Numerous individuals and couples have been able to fulfill their hopes of becoming parents through the widely used fertility therapy known as intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI treatment is frequently the first option for those who are having trouble becoming pregnant because it is less intrusive and more cost-effective than other fertility treatments. This fertility treatment is advised for couples experiencing infertility because of cervical disorders, ejaculation issues, low sperm counts, or poor sperm motility.
In this article, we will go over all you need to know about intrauterine insemination, including how it works and IUI treatment success rate.
What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) refers to a fertility procedure that involves inserting sperm directly into a woman's uterus during her ovulation phase. This treatment increases the likelihood of sperm encountering and fertilizing the egg, which improves the chances of pregnancy. Depending on the clinical situation, the sperm used in IUI treatment may come from a donor or a partner.
Since IUI treatment does not require anesthesia or a surgical procedure like egg retrieval, it is considered to be less intrusive than other fertility procedures. Instead, it focuses on timing and positioning to enhance the natural fertilization process.
How does IUI Treatment Work?
Thinking about what is the step by step process for IUI? Let's take a look at how it works. IUI treatment works by inserting sperm cells straight into your uterus during the time you ovulate, allowing the sperm to come closer to your egg. This makes it simpler to fertilize your egg by reducing the time and distance the sperm must travel.
You may take ovulation-stimulating fertility medications before the insemination procedure. Semen is taken from a donor or your partner. A concentrated volume of healthy sperm is extracted from the semen by a procedure known as "sperm washing."
The sperm are then directly placed into your uterus by your doctor. If your egg is fertilized by sperm and implants in the lining of your uterus, you become pregnant. After the procedure, the pregnancy test needs to be taken at least 14 days later. In the event of failure, the couple may choose to use the in vitro fertilization method or go back to the fertility specialist to try again at another time.
Is IUI Treatment Painful?
IUI treatment is quick and painless. However, after the process, you can feel a little pain. For example, after this treatment, many women have abdominal cramps. The cramping is not severe. With the help of pain medication and rest, they can be managed.
There are several reasons why you might experience cramps, including:
- Catheter: During the treatment, you can experience mild cramps when the doctor inserts a catheter into your cervix. Following the IUI, you can experience mild cramping if the catheter irritates your cervix.
- Ovulation: You may be having cramps merely because you are ovulating. If you have taken ovulation-inducing medications, you may experience cramps as well.
However, please call your doctor right away if the cramps are very painful. You should contact the hospital immediately if you have any further symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
What Are the Success Rates of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
IUI treatment success rates vary depending on a number of factors, such as the woman's age, the underlying cause of her infertility, and whether or not she used fertility medicines. For women under 35, the typical IUI success rate is between 10 and 20% per cycle. To know how successful the first try of IUI is, here are estimates (while other studies have produced different figures):
- IUI treatment for male-factor infertility: 8–10% rate of success per cycle.
- IUI treatment for tubal infertility: 5% rate of success per cycle
- IUI treatment for unexplained infertility: 18-20% rate of success per cycle
It’s necessary to understand that IUI treatment could not work on the first try. It takes several IUI cycles for many couples to become pregnant. Depending on your situation, your doctor will talk about the best course of action.
What is the Estimated Cost of IUI in India?
IUI treatment is often less expensive in India than other fertility procedures like IVF, although the exact cost varies based on a number of factors. In several Indian cities, the average cost of IUI starts at Rs. 10,000 for each cycle. However, depending on the clinic, the city, and the patient's particular requirements, this price may change.
One of the top IVF clinics in India, Apollo Fertility, provides IUI treatment at an affordable rate, usually between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 20,000. This covers the cost of one IUI treatment cycle; additional fees will apply for successive cycles. Our facility is renowned for providing compassionate care and having high success rates.
Depending on the unique circumstances of each case, including the number of cycles, the requirement for medication, and extra services like follicle monitoring, the price may change. For example, the IUI treatment cost in Hyderabad is Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 5,000, excluding additional expenses such as tests and medications. IUI treatment cost in Bangalore is Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 17,000 on average, which is similar to the IUI treatment cost in Delhi.
Get Expert IUI Treatment at Apollo Fertility!
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a popular fertility treatment that provides hope to many couples and people experiencing infertility. It is less expensive and less intrusive than other fertility treatments. Despite having lower success rates, IUI treatment is still a common option because it can be simple and effective in some situations. It is important to be upfront with your doctor, understand the procedure, and be ready for the journey that is associated with fertility treatment if you are thinking about IUI.
Our experts at Apollo Fertility are apt to provide successful IUI treatment. Schedule an appointment right now if you require help with your fertility plan!
