Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

  • IUI TREATMENT

IUI is the short form of intrauterine insemination, which is a method used to treat infertility in women.

IUI treatment is done with the aim of fertilization, which involves the placement of sperm inside the uterus of a woman around the time of ovulation.

Infinity Fertility Centre is one of the best fertility centers to provide IUI treatment in Thane. Check out the below details to know more about the IUI treatment.

  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI) also known as artificial insemination, is a process in which the washed/processed semen is placed into the uterine cavity with the help of a catheter in and around the time of ovulation (release of egg from the ovary).
  • The purpose of IUI treatment is to introduce the best and the most motile sperms high up in the uterine cavity, i.e., as close to the ovum as possible so that the sperms have to travel the least distance.
  • It also overcomes factors like cervical mucus opposition for its entry into the uterine cavity.
  • It is always done with follicular monitoring; the egg is matured and released or about to be released, which ensures that both the egg and sperm are timed properly for optimum fertilization and increased chances of pregnancy.
  • IUI treatment should always be done after confirming tubal patency.
  • The egg is usually alive for 24-48 hrs after ovulation. Sperms are alive for around 48-72 hours after they are released into the female genital tract. Thus, if a processed/washed semen sample is deposited around this time, the chances of conception are very high.
  • WHO CAN OPT FOR IUI TREATMENT?

IUI TREATMENT IN THANE CAN BE RECOMMENDED FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:

  • Male infertility
  • Unexplained infertility
  • Extreme pain during sexual intercourse
  • Unsuccessful treatment with fertility drugs
  • If a sperm donor is used
  • If cervical mucus is hostile
  • Inability to have relationship
  • INDICATIONS OF IUI

• Mild to moderate male factor infertility – low sperm count, low motility.
• Unexplained infertility (No apparent cause found for inability to conceive on routine recommended medical testing).
• Sexual or ejaculatory dysfunction.
• Retrograde ejaculation.
• Increased semen viscosity.
• Time constraint (Husband working abroad).
• Minimal Endometriosis.

  • HOW MANY CYCLES CAN ONE UNDERGO?
  • In a young couple (<35 years), 6 cycles of IUI procedure with ovulation induction are advised.
  • Whereas in an elderly couple (age > 35 years), 3 cycles of IUI are advised.
  • However, with other factors like endometriosis, it is advisable to restrict it to 3 cycles.
  • Beyond 6 cycles, IUI success rates are very low, and more advanced treatment options are advisable.
  • Cycles, when done consecutively, that is, back to back, have better success rates.
  • It is important to individualize each case.
  • WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE DONE BEFORE THE IUI TREATMENT?
  • It starts from Day 2 or 3 of menses.
  • Ultrasound is done to rule out cysts and determine follicle count.
  • Patients are started on tablets or injections for ovulation induction.
  • Serial monitoring of follicle growth is done on ultrasonography from Day 8 or 9 of menses.
  • When a good dominant follicle of more than 18 mm with good peripheral vascularity is formed, injection is given for rupture of the follicle.
  • 36 hours after injection, IUI is done.
  • Luteal support is given with medications.
  • After 14 days, the patient is called for follow-up for the result.
  • PROCEDURE FOR IUI
  • The procedure for IUI treatment is pretty simple.
  • The woman must come to our center.
  • The male partner must also be present for providing the semen sample.
  • In cases where the male partner is not available for a semen sample, the frozen sperm of the partner can be used to inseminate into the female.
  • The semen is given by male partner through masturbation.
  • Once the sample is obtained, semen is processed in the andrology lab by the embryologist.
  • Washed semen sample contains motile and activated sperm.
  • A speculum is inserted through the vagina to visualize the cervix.
  • With the help of an IUI catheter, under USG guidance, the washed sample is released into the uterus.
  • WHY SHOULD SEMEN BE PROCESSED IN IUI ?
  • Normally during intercourse the semen that gets deposited in the vagina contains seminal fluid (which helps to keep the sperms alive even in the acidic environment of the vagina) along with sperms. The cervix then acts as a barrier to this seminal fluid and allows only the motile sperms to enter into the uterus. The fluid that comes out after intercourse is the seminal fluid.
  • Only processed semen sample is used during IUI treatment. Processing helps to separate the active motile sperms from the seminal fluid and also from dead sperms, cellular debris, mucus, bacteria. This seminal fluid can be irritating to the uterine lining as it contains chemicals called Prostaglandins. Thus when the semen (unprocessed) is inserted directly into uterus, it could cause severe pain and cramping.

There are different techniques available for sperm processing:

  • Swim –Up Wash
  • Density Gradient Wash
  • Simple Wash
  • WHAT IS TO BE DONE POST IUI TREATMENT?
  • Rest is given for 10-15 mins.
  • Progesterone may be prescribed after the treatment. This is done through a vaginal pessary or oral medicines.
  • After 10-14 days, a pregnancy test is done to check if the patient is pregnant or not.
  • WHAT IS IUI TREATMENT COST IN THANE ?
  • The cost of IUI varies based on the location, processing technique, husband or donor sample, and many other factors. Average cost of IUI with a husband sample varies from 7K to 15K.
  • The average cost of IUI with a donor semen sample varies from 15K to 25K.
  • Magnetic sorting IUI and microfluidics techniques can increase the cost further by 10-15K.
  • Apart from this, the patient would also have to undergo other blood tests and examinations, including ultrasounds.
  • WHAT IS THE DONOR IUI PROCEDURE (ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION)?
  • In cases of azoospermia (no sperm count) or with severe male factor infertility, IUI is done with donor semen samples. The donor blood group and physical characteristics are matched. Donor samples are procured from registered semen banks where donors are screened for viral infections.
  • The semen is inserted into the uterus after the “washing” process.
  • A small, thin tube called a “catheter” is introduced into the cervix through which the specially washed semen is inserted.
  • Once the semen is transferred, the catheter is removed, and the process is complete. Minor cramping can be felt during the insertion of the catheter, but it soon goes away.
  • WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE POST IUI?
  • The success rate of IUI is, on average, 12-15%, but it depends on several factors like women’s age, ovarian reserve, cause of infertility, duration of infertility, previous obstetric history, semen parameters, and, most importantly, on the stimulation protocol used.
  • Natural cycle IUI – 8-10%

Ovulation Induction with Tablets and IUI-12-15%

Ovulation Induction with Injections and IUI: 18-20%

The addition of GnRH antagonist increases the pregnancy rates further by 26-30%.

  • Also, the more pre-ovulatory follicles with good blood flow, the better the result.
  • The average IUI success rate in thane is 10-15%, & the average success rate of IVF treatment in Thane is 50-55%.
  • WHICH CENTRE SHOULD ONE CHOOSE FOR IUI?
  • Centers with LEVEL I or LEVEL II ART certificates from the respective authority are permitted to do IUI in INDIA. To check if the center is certified, one can check the National ART Registry.
  • Transporting a washed semen sample from one premises to another is not permitted.
  • MORE ABOUT IUI
  • It is an OPD procedure and doesn’t require admission.
  • It is one of the first-line treatments that is completely safe.
  • It is usually painless, but in cases of severe discomfort, sometimes it can be done under anesthesia.
  • In cases of difficult IUI, it must be done under ultrasonography guidance with the help of traction with Allis. One may consider cervical dilatation or hysteroscopy for the same.
  • Usually only one IUI is done per cycle, but in certain conditions like repeated failures and male factor infertility, two IUIs give better results.
  • IUI can be done using a frozen husband sample when the husband is outdoors for long durations.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW to increase your chance of getting pregnant.

We at INFINITY FERTILITY CENTRE provide the most affordable , low cost & high success rate IUI treatment in Thane.