Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) for Infertility Treatment
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is used to treat infertility. It is a procedure where concentrated sperms are directly placed in the uterus, hence also called as artificial insemination.
This type of artificial insemination occurs around the time of ovulation (the time when the ovary releases egg/s) to increase the chances of fertilization. Intrauterine insemination aims in a normal pregnancy wherein the inserted sperm/s travels through the fallopian tube to fertilize an egg. Fertility medications may be used in certain cases, to boost the chances of pregnancy. Know more about Top 20 IVF Specialists in India
When is IUI needed?
- Unexplained infertility
- Infertility issues due to endometriosis
- Infertility issues in males due to weak sperm movement, less sperm concentration, abnormal shape and size of sperms
- Ovulation problems in females, like less or no eggs production
- In females, who opt for donor sperms to get pregnant
- Cervical issues in women like thick mucus hindering the passage of sperms.
IUI is a safe process, however, in a few cases; there are chances of infection or spotting due to vaginal bleeding. There are chances of multiple pregnancies if ovulation medications are coupled with IUI.
The procedure:
The actual IUI process takes a couple of minutes, under the supervision of a specialist.
- Before the IUI procedure: a collection of sperm samples and preparing a high concentration of healthy sperms, ovulation monitoring and matching the timing of IUI along ovulation.
- During the procedure: A catheter with a sperm sample is inserted into the vagina, which further pushes the sperms into the uterus.
- Post-procedure: do not worry if there is spotting. Go for at-home pregnancy test after 2 weeks or visit your doctor.
Frozen Embryo Transfer or Cryo-preserved Embryo Transfer Procedure