What is IUI and What Role It Plays in Your Infertility Treatment?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), says IUI is commonly suggested for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, problems with the cervix or when donor sperm is being used. It's less invasive and cheaper than in vitro fertilization (IVF), so it's a front-line protocol in many fertility plans.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 1 in 6 people the world over are affected by infertility and that is why treatment such as IUI is so crucial.

With IUI, sperm is prepared in a lab (washed to eliminate impurities and non-motile cells) and inserted into the uterus through a smaller catheter, similar to the time of ovulation. This shortens the distance sperm need to travel, making it easier to pass natural barriers to conception.

What is IUI?

Intrauterine Insemination is a technique, which is used for the treatment of infertile couples. It is also called artificial insemination, in which sperms are washed and concentrated in the laboratory and then injected directly into the patient’s uterus. This is done at, or just after, the time one or more eggs are released from ovary.

In this process of insemination, sperm travel to fallopian tube and are fertilized by egg ending in pregnancy. The IUI is performed after the patient has been evaluated, and diagnostic tests have been performed.

When is IUI the appropriate treatment?

IUI is the initial treatment for many couples with unexplained infertility or infertility related to ovulation problems. The following pairs are recommended:

• Unexplained infertility- It is a first choice of treatment in unexplained infertility undertaken with induction medications.
• Infertility related to Endometriosis
• Abnormal Ovulation- this is performed on women who are infertile because of ovulation disorders and can include anovulation or low number of eggs, which can be treated using medications to boost eggs development.
• Cervical factor infertility – cervical mucus at ovulation likely needs to be just right or else it creates an inhospitable environment for sperm, a smooth highway from the vagina to the fallopian tubes. However, occasionally this mucus can be too thick to allow sperm to reach its destination. The cervix can serve as a barrier not just to mucus but in and of itself. The cervix may be thicker due to scarring from prior biopsies or other procedures, which can also block sperm from entering.
• In these situations, IUI may be the intervention you need – the process allows sperm to bypass the cervix and to enter into the uterus directly. This effectively multiplies the volume of sperm reaching the egg, resulting in a higher likelihood of conception.
• Male factor infertility – it is the initial test in the work-up of male infertility (sperm analysis). FILE–this is a test and caricature of sperm cells and depicted is the normal and abnormal sperm cells It may demonstrate decreased sperm count, abnormalities in sperm size, shape (morphology), and motility of sperm. Utilizing IUI, a normal, well motile sperm may be readily recovered from poor sperm and subsequently employed.
• Semen Allergy - An allergic response to the semen proteins may affect reproductive function. A few women have reported a burning, redness, or swelling in the vaginal area following ejaculation. This often results from sensitivity or allergy to proteins in the semen. Wearing a condom can prevent these symptoms by acting as a barrier, but it also prevents natural pregnancy. If sensitivity is even more extreme, and you’re trying to get pregnant, IUI could be a helpful alternative. IUI specifically washes the sperm so most of the reactive protein-producing proteins can be washed off so they have less to swim through in the uterus, making you more comfortable and still able to get pregnant.
• Sperm Donor‑ donor sperm is used or is worth considering. In such instances donor frozen sperms are procured from accredited and monitored sperm banks, thawed and carefully prepared in the laboratory and then used for the insemination.

How Do I Prepare for IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves the process of placing prepared sperm into a woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation. Despite it being such a simple process, there are various parts that come before and after the insemination.

1. Tracking Ovulation

IUI Timing The timing of the procedure is the most crucial factor for IUI success. Your doctor will record your ovulation cycle to know when to use the procedure. There are many ways in which to do this.

• At-home ovulation tests: These test for an LH surge, indicating that your body is prepared to release an egg.
• Ultrasound tests: A transvaginal ultrasound will enable your doctor to view of your ovaries and check follicle development.
• In some instances, you would be given an HCG shot / fertility tablets to encourage ovulation at the right time.

2. Setting Up the Procedure

Once your doctor can verify you have ovulated, he will schedule the IUI, usually within the next 24-36 hours. You’ll get detailed instructions on what to expect and when to come back for the procedure.

3. Preparing the Sperm Sample

The sperm sample may belong to your partner, or to a donor (if you are having donor sperm). The sample goes through a special process called "sperm washing.

The process removes weak or sluggish sperm, and any chemicals in the semen that could cause discomfort, such as cramping. Only the best sperm are used for the insemination.

4. The IUI Procedure

The IUI procedure is generally done at a clinic. It’s quick, doesn’t require anesthesia and not entirely different from a Pap smear. This is what happens:

• You will lie back on an exam table with your feet raised.
• A speculum is carefully introduced to open the vaginal walls.
• The vial of prepared sperm is attached to a thin, flexible tube called a catheter.
• The catheter is threaded through your cervix and into your uterus.
• The semen is slowly ejaculated and the specula, tube are then removed.
• It takes only a few minutes, and is generally painless, although some women have mild cramping or discomfort.

5. After the Process

Some providers may ask you to lay still for about 15 minutes after insemination.

Then you can proceed with your day as normal. Mild spotting is not unusual and often resolves in women.

6. Two Week Wait

Wait at least two weeks to take a home pregnancy test. So if you test too early you may get a negative result and with that negative result, you think, "Oh there's no HCG."

• False positive: The result might be affected by drugs used to treat infertility, such as HCG, which is still circulating in your body.
• False negative: No pregnancy hormones are in the urine yet, though you are, in fact, pregnant.

To firmly establish pregnancy, your doctor may schedule a second appointment and a blood test (beta hcg).

Benefits Of IUI When Compared to Other Infertility Treatments

IUI has several advantages over more advanced treatments such as IVF.

• Non-invasive: Egg retrieval and embryo transfers, both of which typically require sedation or anesthesia, are not components of IUI (as they are with IVF). The process is much simpler, performed in a clinical setting, and requires only a minute or two to be completed with minor discomfort.
• More affordable- For some couples who are starting their fertility treatment, it might be cheaper than other treatments. For someone who’s weighing treatment down the line, without a hefty up-front investment, it’s cheaper than IVF or ICSI.

Risk associated with IUI

While IUI is considered a safe procedure, it is not entirely without risk. But they are temporary:

• Multiple pregnancies
• Infection
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Spotting
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden increase in weight
• Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Nausea and vomiting

IUI Cost in India – How Much Does It Cost for IUI in India?

In India, IUI is known as one of the more affordable fertility options. But several factors can influence the final cost, including the couple’s health, the use of fertility drugs and how many cycles the doctor recommends.

It's very important to understand that pregnancy does not occur in a typically “1 menstrual cycle per month” pattern. Many couples need to try a couple of times in order to have success. Additionally, any further testing, scans, or hormonal therapy that’s part of the treatment plan may also impact the cost.

For an accurate and personalized cost estimate, it is always best to have an open dialogue with an experienced specialist in fertility. They can offer advice tailored to your own medical history.

Select the Right IVF Center For IUI treatment

IUI is a great option for those looking to add to or start a family. Non-invasive, cheaper, organic conception. Given its multiple benefits such as treatment for male infertility and quick recovery recommendation, IUI has recently become popular as a reliable form of infertility treatment.

ART Fertility Clinics offers personalized care and advanced fertility solutions for wannabe parents. With a well-trained team, advanced technology, and unparalleled compassionate approach, you can be sure why the success rates are high.