IUI Explained: How IUI Procedures Work and What to Expect?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a standard fertility treatment that can help couples struggling to conceive. For many, the journey toward parenthood can be filled with challenges, and IUI offers a less invasive and cost-effective option compared to other assisted reproductive technologies like In vitro fertilization (IVF).
This blog will explain how IUI procedures work, what to expect during the treatment, and how to determine if the procedure has been successful.
What is IUI Treatment?
(IUI) Intrauterine insemination is a fertility procedure that entails the direct introduction of sperm into a woman’s uterus, with the purpose of improving the odds of fertilization. This process increases the sperm’s chances of getting the egg and aids in fertilization.
IUI is commonly suggested for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, Women having problems like cervical mucus abnormalities, or a history of mild endometriosis.
How do IUI procedures Work?
The IUI procedure is relatively straightforward and involves several key steps:
Typically, the process starts with ovarian stimulation, where a woman is given drugs to develop multiple eggs. She may have multi egged ovaries. Such treatments might involve oral prescriptions such as Clomiphene Citrate or injectables such as gonadotropins.
The idea is to facilitate the liberation of an increased number of eggs during ovulation, raising your chances for fertilization.
At this time, the patient undergoes routine blood tests and ultrasound monitoring of the growth and development of follicles (fluid-filled sacs in ovaries where eggs mature). When the follicles reach a mature size, an hCG trigger shot is administered to stimulate ovulation.
In IUI, a semen sample is collected from the husband on the day of the procedure. To help with the process, a sample is produced and undergoes “sperm washing,” where it gets prepped separately from its original seminal fluid.
This process also washes away waste and detergents in the semen, which can cause pain or get in the way of fertilization. It is essential to ensure that only the most mobile, healthy sperm are harvested for insemination, which increases the chances of fecundation.
The IUI process itself is relatively simple and fast. The prepared sperm is then carefully placed in the uterus at the time of ovulation via an ultra-thin catheter that slides through the cervix. This is usually not very painful, but some may feel cramping or mild discomfort. The idea is to have the fertilizing sperm in the uterus when an egg is released, making it as easy as possible for them to meet up and become best buds.
What to Expect after the IUI Procedure?
After the IUI procedure, patients can usually resume their normal activities, although some doctors may recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day. Mild cramping, spotting, or feeling fullness in the abdomen are normal. These symptoms are usually temporary and should subside within a day or two.
The two – week wait
One of the most challenging aspects of the IUI process is the two-week wait before taking a pregnancy test. During this time, it’s essential to stay calm and patient, as stress can impact the success of the treatment.
Some women might notice early signs of pregnancy, including breast tenderness, fatigue, or mild nausea. Still, these can also be side effects of the fertility medications used during the IUI cycle.
How to know if IUI is Successful?
Two weeks later, a blood test will be conducted to check the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that indicates pregnancy. If the test is positive, it indicates that the IUI procedure was successful and that the woman is pregnant.
If the first attempt at IUI does not result in pregnancy, it’s important not to lose hope. Many couples may require multiple IUI cycles before achieving success. Your fertility specialist will work with you to assess the situation and determine the best action.
Success rates and factors influencing IUI Outcomes
The success rates of IUI vary due to several factors like age, cause of infertility and type, abnormality factor, etc. The average success rate for IUI is around 10% to 20% per attempt.
Success rates usually are higher for women younger than 35 years old. Factors which may affect the success of IUI:
- The timing of the procedure.
- Fertility medications are used here.
- General health status and lifestyle of both parties.
Risks and Considerations
While IUI is generally safe, it does come with some risks, including the possibility of multiple pregnancies (twins or more) if fertility medications are used. There is also a small risk of infection, although this is rare.
It’s essential to have a detailed discussion with your fertility specialist to understand the potential risks and benefits of IUI and to determine if it’s the right option for you. IUI is a valuable fertility treatment option for many couples and can significantly increase the chances of conception with relatively low invasiveness and cost.
Gaining insight into how IUI procedures operate and knowing what to anticipate can empower you to make well-informed decisions as you navigate your path to parenthood.
Suppose you’re considering IUI or want to explore your fertility treatment options. In that case, Dr. Gautam Allahbadia and the team at the Allahbadia IVF Clinic are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward achieving your dream of starting a family.
