IUI Treatment

Why it's done

A couple's or a person's ability to become pregnant depends on various things. Intrauterine insemination is used most often in people who have:

  • Donor sperm. This is sperm donated by someone who may be known or unknown to you. It&'s an option if you're single, your partner doesn't have sperm or the quality of the sperm is too low to conceive with. For people who need to use donor sperm to get pregnant, intrauterine insemination is most commonly used to achieve pregnancy. Donor sperm is obtained from certified labs and thawed before the IUI procedure.
  • Unexplained infertility. Often, IUI is done as a first treatment for unexplained infertility. Medicines that help the ovaries produce eggs are commonly used along with it.
  • Infertility related to endometriosis. Fertility problems can happen when tissue that's like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This is called endometriosis. Often, the first treatment approach for this cause of infertility is to use medicines to obtain a good- quality egg along with doing IUI.
  • Mild male factor infertility. Another name for this is subfertility. Some couples have trouble getting pregnant because of semen, the fluid that contains sperm. A test called semen analysis checks for problems with the amount, size, shape or movement of sperm. Semen analysis checks for these issues. IUI can overcome some of these issues. That's because preparing sperm for the procedure helps separate higher quality sperm from those of lower quality.
  • Cervical factor infertility. Problems with the cervix can cause infertility. The cervix is the narrow, lower end of the uterus. It provides the opening between the vagina and uterus. The cervix makes mucus around the time the ovary releases an egg, also called ovulation. The mucus helps sperm travel from the vagina to either fallopian tube, where the egg awaits. But if cervical mucus is too thick, it may impede the sperm's journey. The cervix itself also
  • may prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Scarring, such as that caused by a biopsy or other procedures, can cause the cervix to thicken. IUI bypasses the cervix to make pregnancy more likely. It places sperm directly into the uterus and increases the number of sperm available to meet the egg.
  • Ovulatory factor infertility. IUI also may be done for people who have infertility caused by problems with ovulation. These issues include a lack of ovulation or a reduced number of eggs.
  • Semen allergy. Rarely, an allergy to proteins in semen can cause a reaction. When the penis releases semen into the vagina, it causes a burning feeling and swelling where the semen touches the skin. A condom can protect you from the symptoms, but it also prevents pregnancy. IUI can allow for pregnancy and prevent the painful symptoms of the allergy. That's because many of the proteins in semen are removed before the sperm is inserted.

Check Out These Significant Matters Regarding IUI Treatment

IUI is performed around the time of ovulation. When hormone changes cause an ovary to release an egg, it is called ovulation. The sperm cells are directly implanted into the uterus during the IUI treatment, bringing the sperm closer to the egg. Because the goal is to reach the egg and fertilise it, reducing the sperms journey time and distance improves the sperms chances of success by increasing the likelihood of reaching the egg.

How you prepare

Intrauterine insemination involves some key steps before the actual procedure:

  • Watching for ovulation. Because the timing of IUI is key, checking for signs that the body might ovulate is crucial. To do this, you might use an at-home urine ovulation predictor kit. It detects when your body produces a surge or release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes the ovary to release an egg. Or you might have a test done that makes images of your ovaries and egg growth, called transvaginal ultrasound. You also may be given a shot of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or other medicines to make you ovulate one or more eggs at the right time.
  • Timing the procedure right. Most IUIs are done a day or two after tests show signs of ovulation. Your doctor will likely have a plan spelled out for the timing of your procedure and what to expect.
  • Preparing the semen sample. Your partner provides a semen sample at the doctor's office. Or a vial of frozen donor sperm can be thawed and prepared. The sample is washed in a way that separates the highly active, healthy sperm from lower-quality sperm. Washing also removes elements that could cause reactions, such as serious cramps, if placed in the uterus. The likelihood of becoming pregnant rises by using a small, highly concentrated sample of healthy sperm.

The Purpose Of IUI Treatment

In some cases of low sperm count in males or low sperm mobility, unexplained infertility, or adverse cervical mucus condition in females, IUI treatment is used as a conception method. Doctors may also consider IUI if there is pain during sexual intercourse or if there is some sexual dysfunction. The Procedures Of IUI Treatment A series of ovulation-stimulating drugs would have been given prior to the procedure, necessitating close monitoring of the eggs to determine when they are mature enough. The IUI treatment is most effective when performed during ovulation. The semen sample is first washed to separate the semen from the fluid, and then a catheter is used to deliver the sperm straight into the uterus. The direct placement of sperm in the womb increases the number of cells ready for fertilisation and hence increases the likelihood of pregnancy. The operation is almost painless and takes only a few minutes.

The Time Period Of IUI Treatment

In the IUI treatment, timing is the key factor. It is strongly advised that the procedure be carried out in the early hours of ovulation, usually between 24 and 36 hours after the onset of ovulation.

What To Expect?

The doctor may prescribe medication for progesterone once the IUI treatment has been completed successfully. Blood tests are normally done approximately a week later to evaluate progesterone levels, oestrogen levels, and perhaps hCG levels. The pregnancy test is performed roughly 14 days following the IUI procedure, or the patient can perform an at-home pregnancy test. If the patient does

not become pregnant following the whole cycle process, it is recommended that the patient try the IUI procedure again for three to six months to increase the chances of conception.