IUI Treatment: How to Decide If It’s Right for You
July 27, 2022
Infertility affects about 1 in 6 couples globally, and for many, it can feel overwhelming in terms of mental stress and even financially. If you have been trying to conceive without success, you may have heard about IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination, as one of the first steps in fertility treatment. So, what is IUI treatment? It is less invasive and more affordable than IVF, which makes it a popular option for couples just starting their fertility journey. Still, deciding whether it's the best choice requires careful awareness of its operation, effectiveness, cost, and best timing. From how IUI operates to the costs in India, this blog covers everything you ned to know about IUI.
What Is IUI Treatment?
- Intrauterine insemination, known as IUI, is a type of fertility treatment in which sperm is inserted straight into a woman's uterus during ovulation. This procedure cuts the distance sperm must travel to reach the egg and raises the possibility of successful fertilization.
- IUI brings sperm closer to the egg at the most fertile phase of the woman's cycle. Unlike more complex procedures like IVF, IUI is rather simple and non-invasive. Egg retrieval or laboratory fertilization is not necessary in this case. Rather, it encourages natural fertilization by improving the conditions required for it to occur within the body.
- IUI is sometimes performed in combination with ovulation-stimulating medications to raise the chances of success, especially in women who do not ovulate regularly. Couples with mild male factor infertility, ovulatory problems, cervical issues that might compromise sperm mobility or unexplained infertility are usually advised to have this kind of treatment.
What is the step-by-step Process for IUI?
After learning what IUI treatment is, you must know the steps involved in the procedure. When you arrive at any fertility clinic, the doctor starts by explaining the process and all minor side effects, if any. The step wise process is discussed in detail as follows:
Step 1. Fertility Assessment
Before beginning treatment, both partners undergo thorough medical evaluations. This step is needed for semen analysis, hormone testing, and ultrasound scanning.
Step 2. Observing Ovulation
Timing is critical in IUI. The woman's ovulation is watched using ultrasounds and hormone testing. Sometimes, ovulation is induced by fertility medications, including clomiphene or gonadotropins. This ensures that a mature egg is produced within the treatment window.
Step 3. Collecting And Preparing The Sperm
On the day of insemination, a semen sample is gathered. The sample is then “washed” in a lab to separate healthy, motile sperm from the seminal fluid.
This step is required to increase the possibility of fertilization but reduces the risk of infection or uterine cramps.
Step 4. The Insemination Procedure
Following ovulation confirmation, the produced sperm are introduced into the uterus via a small catheter. Normally painless and lasting 10-15 minutes, the procedure is performed in a modern clinic. Many women relate their discomfort to that of a Pap smear.
Step 5. Pregnancy Test And Post-Operative Process
After the insemination, the woman might be asked to lie down for a short duration before getting back to her daily routines. Two weeks or so later, a pregnancy test is scheduled to check whether the cycle was successful.
Importance of IUI Treatment
For couples struggling with fertility, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is often the first treatment recommended by doctors. It's simpler, less expensive, and less invasive than IVF, which makes it an accessible starting point for many.
- Increases chances of pregnancy for couples with unexplained infertility
- Helps in cases of mild male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility)
- Useful for women with cervical mucus issues
- Supports conception in single women and same-sex couples using donor sperm
- Less invasive and physically demanding than IVF
- More affordable and accessible than other assisted reproductive techniques
- Works well when combined with ovulation-stimulating medications
- Shorter treatment cycle compared to IVF, allowing quicker retries
- Often recommended as a first-line treatment before IVF
- Offers emotional relief by taking active steps toward conception
IUI Treatment: Success Rate
The IUI treatment success rate can be greatly affected by the woman's age, the reason behind her infertility, her use of fertility medications, and the quality of her sperm. Usually, IUI is more successful in women under 35 and when combined with drugs that boost ovulation.
Statistics show that for every cycle, the IUI success percentages are:
- 15% to 20% for females under 35
- 10% to 15% for ladies between the ages of 35 and 40
- Less than 10% comprise women over 40.
While a single cycle might not always result in pregnancy, many couples experience three to six cycles before they find success. The cumulative pregnancy rate increases with every additional cycle, especially in line with the suitable timing and medication schedule.
Cost of IUI Treatment in India
The cost of IUI in India is among the best defenses of this surgery. Unlike more involved treatments in Western countries, IUI is a reasonably affordable fertility alternative without compromising quality or safety. Depending on factors, the average IUI treatment cost in India ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 per cycle.
- The clinic's location and Reputation
- Whether or not fertility drugs are used.
- The degree of required observation and testing
- The quality of facilities available
Certain upscale clinics may charge more depending on advanced technologies or continuous monitoring. Still, the overall cost is much less than IVF, which can run ₹1.5 lakh or more per cycle, even with many cycles.
Start A New Journey With The Help Of IUI Treatment!
- Choosing fertility treatment is a major choice requiring careful consideration of pragmatic elements, hope, and knowledge. Knowing what IUI treatment is, how it works, and its relevance in reproductive health will help me make a wise decision. Though it might not be for everyone, especially for younger women or those with minor reproductive issues, the success rate of IUI treatment is rather good.
- Given the low cost of IUI in India, this operation offers couples beginning a reproductive path a less expensive, less invasive starting point. If used with the correct advice, a good attitude, and a closely watched treatment plan, IUI might be the secret to becoming a parent. So, why wait? Book your consultation at Apollo Fertility today to experience the best IUI treatment in India.
Depending on the clinic, drugs, and degree of treatment required, an IUI cycle costs ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 in India. Three rounds could cost you anything from ₹24,000 to ₹75,000. Certain clinics offer group discounts, where you can get more than one cycle for a lower price.
The success rate for IUI on the first try is around 10–20%. This can vary depending on factors like the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and whether fertility medications are used. While it may not work right away, chances often improve with more cycles.
All help comes from maintaining a good lifestyle, handling stress, ensuring you ovulate at the correct time, and following any prescribed fertility drugs. Additionally, closely watched should be fertility issues by a specialist. Moreover, following all the instructions advised following the surgery will increase your chances of success.
Eat a good diet, keep hydrated, avoid drinking or smoking, and follow advice from your doctor. You have to show up for all of your monitoring visits if you are to track ovulation correctly. Enough rest and light exercise also help with general reproductive health and hormone balance.
Indeed, IUI can result in twins, particularly in cases when the woman ovulates using drugs. More than one pregnancy is likely to result from more than one egg released. Your doctor will most likely monitor the follicular development closely in order to reduce the risk of high-order multiples.
