IUI Treatment – What You Should Know About It

IUI stands for intrauterine insemination, which is a type of fertility treatment used to increase the chances of pregnancy. During IUI, specially prepared sperm is placed directly into a woman’s uterus using a thin catheter, in order to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and potentially fertilise an egg. IUI is often used as a first-line treatment for couples with unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility, as well as for same-sex female couples or single women who want to conceive using donor sperm. It is a less invasive and less expensive option compared to more complex fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Before IUI, the woman may receive medications to stimulate the ovaries and increase the chances of ovulation. The sperm sample is collected, washed and concentrated to remove any impurities, and then inserted into the uterus during the woman’s fertile window. IUI is a relatively simple procedure that usually takes only a few minutes to complete, and the woman can resume normal activities immediately after.

What is the process of IUI treatment?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman’s uterus to increase the chances of pregnancy. Here is the general process of IUI treatment:

• Initial consultation: Before starting the IUI process, the patient and their partner will meet with a fertility specialist to discuss medical history, conduct a physical exam and determine the best course of action.
• Ovulation induction: Depending on the woman’s menstrual cycle, she may be prescribed medication to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, making it more likely that one will be fertilised during IUI.
• Monitoring: During the ovulation induction phase, the woman’s hormone levels will be monitored using blood tests and ultrasound to determine when ovulation will occur.
• Semen collection: On the day of IUI, the man will provide a semen sample, which is washed and processed to separate the healthiest sperm from the seminal fluid.
• Insemination: The sperm are placed directly into the woman’s uterus using a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube. The procedure is relatively painless and takes only a few minutes to complete.
• Rest and recovery: After the procedure, the woman will rest for a short period before returning home. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, and there is usually little to no discomfort.
• Follow-up: Approximately two weeks after the IUI procedure, the woman will return to the clinic for a pregnancy test to determine whether the procedure was successful.

IUI Treatment Risks

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a commonly used fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman’s uterus in order to increase the chances of fertilisation. While IUI is generally considered safe, there are some potential risks associated with the procedure:

• Infection: The use of a catheter to deliver the sperm into the uterus can increase the risk of infection. Symptoms of infection may include fever, chills, abdominal pain, and vaginal discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms after an IUI procedure, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.
• Multiple pregnancies: IUI can increase the likelihood of having twins or other multiple pregnancies. This is because more than one egg may be fertilised during the procedure. Multiple pregnancies can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): This is a potential complication of IUI that occurs when the ovaries become enlarged and produce too many eggs. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases of OHSS can lead to hospitalisation.
• Ectopic pregnancy: In rare cases, the fertilised egg may implant outside of the uterus, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

It’s important to discuss the potential risks of IUI with your healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure. Your provider can help you weigh the risks and benefits of IUI and determine whether it’s the right fertility treatment for you.

Suggest to read:- Uterine Polyps And Miscarriages

IUI Treatment Success Rates

The success rates of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the age of the woman, the quality of the sperm used, and any underlying fertility issues. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the success rates for IUI are generally:

• For women under 35: 10-20% per cycle
• For women between 35-37: 10% per cycle
• For women between 38-40: 5-10% per cycle
• For women over 40: 2-5% per cycle

It’s important to note that the success rates for IUI can be affected by a number of factors, including the underlying cause of infertility, the number of cycles attempted, and whether fertility medications are used to stimulate ovulation. It’s best to speak with a fertility specialist to determine the best course of treatment and to discuss your individual chances of success with IUI.

IUI Treatment Cost in India

The cost of IUI (Intrauterine insemination) treatment in India can vary based on a number of factors, including the location of the clinic, the reputation and experience of the medical facility, and the specific treatments required by the patient. On average, the IUI treatment cost for one cycle in India can range from INR 8,000 to INR 15,000 (approximately $110 to $205 USD). However, this is just an average and the cost can vary significantly depending on the above-mentioned factors.

It’s important to note that additional costs may be incurred for medication, diagnostic tests, and other necessary procedures. Additionally, some clinics may offer package deals for multiple IUI cycles, which may offer cost savings. It’s always best to consult with a reputable medical facility and discuss your specific needs and circumstances in order to get an accurate estimate of the cost of IUI treatment.

Conclusion

IUI is effective treatment for couples with fertility problems. Having an idea about its process, risks, and cost will help you decide what you should do at what time in your fertility journey.