Everything you want to know about an IUI in Fertility

IUI is a simple form of fertility treatment where motile good sperms are put into the uterus so as to increase the chance of fertilization and her chance of conceiving.

Who is an ideal candidate for an IUI?

In couples

– Where the female partner has open Fallopian tubes.

-Where there is mild male factor infertility when the sperm count is on the lower side or the motility is slightly less.

-In cases of unexplained infertility where in spite of all factors being normal, the couple is unable to conceive.

-In women who are not ovulating every month so anovulatary causes like PCOS or cases of mild endometriosis.

What are the medications required in an IUI cycle?

Ovulation induction medications like Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole, usually in combination with hormonal injections like HMG or FSH. The medications are used to increase the number of follicles that grow in each cycle so instead of one egg in a natural cycle, in an IUI cycle we aim to have at least two or three follicles thus increasing the chance of pregnancy.

Starting from Day 8 of the cycle, the ovarian response in an IUI cycle is monitored by doing follicular sonography every 2-3 days. So when on sonography the follicle reaches around 18-20 mm in size, the final injection which is injection HCG which is given this act like an ovulation trigger and so helps release of the egg from the ovary.

When the IUI procedure is done?

IUI procedure is done 36 to 40 hours after the injection HCG. On the day of the IUI the male partner is expected to give the semen sample. The semen is processed in the laboratory and is prepared by centrifugation. This separates the good and fertile sperms which are then put in the uterine cavity  

IUI procedure takes couple of minutes, is not painful and is quite similar to a Pap smear examination. A small speculum is inserted into the vagina to visualize the mouth of the uterus (External Os) and the prepared sperm sample is injected into the uterus by a fine soft catheter, Post procedure, bed rest is not indicated and she can go back to her normal activities and sexual intercourse is also recommended because as this may increase the chances of pregnancy.

What is the success rate of IUI?

Success rate of IUI is about 12-15% more than that of natural conception. If you do not conceive after 4 cycles of IUI it is advisable to further evaluate the cause of infertility and advance to other assisted reproductive techniques like IVF or ICSI.

AUTHOR – Dr. Sudha Tandon

(Director of SUDHA TANDON GYN ENDOSCOPY, IVF AND MATERNITY CENTER.)  

FAQ

What is IUI, and how does it improve fertility?
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a fertility treatment where healthy sperm is placed directly into the uterus, increasing the chances of conception, especially for couples with specific fertility challenges.
Who should consider IUI?
IUI is suitable for women with open fallopian tubes and men with slightly lower sperm count or motility. It's also recommended for couples with unexplained infertility or women with conditions like PCOS or mild endometriosis.
What medications are used during IUI?
Medications like Clomiphene Citrate or Letrozole are commonly used to stimulate egg growth, often combined with hormone injections like HMG or FSH to increase the number of available eggs.
How does the IUI procedure work, and is it painful?
The IUI procedure occurs 36-40 hours after an ovulation trigger shot (HCG). Sperm is collected, processed, and inserted into the uterus using a thin, soft tube. It’s quick and mostly painless, similar to a Pap smear.
What is the success rate of IUI, and what if it doesn’t work?
The success rate of IUI is about 12-15% per cycle. If a couple doesn't conceive after four attempts, doctors may recommend more advanced treatments like IVF or ICSI to improve chances of pregnancy.