Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the many types of artificial insemination done for treating infertility in which washed and concentrated sperms are introduced directly into the uterus at a time when the ovary releases one or more eggs to increase chances of pregnancy.
The idea is that by doing this sperms would swim into the fallopian tube and fertilise the egg present there resulting in pregnancy.
Indications
Unexplained infertility – The doctor may recommend this treatment in cases of unexplained infertility as a first step procedure since this is much cheaper as compared to IVF.
Donor sperm – If the semen analysis of a natural husband is inappropriate for pregnancy, one may opt for this method. Such samples are obtained from certified labs only and the donor remains anonymous.
Cervical problems – If cervical mucus is too thick or if the cervix is closed, it may impede the movement of sperms into tubes. IUI can help in such cases by bypassing the cervix and delivering sperms directly into the uterus.
Endometriosis – IUI may be the initial choice for patients suffering from infertility and endometriosis before doing IVF.
Problem with semen analysis – If semen analysis shows low sperm count, weak movement, or abnormalities in sperm size and shape, IUI may help in some of these patients.
Allergy to semen – It’s a rare condition but in such cases, IUI can help as most of the proteins in semen are removed before sperms are injected.
Ovulation problems – IUI may also be performed for women who have infertility caused by problems with ovulation, including an absence of ovulation or a reduced number of eggs.
Risks
Intrauterine insemination is a relatively quick, simple and safe procedure but as with any other procedure, certain risks are involved-
Infection. There’s a slight risk of developing an infection as a result of the procedure.
Spotting. At times there is a small vaginal bleed as the process of IUI involves placing the catheter in the uterus which can cause minor injury.
Multiple pregnancies. When IUI is coordinated with ovulation-inducing medications, the risk of a multiple pregnancy increases.
Steps involved in IUI:
Intrauterine insemination involves careful coordination to be successful hence the results are good only in the hands of an expert in the field of infertility.
Preparation of semen sample – Either the male partner provides a semen sample or a vial of frozen donor sperm can be thawed and prepared. The non-sperm elements can interfere with fertilization, the sample is washed in a way that it separates the highly active, normal sperm from lower quality sperm and other elements. The chances of pregnancy increase by using a small but highly concentrated sample of healthy sperms.
Monitoring for ovulation. The timing of IUI is crucial to get positive results. Monitoring for signs of impending ovulation is monitored by the doctor by doing an ultrasound. The doctor may also give certain medications to make more eggs at the right time.
Determining optimal timing. Most IUIs are done a day or two after detecting ovulation. Your doctor will help you in finding out the right time for the procedure.
Time is taken for the procedure
The actual procedure takes just a minute or two and the total time spent in the hospital is around 15 minutes if everything goes as expected.
After-care
After insemination, you’ll be asked to lie on your back for a brief period. Once the procedure is over, you can get dressed and go about your normal daily activities. You may experience some light spotting for a day or two after the procedure.
Results
You can do a home pregnancy test at about two weeks from IUI or visit your doctor for the same. Tests done in a doctor’s laboratory are better in detecting pregnancy.
If Test Is Negative
Since the success rates of IUI are not very high, your doctor may repeat this procedure for a few months (3 to 6 times) before assuming that this is not useful in your case.