Fertility Treatment Through Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): A Comprehensive Overview Each year, more couples are turning to fertility treatments to overcome infertility. This growing concern is especially notable in India, where Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) are becoming increasingly popular.
These modern medical interventions have made it possible for many infertile couples to conceive. From ovulation-stimulating medications to ART procedures such as IUI, IVF, and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), there are a variety of treatments available to enhance fertility.
IUI is a procedure where sperm is strategically placed into the woman’s uterus, increasing the chances of successful fertilization and pregnancy. The treatment can be performed with or without fertility medication, offering flexibility and accessibility for couples seeking to start a family.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus. In a healthy woman, sperm naturally travels to the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg. However, when this process doesn’t occur on its own, IUI provides an alternative. During this procedure, sperm is washed to select the healthiest specimens, which are then introduced into the uterus via a catheter. IUI is often considered before more invasive or costly fertility treatments. It may also be combined with fertility medications to stimulate ovulation. The sperm used can be from a partner or a donor.
Couples may opt for IUI based on a variety of factors, including infertility issues or as an alternative for women who want to become parents without a spouse, as well as for LGBT couples. IUI is also recommended in cases of specific medical conditions, such as:
Cervical or Mucus Problems The cervix produces mucus to facilitate sperm movement, and if the mucus is too thick, it can hinder sperm travel. IUI bypasses this barrier by placing sperm directly in the uterus.
Sperm Issues:
If the sperm is weak, irregular, or low in count, IUI can help by selecting the healthiest sperm for the procedure.
Erectile or Ejaculatory Dysfunction:
IUI can be beneficial when a partner has difficulty maintaining an erection or ejaculating.
Unexplained Infertility:
Sometimes the cause of infertility remains undiagnosed, and IUI is a reasonable first step in addressing this issue.
Consultation:
The first step is a fertility consultation where specialists assess your medical history and family-building goals. Diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds, are performed to evaluate the condition of your fallopian tubes and uterus, which helps determine the most suitable fertility treatment.
Medications:
IUI is timed to coincide with ovulation. Fertility medications are used to stimulate ovulation, and the clinic monitors progress with ultrasounds and bloodwork to pinpoint the optimal timing for insemination.
Procedure:
The sperm, whether from a partner or a donor, is prepared in the lab using a sperm wash to ensure only the highest quality sperm is used. The IUI procedure itself is quick and painless, similar to a Pap smear. Once the procedure is done, you can resume normal activities.
Post-Procedure:
About two weeks after the procedure, a pregnancy test is conducted. If the test is positive, the fertility team will monitor your pregnancy. If negative, a new cycle or alternative treatments may be discussed.
IUI is a simple, cost-effective fertility treatment that can help with conditions like cervical infertility, anovulatory infertility, mild male infertility, immunological infertility, and unexplained infertility. By placing sperm directly into the uterus, IUI shortens the distance it needs to travel, thereby improving the chances of conception.
Studies suggest that the success rate of IUI improves when combined with ovarian hyperstimulation. It is especially effective for women under 35 who have functional fallopian tubes, a shorter duration of infertility, and moderate male infertility. In certain cases, specialists may recommend several cycles of IUI before exploring alternatives like IVF.
IUI is generally a safe and non-invasive procedure with minimal risk. However, there are a few potential complications:
Infection:
Although rare, there is a slight risk of infection due to the insertion of instruments during the procedure. Sterile tools are used to minimize this risk.
Multiple Pregnancies
If fertility drugs are used to stimulate ovulation, there may be a higher chance of multiple eggs being released, which could lead to a multiple pregnancy. Your doctor will carefully monitor this to prevent excessive egg release.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
In some cases, fertility medications used during IUI can cause OHSS, which results in enlarged ovaries, fluid buildup, and cramping. Severe symptoms may include dizziness, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. If these occur, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately.
The typical IUI cycle begins at the start of your period and lasts about two weeks before a pregnancy test is performed. On the second or third day of your period, a blood test will confirm if you’re not already pregnant. Ultrasounds will monitor the development of ovarian follicles and the thickening of the uterine lining. When a mature follicle is detected, ovulation is imminent, and an hCG trigger shot or at-home LH tests may be used to time the IUI procedure
The cost of an IUI cycle typically starts at Rs 10,000, though it can vary depending on the fertility clinic and location. Treatment in major cities is generally more expensive compared to smaller cities or towns.