IUI or Artificial Insemination (AI) is a procedure of placing a processed semen sample containing the most motile sperm of the male partner into the uterus cavity through the cervix of the female partner at the time of her ovulation.
Who shall benefit from IUI?
- Mild to moderate decrease in sperm count or motility
- Male sexual dysfunction: erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory disturbances
- Female sexual dysfunction: vaginismus
- Early stage endometriosis
- Unexplained infertility
What are the steps of treatment in IUI?
Couples must undergo fertility evaluation to know if they are suitable for this treatment. The female partner must have patent fallopian tubes.
Female partner is given medications to stimulate ovaries to grow follicles. The development of the follicle is followed up on a Trans-vaginal scan. When the follicle reaches a certain size, the ovulation is triggered with a “trigger injection”. This helps in the release of mature egg from the follicle. Subsequently the doctor performs the intrauterine insemination after 36 to 44 hours following the trigger injection. On the day of IUI the male partner provides a semen sample. This sample is processed and the motile sperms are separated. The concentrated motile sperms are introduced into the female partner’s uterus using a fine catheter. This procedure is generally not painful and the female can go back home the same day.
What are the precautions after IUI?
IUI is a simple procedure and generally does not require any special precautions. However the doctor would advice rest for a few minutes after the procedure. You can go back to work from the next day and continue your day to day activities as usual.
What are the complications in this procedure?
Usually there are no major complications. But some patients may have mild pain with spotting on the day of IUI procedure which settles immediately.
What are the chances of success?
Worldwide, the success rates for IUI average around 10-20%. Generally younger women have higher success rates in comparison to those above 35 years. Statistics show that the majority of IUI pregnancies occur in the first three to four cycles of IUI.
