Myth:
Fertilizing an egg is easy for sperm.
Fact:
Conception is a complex process. Very few sperm are strong enough to swim all the way to the egg and successfully fertilize it. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) aims to help by placing sperm directly in the uterus, closer to the egg, which increases the chances of fertilization.
Who is IUI suitable for?
IUI is only recommended for women with healthy fallopian tubes, as the egg or fertilized embryo must be able to travel to the uterus. It is most suitable for:
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Men with mild sperm issues, like low sperm count or poor motility
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Women using donated sperm, such as single women or same-sex couples
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Couples where physical or psychosexual challenges make intercourse difficult
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HIV-positive men who need sperm washing before insemination
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Couples with unexplained infertility, often combined with ovarian stimulation
The IUI Process Explained
IUI is the most common form of artificial insemination. It’s a straightforward procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a fine catheter, timed to coincide with the woman’s ovulation. Fertility medication can be used to stimulate ovulation before the procedure. IUI helps sperm bypass the acidic environment of the vagina and cervix, increasing its chances of reaching the egg.
How successful is IUI?
The success rate of IUI depends largely on the woman’s age and whether fertility medication is used. On average, the chances of pregnancy per cycle range from 5% to 20%. Many women may need multiple rounds of IUI before achieving pregnancy.
What are the risks of IUI?
Like any medical procedure, IUI carries some risks, including infection, multiple pregnancies, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It’s important to discuss these with your doctor beforehand.
A Typical IUI Journey
While every patient’s experience is unique, here’s a general timeline for an IUI cycle:
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Initial Consultation: Meet with a doctor to review your fertility history.
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Tests and Investigations: Blood tests and ultrasounds to evaluate fertility.
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Treatment Plan: Discuss and create a personalized treatment plan with your doctor.
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Starting the IUI Cycle: On Day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle, begin ovulation induction with ultrasound monitoring.
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Monitoring: Regular ultrasounds every 3-5 days to track egg development and adjust medication if needed.
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Trigger Shot: Around Day 8-12 of your cycle, administer the trigger shot to release the egg(s).
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Sperm Collection & IUI: After 36 hours, the male partner provides a sperm sample, and you undergo the IUI procedure.
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Pregnancy Test: After two weeks, a blood test will determine if the treatment was successful.
After the procedure, you will have follow-up ultrasounds or consultations with your doctor to discuss the next steps, whether that’s monitoring a successful pregnancy or planning further treatments.
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