Categories
Intrauterine Insemination
Jun 08, 2024
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility
treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman's uterus to
facilitate fertilization. It is often recommended for couples facing certain
fertility challenges.
Here’s an overview of when, why, and how IUI is
offered:
When is IUI Offered?
IUI is typically considered in the following
scenarios:
·
Sexual Dysfunction: Difficulty with intercourse leading
to challenges in natural conception.
·
Mild Male Factor Infertility: Such as low sperm count or
motility.
·
Cervical Factor Infertility: Issues with cervical mucus
that can hinder sperm movement.
·
Ovulatory Disorders: Including irregular or absent
ovulation.
·
Donor Sperm: For single women or same-sex couples.
·
Mild Endometriosis: When minimal endometriosis affects
fertility.
·
Unexplained Infertility: When no specific cause for
infertility is identified despite thorough testing.
IUI is often the first line fertility treatment
offered to couple as its:
Less Invasive |Cost-Effective | Natural-Like
Process
How is IUI Performed?
·
Ovulation induction & Monitoring: This is done by giving
tablets and subsequent scans to see the follicular development
·
Sperm Collection and Preparation:On the most fertile day, by
checking ovulation on scan, partners sperm sample is collected ,then washed and
concentrated to select the healthiest and most motile sperm.
·
Insemination: The prepared sperm is placed directly into the woman’s
uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. This procedure is quick, usually taking
only a few minutes, and is relatively painless.
·
Post-Procedure: The woman may rest for a short period following the
procedure. Afterward, she can resume normal activities.
·
Pregnancy testing
is done approximately two weeks later .
Success Rates and Considerations
Success Rates: The success rates of IUI vary
depending on factors such as the woman’s age, underlying fertility issues, and
the quality of the sperm. Generally,
success rates range from 10-15% per cycle.
Risks: The risks associated with
IUI are minimal, though there is a slight increase in the chance of multiple
pregnancies (twins or triplets) due to the use of ovulation-inducing
medications.
Dr. Shreeja Karan
Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology & Fertility Specialist
Rainbow Children's Hospital, Sarjapur Road
Related BlogView More
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Understanding Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a condition that can occur when the ovaries are stimulated too much, usually during fertility treatments. This happens when medications used to help produce eggs c
Breast Cancer Signs & Symptoms
Breast Cancer Signs & SymptomsBreast Cancer is emerging as a leading cause of death in and around us-We all have seen the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness but the true question is how truly we are aware of its signs and symptoms. Everyone has breast ti
All you need to know about Postnatal Diet
Pregnancy is not an easy journey. It involves a series of physical, emotional and psychological changes influenced by the hormones of pregnancy. This is followed by the perils of labor and delivery. Next is the postpartum period which revolves around the care of
Understanding Miscarriage: Loss, Healing, and Hope
Miscarriage is a heartbreaking experience that affects many women and their partners. Losing a pregnancy can be incredibly difficult to deal with emotionally and physically. This blog aims to provide understanding, resources, and a message of hope during t
