IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) Treatment
IUI treatment is a widely recognized fertility treatment that has proven to be a ray of hope for couples and individuals who wish to conceive naturally but are facing some kind of problem in doing so. There are numerous reasons why your doctor may present this treatment option to you.
Of course, the approach of IUI is very strategic and involves the help of experts. The IUI procedure requires very careful preparation and has to be precisely timed. However, understanding the intricacies associated with the procedure is essential.
In the sections below, we have discussed everything that you must know about this technique, including the IUI treatment procedure, success rates, IUI treatment cost, where to get the best IUI treatment options, and a lot more.
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves the placement of a processed semen sample directly into the uterus of the partner. This improves the chances of pregnancy and helps couples fulfill their dreams of becoming parents.
The goal of IUI is simple: to move the sperm closer to your fallopian tubes. Why? Let us first try to understand the process of natural conception. In this, the sperm travels from your vagina to the cervix, from where it reaches the fallopian tubes. Normally, only 5% of the sperm ejected into the vagina can reach the fallopian tubes. The egg released from your ovary is picked up by the fallopian tube, where the sperm fertilizes it.
In the IUI treatment procedure, the specialists collect, wash, and concentrate the sperm. Then, they make use of a catheter (a thin tube) to place it directly into your uterus. This is how the treatment gives you a better chance of conceiving. There are two primary advantages of this – the sperm has to travel a shorter distance, and only high-quality sperm is available after concentration. The process can either be performed with your partner’s sperm or with the help of a donor in certain indications.
Reasons for Doing IUI
There are many reasons why doctors recommend the intrauterine insemination technique. These are listed below:
- The most common reason for doing an IUI when the the sperm parameters are affected. In case the shape, size, or quality of the sperm is low, high-quality and high-concentration sperm is selected through the help of the IUI process.
- This is also helpful in couples when having sexual intercourse is a problem. If the male partner is unable to maintain an erection or has ejaculatory problems, you can seek the help of an IUI fertility expert. If the female is also experiencing sexual dysfunction, IUI treatment is recommended.
- In women who do not have periods regularly, medication is given for the eggs to get released. This is supplemented with an IUI for a better outcome.
- Due to some reasons, if you are planning to use a donor sperm, donor insemination is done to place the sperm into your system. This can be done in cases when the male partner’s sperm quality is low or if a single mother or same-sex female couple is planning to get pregnant.
For couples with unexplained infertility as well, an IUI treatment proves to be a good way to solve the problem. Of course, IVF is an ideal solution for these. However, due to budget constraints, IUI is presented as an option as well.
Things to Expect When You Choose IUI Process
Sometimes, the mere thought of undergoing IUI treatment makes you nervous and anxious. To help you, we have listed all the things you can expect to experience during the treatment. By understanding this, you can approach your journey to fertility with confidence!
- The primary consultation involves an understanding of your problem, a discussion of how the process works, and IUI cost in India.
- Your medical practitioner will also prescribe some medicines to you and explain their consumption clearly.
- Your ovulation cycle will be tracked by the experts, and the insemination will be done accordingly. You may also be given some hormones to trigger your ovulation.
- Ultrasounds and blood tests will be conducted along the cycle for close monitoring.
- If you are using donor sperm, it will be thawed on the day of your procedure. Necessary precautions will be followed for the same.
- A long but very thin tube is inserted into your uterus through the mouth of your vagina to place the semen sample into your uterus.
If you are considering Egg donation, IUI is not the ideal process for you.
A Closer Look at the IUI Procedure Step By Step
The IUI procedure is carefully tailored to enhance the chances of conception. Each step of the process is performed with precision and care to maximize the IUI treatment success rate. Here’s a detailed understanding of the steps involved:
Ovulation:
The IUI treatment process starts with the tracking of your ovulation cycle. Your doctor may conduct blood tests to check the baseline hormone levels. If your cycles are not regular, they will give you some oral medications and injections (if required) to induce ovulation.
Then, with the use of sonography and blood tests, the growth of the follicle will be monitored. This helps healthcare experts determine the right date for carrying out the IUI treatment.
The right time for insemination is within 24 to 36 hours from the time the trigger injection is given.
Sperm Preparation:
The next step involves the preparation of the sperm through a specialized process known as sperm wash. The purpose of this step is to improve the quality of the sample by removing the dead and slow-moving cells. This concentrated sample is used in the following step.
Usually, your partner will give their sample in a sterile container provided by the lab on the same day as that of the insemination. In some cases, the expert may recommend collecting the sample beforehand and freezing it. Sperms from a donor may also be used after thawing. The approach used will depend on your case. The embryologist will then process the sample in the embryology lab to provide the best quality sample for IUI treatment.
Insemination:
The third and final step in the treatment is intrauterine insemination. This involves the use of a catheter to place the concentrated sample into the uterus directly. The step requires only a few minutes, during which you will be lying down on the procedure table. Your doctor uses a catheter to inject the sample into your uterus. This is different from IVF, where an Embryo transfer takes place.
Keys to a Successful IUI Treatment
For a successful outcome, it is important to know the valuable tips and the things to avoid after IUI. These include:
- Do not engage in strenuous exercise.
- Make sure to consume a healthy diet every day.
- Quit alcohol and smoking even before your procedure starts.
- Choose the clinic with the best IUI procedure success rate.
Symptoms of a Successful IUI Procedure
IUI success symptoms are similar to what you will experience in early pregnancy. These include signs such as sore breasts, light bleeding, and cramping. However, having these symptoms doesn’t mean that IUI is surely successful. On the contrary, there is also a possibility that the patient has gotten pregnant with IUI but doesn’t display any of these symptoms.
Intrauterine Insemination or IUI: The Advantages
The benefits of IUI treatment include:
- Better pregnancy chance
- Less discomfor
- Lower cost
- Helpful for male infertility issues
Intrauterine Insemination IUI: The Disadvantages
The demerits of IUI treatment include:
- Chances of multiple pregnancies
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (rare)
- Infection (rare)
Understanding the Difference Between IUI and IVF
Both IUI and IVF processes are examples of artificial fertility treatment. However, the approach used for both of these is very contrasting.
In IUI or Intrauterine Insemination, the injection of the semen sample is done directly into the uterus. The goal is to bring the sperms as close to the fallopian tubes as possible to increase the chances of fertilization. On the contrary, in IVF Treatment, a multi-step procedure is followed, wherein the embryo is placed in the uterus of the female partner. IVF treatment or in vitro fertilization is an ART procedure, while IUI isn’t.
Both treatment approaches are ideal in different conditions. Hence, your doctor will first analyze your problem and the cause of your infertility, followed by which they will recommend the best-suited procedure for you.
Furthermore, upon careful analysis of IUI vs IVF price, it has been observed that IUI is less expensive compared to IVF. This can be attributed to the fact that multiple advanced techniques are involved in the process of IVF.
Bloom IVF: The Leading Hub for IUI Treatment and Other Fertility Treatments in India
Bloom IVF stands tall as one of the most trusted partners for couples and individuals who are looking for the best fertility solutions. We are known for our cutting-edge technology and personalized care. With a team of highly skilled specialists and premium facilities, Bloom IVF is fulfilling its goal of providing the best standard of care to each of its patients. Furthermore, we have maintained a high IUI success rate consistently over the years.
What sets us apart as the go-to clinic is the fact that you can get the most affordable IUI treatment cost in India at Bloom IVF. To ensure that your dream comes true, we meticulously manage each step of the process, whether it is IUI or ICSI treatment.
Being the best fertility clinic in India, Bloom IVF offers a comprehensive range of fertility services. Whether you’re considering Egg donation, Laparoscopic surgery, or other advanced fertility treatments, our expert team is here to help you. You can also call us to inquire about the accurate IUI cost for your case.