What is IUI - Intrauterine insemination?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a form of infertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The goal of IUI is to increase the chances of fertilization by placing the sperm closer to the egg, which can help overcome problems such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
IUI is considered to be a less invasive, less expensive and less complex treatment than in vitro fertilization (IVF) and is often used as a first-line treatment for couples with mild male factor infertility, poor sperm mobility and unexplained infertility, and cervical factor infertility.
What is the process of IUI?
The process of intrauterine insemination (IUI) typically involves the following steps:
- Ovulation induction: Medication, is taken to stimulate ovulation and produce multiple eggs. The goal is to increase the chances of fertilization by ensuring that sperm are present in the fallopian tubes when the egg is released.
- Sperm preparation: The sperm used for IUI is prepared by separating the healthy sperm from the rest of the semen. The sperm can be from the partner or from a sperm donor.
- Insemination: The prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The procedure is usually done in the doctor’s office and takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Luteal support : After the IUI procedure, the woman may be given medication to support the implantation of the fertilized egg and to maintain a pregnancy.
- Pregnancy test : Usually, the woman will take a pregnancy test about two weeks after the IUI procedure.
When is IUI recommended?
IUI is typically recommended for couples who have been trying to conceive for at least one year without success and have been diagnosed with infertility . IUI is also recommended for couples with:
- Mild male factor infertility, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
- Cervical factor infertility, which can be caused by conditions such as cervical mucus problems or cervical scarring from surgery.
- Unexplained infertility, which occurs when no specific cause of infertility can be identified.
NOTE : IUI is not always effective and success rates vary depending on many factors, such as the underlying cause of infertility, the woman’s age, and the quality of the sperm. Additionally, multiple rounds of IUI may be necessary before a pregnancy is achieved, and in some cases, couples may need to consider more advanced treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It is highly recommended to consult with a fertility specialist and have a detailed assessment before proceeding with the IUI procedure.
IUI offers several advantages, including:
- Increased sperm concentration: Direct placement of sperm into the uterus maximizes the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes.
- Simplified procedure: IUI is less invasive and generally requires less preparation compared to other fertility treatments.
- Cost-effective: It is a more affordable option compared to other assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.