IUI Treatment: Definition:
IUI stands for intra-uterine insemination, it is also known as artificial insemination. IUI is a form of assisted conception. It involves placing a washed and prepared sample of sperm inside the uterus, this is done to give the sperms a head start and help them to reach the fallopian tubes thereby increasing the chances of fertilization and pregnancy. It is generally performed when the sperm count or motility is low. It is also done when the reason for infertility is not known or the sperms cannot enter the uterus due to scar tissues. It should not be performed if a woman has endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes. It should also be avoided when the female patient has a history of pelvic pain.
IUI Procedure:
The following procedure is generally followed while performing an IUI:
Initial Procedure & monitoring ovulation:
- Pre -IUI work up: Before the IUI you are required to visit the doctor, who will perform a work up in order to check your health, hormone levels and determine whether your uterus can support a pregnancy.
- Monitoring of ovulation: The doctor will try to determine the best time for IUI and may administer ovulation drugs to achieve the same.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) test: Just before ovulation, the levels of luteinizing hormones surge, therefore the doctor may perform this test to determine the best time for IUI.
Preparing the sperms
- Sperm Sample: Your partner will be asked to give a sperm sample.
- Washing & preparing the sperm sample: In order to get rid of any toxic chemical in the sperms, they are washed; such toxic chemicals may hinder pregnancy. The washing process also increases the success rate of IUI because it increases the concentration of sperms.
Injecting the sperms
- You will be asked to lie down, like you do for pelvic examinations.
- The doctor will inject your partner’s washed & prepared sperm by a catheter via your cervix. This is a painless procedure.
You are required to remain lied down for sometime after the procedure
IUI success rate:
If IUI is performed every month the success rate can be as high as 20% for each cycle. The success rate depends on various factors such as the age of the female, the reason for infertility among others. While IUI is less expensive and less invasive than IVF, the success rate is also lower than the same
Cost of IUI in Mumbai: