Dr. Umma Salma

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Infertility Treatment Methods

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Treatment

What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

The process of injecting sperms inside a woman’s womb at the time of ovulation is called intrauterine insemination or IUI. This is an outpatient procedure and does not require anesthesia or any special precaution.

Who needs Intrauterine Insemination?

IUI is one of the most common fertility treatments practiced in India. It has been by gynecologists for every indication in the book. But in reality, there are only very few indications in which it is absolutely indicated. These are:

  • Male Infertility: An IUI might help a patient if there are mild male issues i.e there are mild issues in the number of sperms or their motility. If there are severe issues in sperm analysis of husband, IUI, as a treatment modality will not be great criteria.

  • Unexplained Infertility: If the treating doctor has not been able to pinpoint the reason for sub-fertility and everything is normal- the ultrasound, the husband’s report and have been trying for conception for less than 3 years, intrauterine insemination might be the way forward.

  • Vaginismus or irregular intercourse: In today’s busy and stressful world, when both the partners are working, more and more couples are coming up with the problem of difficulty in intercourse or very low frequency of sexual relations. In these patients, intrauterine insemination might give excellent results.

  • Endometriosis

  • In patients with a need for donor sperms.

  • Age is more than 35 years.
  • The menstrual cycles are irregular.
  • Have had an operation for conditions in the ovary.
  • Suffering from PCOS or endometriosis.

Whom does one consult for IUI?

It is always better to plan the IUI process in a best IUI treatment center according to advice of infertility or IVF specialist.

What are the steps involved in the treatment of IUI?

In an IUI cycle, usually, the female partner is given drugs to stimulate ovaries. This is done to increase the chances of success with IUI. There will need to see an IVF specialist to monitor the ovaries to see the size of the follicles. When follicles are approximately 18-22 mm, a trigger injection will be given to initiating the process of ovulation. IUI is usually done 38-40 hours post the trigger injection.

Are there any side effects of IUI?

IUI as such is quite a safe procedure done in the ion outpatient department. There are no known severe adverse effects related to the procedure itself.

Do you require bed rest after IUI?

No!!! Not at all. There is no need for bed rest. One can resume work as early as possible, in fact on the same day.

What is the success rate of IUI?

Like in all infertility treatments, the success depends on the female age, history of any previous treatment failure and multiple other factors. In females, less than 35 years of age, who are in good hands, a success rate of 12-15% can be expected.

Does one need multiple cycles of IUI?

As IUI has a success rate of approximately 12-15%, the treating doctor might advise up to 3-4 cycles of IUI.