Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a womanâs body to facilitate fertilization. The goal of this treatment is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the probability of fertilization. IUI provides the sperm an advantage by giving it a start, but still requires the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg. It is a less expensive option compared to in vitro fertilization.
The most common reasons for IUI are a low sperm count or decreased sperm mobility. However, IUI may be selected as a fertility treatment for any of the following causes as well:
Unexplained infertility
- A hostile cervical condition, including cervical mucus problems
- Cervical scar tissue from past procedures which may hinder the spermsâ ability to enter the uterus
- Ejaculation dysfunction
IUI is not recommended for the following patients:
- Women who have severe disease of the fallopian tubes
- Women with a history of pelvic infections
- Women with moderate to severe endometriosis
For the process lady is given ovulation induces which she has to take in beginning of her menstrual cycle and then on the day of ovulation she has to report to hospital. Ovulation can be detected either by using ultrasound or by using ovulation detection kit. Once lady ovulates her partner will have to produce sperm sample, which will then be washed, a process that concentrates the strongest sperm into a small amount of fluid. This concentrated fluid is put in the uterus of the lady with help of a catheter. The lady can take a pregnancy test after 02 weeks. Success rate of IUI is 5 to 20 percent with each cycle. Generally 3 to 6 cycles of IUI are tried for a lady before trying another test for infertility.
The sperms are removed from the seminal fluid by processing the semen in the laboratory and they are then injected directly into the uterine cavity. It is not advisable to inject the semen direct into the uterus, as the semen contains chemicals (prostaglandins) and pus cells which can cause severe cramping; and even tubal infection.
No special bed rest is required after the IUI. Some doctors may repeat the insemination after 24 hours. Patients are often encouraged to have intercourse on the night of the IUI, and for 2-3 days after this as well, to maximize the chances of the sperm and egg meeting.
The price of performing IUI varies from clinic to clinic, but is generally around Rs 3000 to Rs 8000 for the entire treatment cycle. Of course, if Gonadotropin injections are used for super ovulation process, the treatment then becomes much more expensive and can be as much as Rs 20000 for one month’s treatment.
IUI is a simple, inexpensive, effective form of therapy, and can usually be tried first, before going on to other expensive and invasive options available. However, it can be very stressful, thus close cooperation between the husband and wife (and the doctor) is essential!
