Intrauterine Insemination Treatment (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination, also known as IUI, is a type of artificial fertilization. During ovulation, cleansed and concentrated sperm is transferred directly into the uterus. This allows healthy sperm to go closer to the egg when it is discharged by the ovaries. It is a frequent reproductive treatment for couples or persons who want to conceive.

During a normal pregnancy, sperm must go from the vagina to the cervix, then into the uterus and through the fallopian tubes. Just five per cent of sperm can get from the vagina to the uterine. When the ovary produces an egg, it moves to the fallopian tube. This is the point where the sperm and egg come together, resulting in fertilization.

With IUI, sperm is gathered, cleaned, and condensed, leaving only high-quality sperm. This sperm is inserted directly into the uterus via a tube called a catheter, bringing it closer to the fallopian tubes. IUI makes it easier for sperm to get to an egg by reducing the time. This enhances the likelihood of getting pregnant.

Why is it performed?

Individuals want IUI for a variety of reasons, including infertility concerns, as a reproductive option for identical-sex female couples, or for females who want to conceive a baby without a partner through the use of a donor’s sperm.

The reasons why IUI treatment is preferred:

• Because of a reduced sperm count or other sperm abnormalities. Semen evaluation is part of infertility treatment. It may show that the other person has few, weak, sluggish, or irregularly shaped sperm, or that they have insufficient sperm. IUI can help with these problems because it selects and uses only sperm of excellent quality in the procedure.
• For donor insemination, also known as DI. DI is performed when a partner has no sperm, or the quality of the sperm is too poor to be used. Single women or same-sex female couples who want to conceive can also use donated sperm.
• Cervical mucus problems or additional problems with the cervix. The cervix separates the vagina and uterus. The cervical cavity produces mucus, which helps sperm migrate from the vagina into the uterus and the fallopian tubes. Sperm can have difficulty swimming through thick mucus. With IUI, sperm travels directly to the uterus rather than through the cervix.

Success rate

Being successful the IUI treatment is relevant to the person’s health. These are the age, general state of health, the reason for the fertility etc. The doctor asks you about these conditions before the treatment.

In general, the success rate is higher in women under the age of forty. While women in their 20s to 30s are more likely to get pregnant, it is more difficult for the post-forty age group. According to studies, IUI treatment is 5% effective in individuals after the age of forty.

Since IUI is an effective treatment, it is worth trying. You should talk to the clinic and doctor who are experts in the fertility field.

Difference between IUI and IVF

Intrauterine insemination differs from IVF in that it fertilizes the fallopian tube. Sperm samples are collected and cleaned, keeping only high-quality sperm. This sample is placed into the uterus via a small tube during ovulation.

This approach facilitates the transfer of sperm to the egg, increasing the likelihood of fertilization. In IVF, the sperm and egg are fertilized outside of the body (in a lab, for ex.) and then inserted in the uterus as an embryo. IUI is less costly and less painful than IVF.

Which one is better? IUI or IVF

It depends on the situation. Each person has a different cervix condition so, the doctor determines the method. However, IUI is more affordable and less painful than IVF, thus most people will attempt it first. In some situations, the medical doctor may conclude that IUI is not an option and instead propose IVF. This may be due to age or the underlying cause of infertility. One treatment is not superior to the other, although one may increase the probability of conceiving.

How long is the process?

The IUI technique takes around four weeks from start to finish. It is around the same length as a conventional menstrual cycle. This period may change for each person. The doctor determines the procedure time.

Is IUI painful?

The person does not feel any pain during the IUI treatment. You may feel discomfort after the treatment which is quite normal. There is no need for anesthesia for IUI treatment.

Benefits of IUI treatment

• It is less stressful for people. (Couples, for example.)
• IUI treatment enhances the probability of fertilization as compared with regular sexual activity.
• Cheaper than IVF.
• It is not painful.
• IUI allows you to see how your body reacts before proceeding with the treatment. Furthermore, it can help to reduce cycle waste.