IUIRitu2015-12-31T00:45:51+00:00
INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION
Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is one of the most commonly used Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) to treat infertility. It is the process of placing washed sperms, through the cervix, into the uterine cavity. The IUI procedure bypasses the cervix and places sperms directly into uterus, closure to the fallopian tubes, around the time of ovulation. This way, there is a better chance that more sperms will make their way and reach the egg. In practice this is usually combined with Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation so that there are more than one egg available for fertilization.
Male Infertility: IUI is commonly used when the male partner has a borderline low sperm count, poor motility, problem in developing an erection or being able to ejaculate.
Female Infertility: In women who do not ovulate regularly, IUI may be advised in conjunction with ovulation induction.
If your partner has no sperms or if there are severe abnormalities detected in the sperms analysis and you cannot afford an ICSI cycle, donor sperm IUI is an option. Sometimes, it is advised when there is an inheritable genetic problem, which could be transmitted to the baby from father.
The sperm needed for IUI can be collected in several ways. Most commonly, the man masturbates into a glass or plastic cup that is provided at the clinic. Sperms can also be collected during sex in special condom. If the man has retrograde ejaculation, the sperm can be retrieved in the laboratory from the urine sample. An abstinence period of 3-4 days is advisable prior to IUI. Semen sample to be collected preferably at the center where the semen is being processed.
IUI can be done in a natural cycle or in conjunction with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Follicular growth is monitored by ultrasonography at regular intervals and the trigger injection is given once the follicles have reached the required size. IUI is performed near the time of ovulation. The semen sample is ‘washed’ in the laboratory, to concentrate the sperm and remove the seminal fluid (seminal fluid can cause severe cramping in the woman). This process usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. The IUI procedure is relatively simple and only takes a few minutes. The woman lies on an examination table and the clinician inserts a speculum into her vagina to see her cervix. A catherer (narrow tube) is inserted through the cervix into the uterus and washed semen sample is slowly injected.
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What are the advantages of IUI?
IUI is simple, painless and inexpensive technique. It is a safe and relatively easy treatment procedure with minimal risks and monitoring.
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How does IUI increase the chance of pregnancy?
The semen preparation done for IUI separates the healthiest sperms in the ejaculate. The washed sperm is placed into the uterus adjacent to the fallopian tubes. This bypasses any potential cervical factor.
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What is the success rate of IUI?
The success of IUI depends on several factors. Success rate can be as high as 20% per cycle depending on the age of the female partner, the infertility diagnosis and the use of fertility medication.
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How long do washed sperms live after insemination?
Current research indicates that washed sperms can remain alive for nearly 24-72 hours after insemination; it does begin to lose potency after 24 hours. Another issue with IUI is that the sperm can keep on swimming beyond the fallopian tube, so the ideal window is really within 6-12 hours of the egg being released; with a larger margin before ovulation than after since the egg’s viability is shorter.
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What are the risks involved in IUI?
Some women experience discomfort such as cramping after an IUI. If fertility medications are given in conjunction with IUI, there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (minimalistic) and multiple pregnancies. Undergoing an IUI does not increase the risk of birth defects per se. The risk of developing an infection after as IUI is negligible.
