Overview
What Is IUI Treatment?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an assisted fertility treatment that places processed semen directly inside the uterus around ovulation period. This reduces the distance sperm must travel to reach the fallopian tubes, where fertilisation usually occurs.
Before recommending IUI, a fertility specialist evaluates both partners to determine whether the procedure is appropriate. Depending on the diagnosis, IUI may be performed during a natural ovulation cycle or alongside prescribed fertility medication and monitoring.
IUI is less invasive than IVF, but it is not suitable for every fertility condition. A specialist can help determine which option suits the best.
Care & Guidance
Why Consider IUI Treatment in Mumbai?
When comparing various fertility centres, patients should look beyond the treatment comfort and it’s cost. Important considerations include:
Individual fertility assessment
Treatment recommendations are based on the medical evaluation of both partners.
Ovulation monitoring
Appropriate monitoring helps the clinical team plan the timing of insemination.
Sperm preparation
The laboratory should follow appropriate guidelines for preparing and handling semen samples.
Transparent pricing
Ask for a breakdown of consultation, investigations, medication, monitoring, and insemination charges.
Clear treatment counselling
Patients should understand the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and alternatives before starting treatment.
The best treatment option is the one that is medically appropriate for your circumstances, rather than any unscientific, unsupported guarantees about pregnancy.
Step-By-Step Guide
How Does the IUI Procedure Work?
A comprehensive walk-through of the intrauterine insemination procedure from initial diagnosis to confirmation:
Initial fertility consultation
The fertility specialist reviews the couple's medical history, previous investigations, menstrual cycle, and any earlier fertility treatments.
Fertility tests and ovulation monitoring
Tests are selected according to the patient's needs. Ultrasound scans and, where appropriate, blood tests or ovulation-inducing medication may help determine the timing of insemination.
Sperm collection and preparation
A semen sample is collected and processed in the laboratory to prepare sperm for insemination. The clinic provides instructions about sample collection and any recommended abstinence period.
Insemination
A clinician uses a thin catheter to place the prepared sperm into the uterus. The procedure is generally brief, although some patients may experience temporary discomfort or mild cramping.
Follow-up and pregnancy testing
The fertility team advises the patient about follow-up and the appropriate time for a pregnancy test, commonly around two weeks after insemination. Individual instructions may vary depending on the treatment protocol.
What Is Success Rate Of IUI?
How is the IUI processed?
Men should have 3-4 days of the abstinence from sexual intercourse. Usually men’s are put on vitamin supplementations few days before IUI. Semen sample has to be given in a sterile bottle after coming to Centre. Sometimes males are asked to express out sample at home and then asked to reach to IVF centre. This expressed out semen sample is washed and processed with various high technology equipment. After processing semen sample, it is examined under microscope for quality and quantity assessment. This procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Processed semen is inserted into uterus with the help of special cannulae. Once IUI is done, patient will be monitored for some time and allowed to go home.
Things To Consider Before Performing IUI
Detailed History and Physical Examination.
TVS (Trans-Vaginal Sonography)- With TVS, your doctor will see the number, quality, and growth of follicles(eggs) from your ovaries. Even growth and quality of the endometrium, meaning the lining of the uterus is monitored with the help of TVS. The fallopian tubes of the uterus can be seen with help of TVS. For doing IUI, at least one patent fallopian tube is required.
HSG (hysterosalpingogram) – is done by putting a dye in the uterus and then taking x-ray of abdomen. HSG can give us idea abot fallopian tube patency and its movement. It is usually done just after menstrual periods are over.
Semen Analysis- Is done to see sperm count, to see its motility and to do functional analysis of sperms. Usually IUI is not done if sperm count is very low or if sperms are absent. In these conditions IVF with ICSI give better results than IUI.
Blood Investigations- to see hormonal levels
IUI Center
Men should have 3-4 days of the abstinence from sexual intercourse. Usually men’s are put on after coming to Centre. Sometimes males are asked to express out sample at home and then asked to reach to IVF centre. This expressed out semen sample is washed and processed with various high technology equipment. After processing semen sample, it is examined under microscope for quality and quantity assessment. This procedure takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Processed semen is inserted into uterus with the help of special cannulae. Once IUI is done, patient will be monitored for some time and allowed to go home.
What is the most appropriate time to do an IUI?
IUI is usually done before or after 6 hours of ovulation. If IUI is decided according to HCG injection, then it is done 24-48 hrs after CG injection. Double IUI is done 24 hrs apart and it gives better results. All these timings are based upon survival of the eggs and sperms.
Does bleeding occurs after IUI?
Bleeding is not usually caused by IUI, but due to ovulation, there can be slight bleeding.
Does IUI hurts? Can we go to work?
IUI is a painless procedure, but due to ovulation, there may be a slight abdominal pain for which you may have to take some rest. Yes, you can go to office after IUI, but generally bike ride is not recommended
1. Avoid excessive stress or anxiety during IUI cycles
2. Regular exercise
3. Abstinence from sexual intercourse or ejaculation for 3 days
4. Vitamin supplements to male partner to improve sperm quality
5. Quit smoking, stop alcohol use
6. Ask for sperm wash during IUI treatment
7. Ask for hormonal supplements if they are not started
When to consider IUI even after repeated failures? Ideally one should not try more than 3 IUI after optimizing everything. Should move to other treatment options which offer better success rates.
How many days after IUI conception takes place?
After 10-12 days of
IUI, implantation of embryo takes place.
How many times IUI can be done?
Generally 3-4 times IUI is tried
before going for IVF. It does depend upon various factors like sperm count, sperm quality, your age,
time since marriage etc.
What is the success rate of IUI?
Success rate of IUI per cycle is 15-20%
and it increses with increase in number of IUI cycles.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About IUI Treatment in Mumbai
Find clear, expert answers to the most common questions about Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) treatment at Pearl Fertility & IVF in Mumbai.