Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) - When Should You Opt For It?

For the benefit of couples suffering from infertility, modern medical science has introduced several innovative procedures. Some of the popular procedures are In-vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), donor eggs and embryos and so on. In addition to these, there are several drugs and surgical procedures that help the couple in getting rid of infertility.

Among all these procedures, IUI has gained popularity in the field of gynaecology and infertility treatment procedures. The IUI treatment is also popularly called as artificial insemination procedure. Although this is a popular procedure, it is appropriate that you should also understand its pros and cons.

IUI procedure in brief:

In simple terms, the IUI procedure involves placing the sperm inside the womb or uterus. As a result of this procedure, the sperm reaches the fallopian tube, which enhances the chances or rate of egg fertilisation.

Indication of IUI:

1. Male factor infertility
2. One tube is blocked
3. Mild endometriosis
4. Unexplained infertility
5. Azoospermia with donor sperm
6. Recurrent pregnancy failure

Prerequisites for IUI:

• HIV, HBSAg, Blood group of partner
• Tubal potency test
• Can be done with ovulation induction drug or hormonal injection

Procedure:

• OPD, painless procedure
• No anaesthesia is required
• Patient can go home after 15-20 minutes of procedure
• Processed and concentrated motile sperms are inserted through cathater inside womb or uterus directly
• Done within 36-48 hours after trigger for ovulation

Success rate:

• It is only 5-7 per cent for a single cycle
• Increases to 15 per cent after 3-6 cycles
• If the couple does not conceive after 3-6 cycles of IUI, other reasons of infertility should be searched and it is better to go for IVF.

Conditions precedent of IUI Procedure:

Before initiating the IUI procedure, the fast moving sperms are separated from the slow moving eggs. This separation is done in the laboratory. Further, in order to undergo IUI procedure, the women should be less than 40 years of age. On the other hand, apart from healthy fallopian tube, the women should also have higher ovarian reserves. Also, the sperm should have minimum motility rate. However, IUI procedure is adopted only if the fallopian tube is healthy. IUI procedure is suggested in case the couple is having difficulty in vaginal intercourse, either because of psychosexual reasons or for reasons of physical disability.

The IUI procedure can be performed either with the partner’s sperm or with the donor’s sperm.

Summary:

You may undergo the IUI procedure under the supervision of sufficiently experienced gynaecologist. Further, you may also ensure the hospital is equipped with modern state of art machineries for carrying out the IUI procedure.