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Intrauterine Insemination may Increase your Chances of Conception

Presently, more than 10% of the couples worldwide are affected by infertility or have problems in conceiving. Though various advanced treatments have been developed to overcome infertility, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is one of the most frequently used. This procedure is usually performed in a laboratory by processing sperms taken from the husband or a donor (depending on the couple’s medical history and consent) and then artificially injecting those sperms inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. It is both a less invasive and inexpensive procedure compared to in vitro fertilization.

Why IUI?
• Ovulatory dysfunction
• Moderate oligospermia
• Hostile cervix
• Unexplained Infertility
• Hindrance of cervical scar tissue occurring from previous surgeries
• Erectile or Ejaculation Dysfunction
• Psycho-sexual disorders
• Couples who live apart due to career/job

How is IUI usually done?
• Patient is explained why IUI is the treatment option being given to them. If a donor sperm IUI is needed then patient is counseled for that and consent is taken for the same in written.
• Medications &/or hormonal injections are given to stimulate egg formation in the female patient.
• Egg formation is closely monitored usually through ultrasound.
• In most cases the patient is given a hormonal trigger for egg release/ovulation and then monitored for about 24-36 hours.
• As soon as the patient ovulates, IUI or Artificial Insemination is done using Husband’s or Donor’s sperms.
• On the day of IUI, semen sample is washed in the lab to separate the sperms from the seminal fluid.
• Then a catheter is used to insert the sperms directly into the uterine cavity or womb. This process allows sperms to bypass the vagina and cervical mucus, thereby increasing the chances of conception.
• This whole procedure takes just a few minutes and does not cause much discomfort.
• The next step is to wait for signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

IUI may lead to multiple pregnancies as more than one egg may ovulate in an IUI cycle. Chance of conceiving with IUI depends on various factors such as woman’s age, cause of infertility, fertility drugs / injections used, and lots of other variables. If the IUI procedure is performed each month for 3 consecutive months under favorable conditions then the chances of success in the couple may reach as high as 20% per cycle.