Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Know About It?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment procedure where sperm are placed into the uterus. This process helps eliminate various barriers to the passage of sperm after natural sexual intercourse, thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy for couples who are struggling to conceive.

What Are the Benefits of IUI?

• First-Line Treatment
• Simple and Easy
• Economical (Budget Friendly)
• Less Invasive
• Lesser Complications
• Good Compliance
• Minimal Infrastructure Needed

Who Is The Right Candidate for IUI?

• Couples with less than five years of infertility
• HIV discordant couples
• Same-sex couples
• Single parents

How to Prepare for the IUI Procedure?

1. First visit: The female partner visits the clinic once menstrual periods begin.
2. Ovulation Induction: Starting from the second or third day of the period, the doctor administers a tablet to induce ovulation or egg release for the next five days.
3. Ultrasound examination: On day 11 or 12 of her cycle, an ultrasound checks for ovulation.
4. hCG injection: A shot of hCG triggers final egg maturation.
5. IUI procedure: About 36-38 hours later, the IUI procedure is performed.

What To Expect During the Procedure (IUI)

For the male partner:

• Abstinence: 2-5 days of abstinence before providing the sperm sample.
• Sperm sample: Provided on the day of the procedure, within 90 minutes of collection for optimal results.
• Sperm washing: The sample is processed to concentrate healthy, motile sperm.

For the female partner:

• Do not empty the bladder: Keeping the bladder full or partially full helps smooth the IUI process.
• Insemination: The doctor inserts washed sperm into the uterine cavity using a catheter, enhancing the chance of fertilization.

What Happens Post-IUI Procedure?

• Medications: Progesterone hormonal tablets are prescribed starting from the second day after IUI for 15 days.
• Pregnancy test: A Beta hCG test is scheduled approximately 14 days after the procedure to check for pregnancy.

When Is the Pregnancy Test Done?

The Beta hCG test or pregnancy test is typically performed about 14 days after the IUI procedure, with results available within 24 hours.

What Is The Success Rate Of IUI?

The success rate of IUI varies by age:

• Age 20 to 30: 17.6%
• Age 31 to 35: 13.3%
• Age 36 to 38: 13.4%
• Age 39 to 40: 10.6%
• Over 40: 5.4%

Who Cannot Undergo IUI Procedure?

• Females with both fallopian tubes blocked
• Females with severe pelvic infection
• Males with less than 1 million sperm count in the post-semen wash