IUI Treatment

What is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?

IUI is a widely used fertility treatment where sperm is directly placed into a woman’s uterus during her ovulation window, which is when the egg is most likely to be fertilized. By doing this, the sperm has a higher chance of reaching the egg since it's bypassing the cervix and entering the uterus directly. This non-invasive method helps couples struggling with fertility due to various conditions such as unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility (like low sperm count or poor sperm motility), and certain cervical problems that prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

Why is IUI Performed?

IUI is performed when natural conception is difficult for several reasons, including:

Male infertility: Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or other sperm quality issues.
Unexplained infertility: When no clear cause of infertility can be found after basic testing.
Cervical issues: Some women may have problems with their cervix or cervical mucus that make it difficult for sperm to travel into the uterus.
Ovulatory disorders: Women with irregular ovulation or who have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may benefit from IUI.
Single women or same-sex couples: Using donor sperm to achieve pregnancy.

Dr. Roshi Satija ensures each couple’s specific circumstances are thoroughly evaluated to decide if IUI is the right solution.

How Long is the IUI Process from Beginning to End?

The IUI process usually takes a couple of weeks, broken down as follows:

Days 1-10: The patient may take ovulation-inducing medications, such as Clomiphene Citrate or injectable hormones, to stimulate follicle development.
Days 10-14: Regular monitoring occurs with ultrasounds and blood tests to track follicular growth and determine the optimal time for insemination.
Day 14 (Ovulation): The IUI procedure is performed to insert the sperm directly into the uterus.
Two weeks later: A pregnancy test is conducted to determine if the procedure was successful.

Dr. Satija ensures that the process is streamlined and efficient, minimizing the emotional and physical stress that often accompanies fertility treatments.

Does IUI Work?

The success rate of IUI varies based on multiple factors, including the woman’s age, the fertility issue being addressed, and the sperm quality. Generally:

Women under 35: Success rates range from 10-20% per cycle.
Women over 40: Success rates tend to be lower, as age can significantly affect fertility.

While IUI is less invasive and more affordable than IVF, the chances of success improve with the right medical guidance and protocol, which Dr. Satija provides.

Ovulation

Ovulation is the process where an egg is released from the ovary and becomes available for fertilization. In IUI, medications such as Clomiphene Citrate or injectable gonadotropins are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce mature eggs. Precise timing is critical, so Dr. Satija monitors this closely using ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure that IUI is performed when the egg is ready to be fertilized.

Semen Sample Preparation

Before insemination, the sperm is carefully processed in a laboratory. This process involves "washing" the semen to remove any impurities, such as seminal fluid, and concentrating the sperm to ensure the healthiest, most motile sperm are used for the procedure. This increases the chances of successful fertilization. Dr. Satija’s clinic uses strict protocols to ensure the highest quality of sperm preparation.

Insemination

The actual IUI procedure is quick and typically painless. A thin catheter is used to insert the prepared sperm directly into the uterus. This method bypasses the cervix, increasing the likelihood of sperm reaching the egg. The procedure usually lasts 5-10 minutes, and discomfort is minimal. Dr. Satija takes great care to ensure the process is comfortable and efficient for every patient.

What Are the Risks of IUI?

While IUI is relatively safe, it does come with some risks:

Multiple pregnancies: If multiple eggs are fertilized, this can result in twins or even higher-order multiples.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): A condition where the ovaries become overly stimulated, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Infection (rare): Infection could occur if the catheter used in the procedure isn’t properly sterilized.

Dr. Satija takes all necessary precautions to minimize these risks and ensure the best outcomes for her patients.

How Effective is IUI in Getting Pregnant?

The effectiveness of IUI varies:

For women under 35, the success rate is typically between 10-20% per cycle.
Women over 40 may see lower success rates due to age-related changes in fertility.

Success rates increase when IUI is combined with ovulation-stimulating medications. Dr. Satija uses advanced technology and personalized care to maximize the chances of conception.

How Many Cycles of IUI Do You Try Before IVF?

Most fertility experts recommend trying 3-6 cycles of IUI before considering IVF, particularly for couples with unexplained infertility or mild fertility issues. Dr. Satija carefully monitors the progress of each cycle and provides guidance on when it might be time to move on to IVF.

Is IUI Better Than IVF?

IUI is less invasive and more affordable than IVF, but it may not be suitable for severe infertility issues like blocked fallopian tubes, severe male infertility, or very low ovarian reserve. IVF offers higher success rates but is a more complex and costly procedure. Dr. Satija provides consultations to determine the best path for each patient’s specific fertility challenges.

Can I Have Sex After IUI?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to have sex after an IUI procedure. In fact, some studies suggest that intercourse may even increase the chances of conception by providing additional sperm in the reproductive tract. However, Dr. Satija provides personalized advice on the timing of sexual activity based on your specific treatment plan.

What Do You Do to Prepare for IUI Treatment?

Preparation for IUI includes:

Taking fertility medications to stimulate ovulation.
Tracking ovulation through ultrasounds and blood tests to ensure the best timing.
Abstaining from sex for 2-3 days before giving the semen sample to ensure sperm quality.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious foods, exercising moderately, and avoiding stress to boost fertility.

Dr. Satija provides detailed instructions to ensure each patient is fully prepared for the procedure.

What Can You Expect After IUI Treatment?

After IUI, patients might experience some mild side effects, such as:

Mild cramping or spotting.
Avoiding intense physical activity for a few days post-procedure.
Pregnancy test: A test is done two weeks after the procedure to determine if pregnancy occurred.

Dr. Satija also offers emotional support during this waiting period to help manage any anxiety or stress.

How Painful is IUI Treatment?

IUI is generally not painful, but some women may experience slight discomfort during the insertion of the catheter. The process itself is brief, and any discomfort is usually minor. Dr. Satija’s gentle approach ensures a comfortable experience for all her patients.

What Medications are Used During IUI?

Common medications include:

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid): To stimulate ovulation by helping the ovaries release mature eggs.
Gonadotropins: Hormonal injections to promote the growth of multiple follicles.
Trigger shot (hCG): This hormone is given to induce ovulation at the right time.

Dr. Satija tailors the medication protocol for each patient based on their fertility needs and goals.

What is the Difference Between IVF and IUI?

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during the woman’s ovulation period, where the sperm fertilizes the egg naturally within the body.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Eggs are harvested from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm outside the body in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus.

IUI is simpler, less invasive, and more affordable than IVF but may not be suitable for all fertility conditions. Dr. Satija helps patients decide the best approach based on their specific needs.

How Much Does IUI Cost?

In India, the cost of an IUI cycle generally ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, depending on factors like the type of medication, required diagnostic tests, and the complexity of the treatment. Dr. Satija’s clinic offers competitive pricing while ensuring high-quality care.