IUI

If the pregnancy is not happening even after more than one year of trying, one should talk with a gynecologist and get an infertility check-up.  Infertility treatment could improve your chances of getting pregnant. There are many methods of infertility treatment like IUI, IVF, some surgical procedures. Let’s discuss in detail about IUI procedure.

IUI is one of the lesser complicated procedures to treat infertility. In IUI, sperms after washing and fortified, are placed in the uterus with a thin, flexible catheter. This procedure is done near the time of ovulation. Placing sperm directly in the uterus increases the chances of fertilization. IUI is often done in many cycles until fertilization is confirmed. IUI can be done with or without using fertility drugs.

Treatment & Procedure

1. Indication

IUI is the first procedure tried in infertility treatment before resorting to any other invasive procedures like IVF (in-vitro fertilization). IUI commonly recommended in the following conditions-

Unexplained infertility not responding to any medicines

Mild male infertility due to poor sperm motility, low sperm count, abnormal morphology of sperms

Thick cervical mucous

Ovulation problems like no eggs or reduced number of eggs

Cervical scar tissue as a result of a procedure

Ejaculation dysfunction

Male infertility

Mild endometriosis

A couple suffering from any medical conditions like HIV

Couples who are not able to have sex because of some physical disability

2. Contraindications

IUI is not a procedure of choice in-

Fallopian tube obstruction or any other tube pathology

Pelvic pathology

Moderate to severe endometriosis

Cervical atresia

Severe endometriosis

Low sperm motility

Low sperm count

Amenorrhea

3. Precautions before IUI procedure

Avoid heavy exercise because it can cause uterine contraction and may interfere with the implantation of fertilized ova.

Strict adherence to the timing of intake of fertility drugs

Limit caffeine intake

Maintain healthy eating habits

Quit smoking if you are planning for a baby

Limit alcohol consumption

Plenty of water intake

4. Care after IUI procedure

Light exercise like slow walking and yoga is good for health.

No need for bed rest

Avoid strenuous exercise

Take a daily dose of multivitamins and folic acid

Healthy diet

Avoid stress

Take any medicine only after consultation with your gynecologist.

Avoid smoking and drinking.

Avoid any sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours because it can lead to uterine contraction.

5. Factors determining the success of IUI

The success of IUI treatment depends on many factors like-

Female age- success rate decreases after the age of 35

Proper

monitoring of menstruation cycle and ovulation

Proper monitoring

of hormone level.

Regular monitoring

of semen parameters.

Semen collection and preparation.

Timing of insemination

Additional fertility drug choices