IUI – Intrauterine Insemination procedure
Intrauterine Insemination or IUI is a fertility treatment that puts sperm directly into a woman’s uterus to meet the egg, making it easier for the woman to conceive.
Here’s how it works:
IUI has many names. It is also known as donor insemination, alternative insemination, or artificial insemination.
In this process, instead of swimming all the way through your vagina and fallopian tubes, the sperm gets placed right inside your uterus, around the time of ovulation. This saves them time and energy, increasing their chances of reaching and fertilizing the egg.
Before going through the procedure, doctors might recommend you take medications to stimulate the process of ovulation.
Sperm preparation: Your partner or a donor provides a sperm sample. It goes through a process called “sperm washing” that collects a concentrated amount of healthy sperm from the semen.
The insemination technique: The doctor gently inserts a thin tube through your vagina and into your uterus. Then, they use a tiny syringe to squirt the prepared sperm right inside.
If a sperm successfully fertilizes your egg, pregnancy happens and the fertilized egg implants in the lining of your uterus.
IUI is cheaper and less invasive than other fertility treatments. It is one of the best techniques to embrace motherhood. However, it’s not a guaranteed path to parenthood. Everyone’s body is different, and the results vary depending on the individual’s health concerns.
What can I expect during IUI?
You might take medications to help your egg get ready for the process of fertilization. Your doctor will find out the exact time of your ovulation to maximize the chances of pregnancy.
Your partner or a donor will provide a sperm sample. This sample goes through a process of “sperm-washing” to get rid of chemicals in the sperm. It is done to ensure that healthy sperm are obtained for the process of fertilization and the process of pregnancy becomes easier.
Take the first step:
The insemination procedure is done at Janya Fertility Clinic, HSR Layout, Bangalore, and it only takes about 5-10 minutes. It’s pretty quick, and you don’t need anesthesia. IUI is usually not painful, but some people have mild cramping.
Remember, getting pregnant doesn’t have to be a complicated journey. IUI is a simple way to increase your chances of getting pregnant, and who knows, it might just lead you to parenthood!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is IUI dependent related to the menstrual cycle?
IUI is performed around the ovulation period. And, the timing can be determined by the date of the menstrual cycle. Timing is crucial to increase the chances of successful fertilization.
How successful is IUI in achieving pregnancy?
Success rates for IUI can vary based on factors such as the cause of infertility, age, and overall health. On average, the success rate per cycle is around 10-20%, but this can vary among individuals.
Can IUI be used for single women or same-sex couples?
Yes, IUI can be a viable fertility option for single women and same-sex couples who may require donor sperm to achieve pregnancy. The process is similar, with the introduction of sperm into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
Is there any special preparation needed before undergoing IUI?
Depending on the specific situation, your healthcare provider may recommend fertility medications to stimulate ovulation. Additionally, a thorough fertility evaluation may be conducted to understand the underlying health issues, if any.