IntraUterine Insemination
IUI, or Intrauterine Insemination, is an assisted reproductive technique in which patients who have difficulty conceiving are helped by an effective method. Moreover, with the help of the IUI, couples with infertility issues can conceive normally. In this ART procedure, the sperms are directly transferred to the uterus through an injection so that the sperms have a better chance of fertilising the female mature egg.
The sperm are simply placed closer to the egg, in the uterus, and they have to reach the egg and fertilise it. If the sperm is not motile or cannot reach the egg, the procedure will not work.
What are the cases where IUI is advised?
Not all cases of infertility can be treated by IUI procedure. There are certain cases which will benefit from this procedure and others which will show no improvement. Some of the cases in which Intrauterine Insemination will help in conceiving a child are:
- Reduced motility of the sperm
- Reduced sperm count
- Erectile dysfunction, problems with ejaculation and erection during intercourse
- Couples of the same sex who wish to have a child of their own
- Single mothers who wish to have children
- The increased thickness of intrauterine mucous and cervical mucus
- Mild forms of endometriosis
- Unexplained infertility.
How is the IUI procedure performed?
Intrauterine Insemination is a pretty simple, non-invasive procedure which causes little or no discomfort. First, the highly qualified fertility doctor at Giggles takes a detailed case history of the patient, enquiring about the symptoms, duration of infertility, and any complaints of pain or swelling. After this, the patient is sent for diagnostic tests and reports to confirm the health of both the male and the female. If both individuals are appropriate candidates for an IUI, the procedure is begun.
Sperms are collected from either the donor or the male partner. The female is then made to lie down, and a speculum is used to widen the cervix. The sperm are directly passed through the cervix using a thin long tube. The woman is positioned reclined for about 30 minutes so that there is an easy movement of sperm towards the egg.
Sometimes, the doctor may recommend the same procedure on repeat for the very next day. The patient may also be prescribed progesterone supplements as this would increase the chances of fertilisation. Sometimes, at the beginning of the procedure, the patient may be given artificial hormonal injections of oestrogen to promote ovulation. It is not compulsory as the entire procedure can be done even in the natural ovulatory phase.
Once the procedure is done, regular check-ups are essential. Two weeks after an IUI procedure, the patient can get a pregnancy test done.
What are the risks of IUI?
Like any other medical procedure, there are chances of complications. Some of the possible complications are:
- Risk of infection in the uterus during Intrauterine Insemination.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries are painful and swollen due to increased quantities of ovulatory drug injections.
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
Why Choose Giggles Hospitals?
Giggles Hospital provides a comprehensive infertility care programme to couples having difficulty conceiving a child. We guarantee complete transparency in all aspects of our practice, have a compassionate medical team, promote a positive atmosphere, and provide encouraging outcomes. You will be assisted by our fertility experts and specialists, including our skilled nurses, counsellors, doctors, and laboratory staff.
Call us now to speak with one of our fertility specialists, learn more about your treatment options, or schedule an appointment.
