Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Right For You?
Overview
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) also known as Artificial Insemination is a type of Fertility Treatment where washed and concentrated sperms are placed using a catheter in the uterus.
In natural conception, an egg is released from the ovary and travels down to the ampullary region of the fallopian tube, waiting for the sperm.
Sperm enters through the vaginal and swims to the fallopian tube to meet the egg for fertilization.
In IUI, sperms are not only washed but concentrated and positioned in the uterus close to the tube, where they can swim to meet the egg.
The Procedure increases the chances of conception.
Who need IUI?
If you are looking for a non-invasive, less expensive Procedure. IUi is for you.
Your sperm or Donor’s sperm can be used.
Other indications are:
- Unexplained Infertility where ovulation induction is used.
- Endometriosis
- Mild Male factor Infertility affecting count, motility and morphology. Sperms are washed and concentrated to obtain highly motile and morphologically appeared ones, which are introduced by catheter into the uterus, hoping that at least one will swim to the fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg.
- Ovulatory dysfunction: No ovulation or reduced number of eggs….low ovarian reserve.
- Cervical factors infertility.
Your cervix is the neck of the womb connecting the vaginal to the uterus. The mucus produced by the cervix serves as a means for sperm to swim freely into the uterus and fallopian tube to fertilize the egg but if your mucus is too thick. It impedes the journey of sperm and makes the cervix select which sperm passes through.
IUI bypasses the cervix, depositing the sperm directly into the uterus, close enough to the fallopian tubes, increasing the number of quality sperm available to fertilize the egg.
- Allergy to the protein in the semen may cause the cervix to become red, have a burning sensation and swell up when it is ejaculated leading to Infertility.
IUI is efficacious since it bypasses the cervix after this protein has been removed.
Who needs IUI?
- One tube must be opened.
- Ejaculatory or erectile dysfunction
- To avoid passing inherited diseases to the unborn child.
Who are those not fit for IUI?
- Women having moderate or severe endometriosis.
- Both tubes are blocked
- Serious tubal and pelvic infection diseases
How is IUI done?
It may be done in a natural cycle, no medication is given to induce ovulation.
Sperm is introduced into your uterus during ovulation.
IUI is combined with ovulation induction. You are given drugs like clomiphene citrate, letrozole, HCG or Gonadotropin to get one or multiple mature eggs.
You will have blood tests and HSG or Sono HSG done to determine ovarian function, and tubal patency and rule out any abnormality of the uterus.
You will then start taking injections.
This is followed by Transvaginal ultrasound to monitor follicular development.
When the dominant follicle has matured, your husband will be invited to produce semen.
This is washed and sperm concentrated.
The washed sperm will be placed in your uterus with the help of a catheter, the sperm will swim to the fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg.
You will be instructed to remain on the examination couch 10 to 30 minutes after insemination.
You can be asked to report for second insemination the second day.
A pregnancy test is done 2 weeks after Artificial insemination.
Is there any Associated Risk with IUI?
- Infection but with proper and adequate sterilization of the instruments is rare.
- Multiple or higher-order pregnancies can occur
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation syndrome
Can an IUI baby be like any normal baby?
No difference between IUI, IVF and babies conceived naturally. The babies are as normal as any other baby.
What is the pregnancy rate of IUI?
This Depends on:
- Age
- Body Mass index
- The underlying cause of Infertility
- Whether Fertility drugs used
- The type of Fertility Drugs used
Fertility with IUI decreases after the age of 40 years and after three cycles, without success.
Please book an appointment with our Fertility specialist, Dr, G. L. Yahaya today, to know whether you are qualified for Intrauterine Insemination or not.
What are the lessons here?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) also known as Artificial Insemination is a type of Fertility Treatment where washed and concentrated sperms are placed using a catheter in the uterus.
Indications for IUI are: unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, mild endometriosis.
ovulatory dysfunction, cervical factor infertility, allergy to protein.
One fallopian tubemust be opened.
- Risks are infection, multiple or higher order pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Babies from IUI can be normal like any other baby.
Pregnancy rate depends on Age, Body mass index, the underlying causes, whether fertility drugs are used and the type of fertility drugs used.
Whether you need IUI or not is at your
Fertility Specialist’s discretion.
