Intrauterine Insemination involves the preparation of motile sperms by an andrologist, which is then directly placed inside the uterus using a very fine catheter.
Here the husband's semen is washed to remove the debris, pus cells & bacteria & the washed sample is slowly put inside the uterine cavity by the special catheter .
The process is an OPD procedure. It is painless, easy and requires no sedation or anaesthesia.
How does IUI increase the chance of pregnancy?
It increases the chances of pregnancy as the semen quality is improved by washing, the quality of eggs is improved by the medicines and superovulation & the timing of insemination is set with the ovulation.
Process Of IUI:
IUI can be done for both, natural or stimulated cycle.
Natural cycle IUI:
In case of a natural cycle, transvaginal ultrasound follicular monitoring starts from day 8 or 9 of periods till follicle ruptures. IUI is done and sperm is deposited after the release of eggs on the day of the follicle rupture.
Conception can then follow naturally inside the body.
Stimulated cycle IUI:
The ovaries are gently stimulated from day 2 or 3 of menses with ovulation induction tablets either alone or with low dose hormone injections. The size and number of follicles are measured using ultrasonography and the Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) injection is given to mature the eggs upon reaching optimal size of the follicles. IUI is performed 36 hours after the HCG injection.
The aim is to stimulate the release of one or two eggs only to avoid ovarian hyperstimulation.
Which couples need IUI?
Couples with :
Male Infertility (Mild)
Sexual dysfunction- Ejaculatory disorder
Retrograde Ejaculation
Failure to conceive after ovulation induction treatment
Unexplained Infertility
Mild endometriosis (1 and II )
Success Rate Of IUI:
With IUI although the time of insemination is coincided with ovulation but, the meeting of sperm with egg (fertilization), the transport of fertilized egg through the tube, its implantation in the uterus & the further continuation of pregnancy, all these events are left to nature , thus resulting in success rate of 15-18% worldwide, hence IUI is offered successively for 3 to 4 cycles depending on the remaining egg reserve of the patient.
In the best of cases where good sperm, egg and uterine quality has been ensured, the success rate may reach up to 20% per attempt.
Estimated Time Required and when to arrive
One IUI cycle takes about 15 days from the start of the period to sperm insemination. In this case, you need to reach 2-3 days before the period starts.
Many patients may not be able to spare so much time. Collecting medications in advance from us can reduce your stay to 5 – 7 days around the time of IUI. In this case, you can reach on the 9th or 10th day of your period.You can travel back the same day after IUI, as travelling does not reduce the chance of a pregnancy.
It takes 15 days from the IUI date to obtain the pregnancy test result.
Visits And Hospitalization:
Its a day care procedure. No hospitalisation is required.The total number of visits vary from 3 to 5. Husband needs to come on the day of IUI to give the sperm sample.
Does washing has any harmful effect on sperm?
No, it is a time-tested procedure. Washing help in removing bacteria dead cells, pus cells, only. The couple can see the difference in the quality of sperm count by pre & post-wash analysis shown in the lab.
Does one need bed rest after IUI ?
Bed rest is only needed for 15 min after the procedure. Later , one can continue with their routine activities .