INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION or IUI is a procedure wherein the partner or donor sperms are placed directly in a woman’s uterus. The fertility drugs may or may not be used. This procedure is done around the time of ovulation.
Why IUI ?
IUI is primarily used to help couples failing to conceive due to male factor infertility.
When malefactors like decreased sperm count or decreased motility of the sperms are the cause of Infertility then IUI is used where the semen sample containing motile sperms is placed directly inside the uterus instead of the vagina. The other conditions in which IUI can help are :
Infertility Due To Cervical Causes -
The cervix is a cylinder-shaped structure that connects the uterus and the vagina. The cervix must allow the sperms to pass into the uterus and meet the waiting egg. Sometimes the cervical mucus is unusually thick and doesn’t allow the passage of the sperms, a cervical scar (maybe due to a previous surgical procedure) can obstruct the sperm movement. In such cases of infertility due to cervical factors, IUI helps as your cervix is bypassed and the sperms are directly placed in the uterus.
Infertility due to Ovulation related problems -
This will be seen when women have the failure of ovulation or fewer number of eggs is produced.
Infertility due to Endometriosis -
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to that lining the uterus (endometrium) grows at other sites like ovaries, fallopian tube etc. The most common symptom is pelvic pain. Endometriosis can cause infertility or subfertility.
Procedure of IUI
You will generally be advised ovulation stimulating medications (gonadotropin injections or oral medications) from day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle to induce ovulation. These medicines are given for 5 to 10 days. You will be monitored for egg maturation every 3 to 4 days by ultrasonography. HCG injection may be given to you to induce ovulation. About 24-36 hours after this you will be called at the Dalmia Infertility Centre for IUI.
The semen sample of your partner is collected on the day of IUI. The semen sample is then washed in the lab to separate semen from seminal fluid. This semen is then injected inside the uterus using a catheter. Thus the number of sperms that may reach the fallopian tubes is higher and there are more chances of the egg being fertilized.
The procedure of IUI takes about one to two minutes. After the procedure, you need to rest for a brief period and then you can continue with your daily activities. You may experience mild pain or spotting after IUI but no major complications. In case of any discomfort, you can contact our specialists at Dalmia Infertility Centre.
Risks Associated with IUI
When ovulation stimulating medications are used along with IUI there is a risk of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets or more). Infection is a very rare complication.