Intrauterine Insemination
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in Fertility Care
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a type of fertility treatment where specially prepared sperm is placed directly into a woman’s uterus using a thin catheter.
Intrauterine Insemination
What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a type of fertility treatment where specially prepared sperm is placed directly into a woman’s uterus using a thin catheter.Normally, sperm must travel a long way — from the vagina, through the cervix, and into the uterus and fallopian tubes — and only a small fraction survive this journey. IUI helps by reducing the distance sperm need to travel, placing them closer to the egg, and using only the healthiest sperm. This increases the chances of fertilization and pregnancy.
IUI is often tried before more complex and expensive treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It can be performed with sperm from a partner or a donor and may be combined with fertility medications to stimulate ovulation.
When to Consider IUI
IUI may be considered in the following situations:
- Difficulty conceiving for over a year (or 6 months if over age 35).
- Unexplained infertility where no clear cause is found.
- Mild male factor infertility (low sperm count, motility, or mild ejaculatory issues).
- Problems with cervical mucus or cervical scarring.
- Sexual dysfunction (erection or ejaculation problems).
- Use of donor sperm (single women or same-sex female couples).
- Couples wanting a less invasive, more affordable option before moving to IVF.
Types of IUI
Natural Cycle IUI
- Performed during a woman’s natural ovulation cycle without fertility drugs.
- Best suited for women who ovulate regularly.
Stimulated (or Medicated) IUI
- Involves fertility medications (like Clomiphene, Letrozole, or hormone injections) to stimulate the ovaries.
- Increases the chances of producing more than one mature egg, which can improve pregnancy rates.
Donor Sperm IUI
- Performed when donor sperm is used instead of a partner’s sperm.
- Useful for single women, same-sex female couples, or cases where male infertility is severe.
Step Process
Procedure of IUI
Step 1 : Preparation & Monitoring
- Initial tests may include blood work, ultrasound, semen analysis, and infection screening.
- Ovulation is tracked using ultrasound, hormone tests, or ovulation kits. Sometimes, an injection (hCG) is given to trigger egg release.
Step 2 : Sperm Collection & Washing
- A fresh sperm sample (from partner or donor) is collected.
- In the lab, the sperm is “washed” to separate healthy, motile sperm from weaker ones and seminal fluid (which could cause cramping).
Step 3 : Insemination
- A speculum is inserted into the vagina (like during a Pap smear).
- A thin catheter is passed through the cervix into the uterus.
- The prepared sperm is gently placed directly into the uterus.
- The procedure is quick (just a few minutes) and usually painless, though mild cramping or spotting can occur.
Step 4 : Post-Procedure
- You may rest for 10–30 minutes afterward.
- Normal activities can usually be resumed the same day.
- A pregnancy test is taken about 2 weeks later.
Results of IUI
Success Rate :
IUI success varies by age, infertility cause, and use of fertility drugs. On average:
- 10–20% success rate per cycle for women under 35.
- Rates decrease with advancing age.
Best Outcomes :
- Achieved when combined with fertility drugs and timed accurately with ovulation.
When It May Not Work Well :
- Severe endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, very poor sperm quality, or multiple failed IUI cycles. In such cases, IVF may be a better option.
