Intra Uterine Insemination

The pursuit of fertility treatments has become extremely common with more and more couples worldwide facing challenges in conception. In India, as in many parts of the world, Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) are playing a pivotal role in addressing this concern. Among these technologies, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) has gained significant popularity.

Understanding Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves the precise placement of prepared sperm directly into the woman’s uterus. Unlike the natural conception, where the ejaculation happens in the vaginal cavity, IUI goes a step forward to place the semen into the uterus. This procedure is designed to enhance the likelihood of fertilization and pregnancy by a few percentages. IUI, being a simple procedure, can be performed with or without the use of fertility medications to stimulate ovulation, making it a versatile and widely accessible method for those aspiring to become parents.

When is IUI Recommended?

IUI is often chosen by or advised to couples facing various infertility challenges, including cases where:

Cervical Mucus or Cervix Problems hinder natural conception
Sperm-related issues, such as low motility or irregular morphology, are present
Erection or Ejaculation Dysfunction is a concern
Unexplained Infertility is diagnosed, when the cause remains unidentified.

The IUI Process

The typical IUI cycle begins at the start of your menstrual period and concludes about two weeks after the procedure with a urine pregnancy test.

Consultation: In your initial consultation, our fertility specialists will review your medical history and discuss your family-building goals. Diagnostic tests will be conducted to assess the condition of your fallopian tubes and uterus, guiding the selection of the most suitable fertility treatment.
Medications: IUI is timed with ovulation. Fertility medications may be prescribed to stimulate ovulation. Blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds are conducted to assess ovarian follicles and uterine lining. Regular monitoring through ultrasounds and blood tests will determine the optimal timing for the insemination. Ovulation is induced with an Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) trigger shot or LH level monitoring, followed by the IUI procedure.
Procedure: The sperm, either from your partner or a donor, will be meticulously prepared in our lab to ensure the highest quality. The IUI procedure itself is brief and painless, where a thin catheter which is loaded with the prepared semen sample is inserted into the uterus and the inseminated there. You are required to lie down for a 15-20 minutes after the procedure and the you can resume normal activities immediately after.
Post-Procedure: Approximately two weeks after the IUI, a pregnancy test will be conducted. If positive, our fertility team will closely monitor your pregnancy. In case of a negative result, your doctor will plan a new cycle or explore alternative treatments.

Benefits of IUI Treatment

IUI is a straightforward and cost-effective fertility treatment recommended for conditions like cervical factor infertility, anovulatory infertility (issues with difficulties in ovulation), mild male factor infertility (low motility or mild morphological issues), mild decrease in counts, immunological infertility, and unexplained infertility. It facilitates sperm-egg interaction by reducing the time and distance the sperm must travel, thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy.

Research indicates that combining IUI with ovarian hyperstimulation can enhance its success rate. This treatment is particularly advantageous for women under 35 with functional fallopian tubes, shorter infertility duration, and mild male infertility, especially in institutions with limited technological resources. Your specialists may recommend four to six consecutive IUI cycles before considering other options like IVF.

Risks and Considerations

IUI is a non-invasive and safe procedure, with minimal risk of any serious complications. Potential risks include a slight risk of infection, which is mitigated by the use of sterile instruments. Additionally, fertility medications may lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), characterized by enlarged ovaries and fluid build-up. While rare, severe symptoms of OHSS require immediate medical attention.

Cost of IUI Treatment

IUI treatment costs typically start at Rs 8,000 and goes anywhere up to Rs. 12,000 per cycle depending on whether the hormonal injections were given or not, the chosen fertility hospital and location, with tier I cities generally having higher costs compared to tier II and III cities.