. One such fertility treatment is IUI (intrauterine insemination). This treatment has helped many patients to conceive successfully.

Who are eligible for IUI medical procedure?

• IUI is recommended when women cannot ovulate. Additionally, they are facing the problem of PCOS.
• In some cases, the reason for infertility is not known properly. For that IUI is the best infertility treatment for those patients.
• In the case of men, if they are facing the of ejaculatory dysfunction and issue with semen quality or it is having some abnormalities.
• In some cases, men might have frozen the sperm before undergoing any surgery or getting any treatment for the disease.

What is the procedure of IUI?

The IUI treatment is very simple, you should feel nervous about undergoing the treatment. Your partner will visit a fertility clinic and give a semen sample. Then the doctor will wash the semen by a special procedure. The washing process helps in removing all the impurities and only that part is left which is required for conception. The sperm will be placed in your cervix by using a small tube which is known as a catheter. During the process, you might experience mild cramping which is similar to menstrual pain. Once the semen is transferred to the uterus, the catheter is removed. This will help the sperm to meet the egg so that they can meet each other and women can conceive successfully.

If you are using donor sperm then they will be thawed first and then washed in the same way. Rest of the entire process of IUI medical procedure is the same.

Is the process of IUI painful?

Some women might experience slight pain or discomfort in the entire process. It also depends on how much pain you can tolerate. The best thing about this process is patient is not given anesthesia and it takes few minutes to complete the entire process.

What to expect after the procedure?

Once the IUI procedure is done, the patient has prescribed progesterone and it is taken via a vaginal suppository. After one week, the fertility doctor will do a blood test to check the hCG level as well as progesterone and estrogen level. After 2 weeks, the doctor will ask for a pregnancy blood test to determine the results or you can take it at home also. It is very important that you take care of your health and do not stress out.

How much does it cost?

Majority of insurance companies offer you many benefits to bear the cost of the treatment. In general, it is less expensive as compared to other treatment option.

IUI is explained as Intrauterine Insemination, which is the infertility treatment. In this process, the sperm is utilized for fertilization and placed into the lady’s uterus.