Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Intrauterine insemination, also known as IUI, refers to a fertility treatment, which involves artificial insemination to induce pregnancy. It helps to increase the chances of conception in those who have difficulty conceiving.

The procedure helps to reduce the time and distance travelled by the sperm up the fallopian tubes which ultimately decreases the odds of pregnancy.

Semen or egg is taken from a healthy donor or spouse. The doctor inserts the sperm into your uterus. If the process becomes successful, pregnancy will occur.

The sperm is collected, cleaned, and concentrated during IUI so that only the best quality sperm are utilized for the process. IUI is frequently carried out by specified and experienced medical professionals only. To ensure a successful IUI procedure, fertility medications are also prescribed.

A person who is having trouble getting pregnant can opt for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) because both of these are fertility therapies. The fundamental distinction between IUI and IVF procedures consists of five specified processes of IVF while IUI does not. IVF requires the stimulation, retrieval, fertilization, and transfer of eggs. On the contrary, an IUI involves injecting sperm into the uterus to shorten the sperm's journey to the egg only.

The main difference between IUI and IVF procedures is that with IVF, eggs are surgically extracted using a needle entered through the vaginal opening, and those eggs are then fertilized in a laboratory whereas, with IUI, no extraction is done.

Summary- IUI, and IVF both come under fertility treatment but possess different procedures. Comparatively, IVF comprises a lengthy process than IUI.

Because fertilization takes place inside your fallopian tube during an IUI procedure, it differs from in vitro fertilization (IVF). The goal is to remove all but the best sperm from a sample of sperm. A catheter is used to insert this sample during ovulation into your uterus.

In the hopes that fertilization will take place, this technique makes it easier for the sperm to reach the egg. In IVF, sperm and egg are fertilized outside of your body (in a lab), and the resulting embryo is then implanted in your uterus. Compared to IVF, IUI is more affordable and less intrusive. IUI however does have a lower cycle success rate.

IUI is a considerably less intrusive kind of treatment than IVF that many infertile couples begin. IUI entails injecting a washed sperm directly into the woman's uterus during the induced ovulation or natural menstrual period. It can therefore be carried out as a natural cycle or, more frequently, in conjunction with drugs that stimulate the production of eggs.

More mobile sperm, which are more likely to fertilize an egg, can be found in the washed sperm sample. Sperm also need not "swim" as far to reach their goal when they are implanted directly into the uterus.

The dangers are negligible and both procedures are considered safe when practiced with care. Risks and negative effects are significantly decreased by careful monitoring, medication selection and dose, and general care. It is also important to note that IUI does not involve "surgery" under the effect of anesthesia, whereas IVF does require it.

Summary- Usually, IUI is considered less painful than IVF. However, IUI does not possess a higher success rate than IVF.

Following IUI, implantation can be greatly aided by eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet. After IUI, it is advised to eat -

• Fresh or dried fruit,
• Vegetables,
• Whole grains,
• Almonds,
• Oatmeal,
• Proteins,
• Good fats,
• Complex carbohydrates
• Brown rice, etc.
• Additionally, you must consume three litres or more of water each day.

Summary- A good diet supports the IUI process so we must be careful while choosing it. Fruits, vegetables, good fats, etc. must be incorporated into the diet.

There are some foods that act as barriers to achieving a successful IUI process. So, we must avoid such foods-

• Eat less spicy, hot meals and avoid food that is likely to induce indigestion.
• The addition of asafoetida to your meals should also be avoided.
• Refrain from the consumption of fruits like grapes, papaya, and pineapple since they might induce bleeding and the breakdown of the endometrial layer.

Summary- For a successful IUI process, we need to be vigilant about our diets. We must exclude all junk, spicy foods, and certain fruits from our everyday meals.

The complications and different needs of infertile couples generally determine the IUI cost in India. It differs from case to case. A single IUI cycle should cost somewhere in the range of 6000 INR to 9000 INR in India. The real price of the procedure may change depending on how many IUI cycles are required to achieve pregnancy.

Compared to other fertility treatments, IUI has a higher success rate and is more reasonably priced. Intrauterine insemination is the greatest and most effective procedure if you're looking for a safe and efficient infertility cure. To determine the accurate cost of the treatment in India, you may consult a nearby fertility center.

From start to finish, the IUI procedure takes about four weeks (or about 28 days). It lasts about as long as a typical menstrual period. You (and your partner) will get a complete physical examination prior to beginning the IUI procedure, which may involve blood work, semen analysis, ultrasounds, and other diagnostics.

Some patients receive injectable treatment for up to two weeks or oral fertility medication for five days. This raises your potential for numerous egg release and ovulation. Not everyone needs to take these drugs. Insemination happens quickly. The sperm insertion takes a short while. After that, you could be instructed to take rest for about 15 minutes by your doctor. Two weeks following insemination, you can test positive for pregnancy.

Summary- The price of the IUI procedure is reasonable and readily within reach. It may range from rupees 6000 to 9000. However, one may have to take multiple processes.

For a woman to qualify for an IUI she must have:

• Her fallopian tubes, that is the tubes which connect the ovaries to the womb, must be open and healthy.
• She must not have any former pelvic diseases or infections

Who is not eligible for the IUI?

You and your partner would not qualify for an IUI if:

• Medium endometriosis
• Low sperm count or poor quality sperm

Summary- For the IUI procedure, women have to fulfil certain parameters such as possessing an overall healthy physique and must not suffer from any disorder.

• You and your partner would not qualify for an IUI if:
• Medium endometriosis
• Low sperm count or poor-quality sperm

Summary- People suffering from certain disorders like low-sperm count or endometriosis cannot undergo IUI procedures.

After an IUI, make sure to do the following:

• After placing sperm in your uterus, your doctor will order you to relax for a while. Take ample rest for a few days even after you are released from the clinic to prevent discomfort. It would be better if you avoided going on any business or household trips. Rest right away if you experience any pain or worry.
• It is imperative to consume a nutritious and well-balanced diet. After IUI, it is advised to eat more fresh or dried fruit, vegetables, whole grains, almonds, oatmeal, proteins, good fats, and brown rice. Additionally, you must consume three liters or more of water each day. Complex carbohydrates can also be an important addition to the diet.
• Engage in some light, non strenuous exercise. You can begin exercising once the insemination has been performed and a few days have passed. The blood supply to the womb and overall reproductive system, in general, will be improved. After a few days of recovery, we advise some very gentle stretching and yoga.
• Take your prescribed medication as per schedule and your doctor’s instructions. Your specialist might suggest taking certain medications to improve the likelihood of conception. Make sure you take the prescribed medication as directed by the doctor. Prenatal vitamins may also be consumed.
• Stay in touch with your doctor and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed. Your estrogen levels and potential for pregnancy may need to be measured by your specialist. It enables them to help you by offering hormonal support and raising the success rate of IUI. The ideal course of action is to see your specialist within a week of insemination. They can also provide you with advice on how to detect pregnancy.

Summary- After the procedure, doctors instruct about some strict post treatments which need to be followed at any cost. The above-stated guidelines are crucial ones.

Ovarian hyperstimulation or over production of eggs leading to the swelling of the ovaries is one of the risks of IUI. It may also lead to the conception of multiple babies as concentrated sperm is used for fertilization. There is also a minor risk of infection through the injection tube. Call your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• Feeling unsteady or lightheaded
• Unexpectedly gaining more than 5 pounds
• Breathing difficulties, nausea, and vomiting
• Severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis
• Rapid expansion of the abdomen

Summary- Along with benefits, IUI also causes some side effects too. Tiredness, weight gain, and nausea are some of the common issues.

You should seek out a gynecologist at your nearby health care provider or fertility care center to perform an IUI. Private hospitals with modern technology and teams of professionals may also be a good option for the treatment. You can also log on to Pristyn Care and consult with the most experienced and skilled doctors for the treatment.

Summary- For procedures like IUI, we need to consult a specialist gynaecologist who has got skills and experience.

Prior to IUI, the patient could use fertility medications to aid in maturing and preparing the eggs for fertilization. After maturation, the doctor will perform the process of artificial insemination during ovulation either through ovulation-inducing hormones administered to the patient or during the natural menstrual cycle.

During the procedure, the doctor will insert an extremely thin, flexible tube into your uterus to inject the sperm into your uterus using a tiny syringe. If an egg is fertilized by sperm and then implants in the lining of your uterus, pregnancy results. Following the monitoring, the IUI procedure itself takes place on the day of ovulation.

The insemination technique is completed in just 5–10 minutes in your doctor's office or a fertility facility. Two weeks after the procedure has been performed, you may take a pregnancy test to gauge its success.

Summary- IUI is a smartly planned parenthood. It involves several specified procedures. One may take numerous IUI treatments until it gets successful.