Intrauterine insemination is one of the simplest of the available fertility treatments. IUI involves using a catheter to place washed, cleaned, and warmed semen directly inside a woman’s uterus

A woman’s ovaries produce eggs every month, which exits the woman’s ovary and travels along the fallopian tube towards the uterus. In Intrauterine insemination or IUI, this natural sequence of events is given some assistance. A concentrated semen sample is prepared in the laboratory. The IUI procedure places this concentrated semen sample closer to the egg which has been discharged during ovulation. To further assist in the exact timing of this process, the female partner is required to take medications prior to the IUI so that she will definitely ovulate at the time of the procedure

Can IUI treat all types of infertility?

IUI can be helpful in patients with certain conditions only. These are:

• When a woman does not ovulate regularly
• When the male semen does not swim or move properly
• When men have mildly decreased semen counts
• When women have cervical abnormalities that prevents semen from traveling past the cervix

What should I do during and after the IUI procedure?

You must follow these guidelines increase your chances of getting pregnant during and after the IUI:

• Rest: We recommend a time of rest after the procedure is done
• Diet: You need to consume a healthy balanced diet to promote fertilization and achieve pregnancy naturally
• Avoid smoking/alcohol consumption: You must mandatorily avoid smoking or drinking before, during and after your treatment as it affects conception rates and increased abnormalities
• Avoid heavy workouts: You must avoid heavy workouts and/or lifting heavy objects as it can cramp your muscles and disturb the endometrial lining (which is important for an embryo to implant)
• Avoid stress/anxiety: Please keep your mind relaxed as stress can lead to hormonal imbalance and affect your ovulation

Myths surrounding IUI

• IUI is only option for infertility: It is considered only as first line of treatment. In case of IUI failure, there are other procedures to diagnose and treat infertility
• IUI has a low success rate: IUI success rate normally range around 10% and is not always successful in very first attempt. Clinicians may recommend multiple cycles of IUI before opting for other options
• IUI will result in multiple pregnancies: This is not always the case. Our clinicians will regularly monitor your hormone levels and plan of the procedure at the appropriate time
• IUI is always done in conjunction with: This is also not the case. IUI can be done with or without giving hormonal stimulation. If a woman is having regular cycles and predictable ovulation, IUI can be done without hormonal stimulation. However, for a woman who has irregular periods, our clinicians will recommend a stimulated IUI cycle

To know more about IUI, book your appointment today and reach us for further information