Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a minimally invasive type of fertility treatment widely used to help individuals and couples who have a difficult time conceiving. However, IUI has become a commonly recommended first-line treatment for different fertility problems due to advances in reproductive technology and increasing awareness of fertility issues.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about the IUI process from start to finish, view success rates, see estimates of associated costs in major Indian cities, and have your questions about IUI answered to make the right decision.
Understanding the IUI Process
In the IUI process, sperm are prepared specially and then introduced directly into a woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation. It provides the sperm with the optimal proximity to the egg for fertilization. The IUI gives more of a chance for sperm to get past the cervix and the vaginal environment and make it to the fallopian tubes, where fertilization takes place.
Thus, this treatment is less invasive and less expensive than other assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), and is generally preferred as the initial treatment for patients.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the IUI Process
Following is a sequential breakdown of the different IUI steps -
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Initial Consultation and Fertility Evaluation
The journey begins with an extensive consultation with the fertility specialist. At this stage, both partners undergo several evaluations. Women are tested for hormone levels, undergo pelvic ultrasounds and receive physical exams. A semen sample is taken from men to examine sperm count, movement, or shape.
These assessments allow the underlying causes of infertility to be identified, as well as whether IUI is the appropriate treatment.
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Ovulation Monitoring
The success of the IUI process is heavily dependent on the Timing of Ovulation Monitoring. Ovulation monitoring helps ensure that the best time for insemination is monitored. This can be done through -
- Measuring blood hormone levels like LH (luteinizing hormone).
- Follicle development observation through transvaginal ultrasounds
- Home ovulation predictor kits
Natural ovulation tracking or stimuli for ovulation, such as Clomid or gonadotropins, may be recommended by doctors.
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Day of Procedure
The male partner or sperm donor provides a semen sample on the day of the procedure. The sample goes through the process of "sperm washing," which -
- Removes seminal fluid and other impurities
- Concentrates the most motile and healthy sperm
This prepared sample drastically increases the likelihood of success while significantly decreasing the risk of uterine cramping and other side effects.
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Insemination Procedure
The actual IUI process is quick and relatively painless.
- The woman is lying on an examination table.
- A long and thin, flexible is inserted into the uterus through the cervix.
- Slowly, the washed sperm is injected.
It takes less than 10 to 15 minutes and is usually performed in the clinic without anesthesia.
During the post-procedure care, the patient may rest for a short while and return to normal life soon. Some doctors prescribe progesterone supplements to aid the lining of the uterus. Typically, an IUI pregnancy test would be scheduled two weeks after IUI to determine whether or not the IUI process was successful.
When is IUI Recommended?
The IUI is recommended as a treatment for several of the common fertility challenges:
- Unexplained Infertility - When standard fertility tests don’t reveal a clear cause, IUI is often the first-line treatment.
- Mild Male Factor Infertility - After sperm washing, IUI may still work well for conditions like low sperm count, poor mobility, or abnormal morphology that may also be considered Mild Male Factor Infertility.
- Cervical Mucus Issues - There are instances where the cervical mucus is too thick or hostile to allow the sperm through the cervix. IUI bypasses this barrier entirely.
- Ovulation Disorders - Women with irregular or absent ovulation may benefit from fertility medications followed by IUI.
- Donor Sperm - In some cases, IUI is done using donor or surrogate sperm. This is used in cases where single women, lesbian couples, or heterosexual couples are to use donor sperm, for example.
- Sexual Dysfunction - Erectile or ejaculatory problems in male partners can make natural conception difficult; as an option, the IUI process becomes possible.
What Are The Success Rates of IUI Treatment?
The IUI treatment success rate is variable and depends on different factors:
- Age - Women under 35 have the best success rates, with around a 15-20% chance per cycle. In particular, success tends to decline with age, especially after 40.
- Cause of Infertility - Certain reasons for infertility, such as unexplained infertility or cervical reasons, might respond better to the process of IUI than other reasons for infertility, such as severe male factor infertility.
- Use of Fertility Drugs -The use of Fertility Drugs helps to stimulate ovulation, and many follicles tend to develop, which can improve the success rate.
- Number of Cycles - Success may not occur in the first try, but chances increase with multiple cycles. Most pregnancies occur within 3 to 4 IUI attempts.
- General Health and Lifestyle: A healthy weight, non-smoking status, and reduced stress are factors that will have a positive influence on the IUI outcome.
IUI treatment success rate per cycle is anywhere from 10% to 20% in general. More often than not, couples are told to try multiple cycles before considering other, more advanced treatments.
Cost of IUI Treatment in Major Indian Cities
Additional fees will affect the cost of the IUI process, including the location, reputation of the clinic, and whether any other treatments are performed. The following are the approximate costs per cycle -
- IUI treatment cost in Hyderabad: ₹10,000 to ₹35,000
- IUI treatment cost in Bangalore: ₹17,600 to ₹22,000
- IUI treatment cost in Delhi: ₹17,600 to ₹22,000
Most of the quoted prices include consultation fees, monitoring, and the insemination procedure. However, costs can rise if medications, hormone injections, or other tests are included.
Choose the Best Fertility Clinic for an Effective IUI Treatment!
The process of starting the IUI process is emotionally and physically challenging, but it’s also a realistic, achievable method of becoming a parent for a lot of people. However, it is important to work closely with fertility specialists and work out customized treatment plans for each circumstance.
Stay informed. Ask questions. Trust the process. Everyone’s fertility journey looks different, what works for one may not work for another, and that’s completely okay. With patience, care, and the right guidance, like the team at Apollo Fertility, you can turn the hope of parenthood into a beautiful reality.
