Understanding IUI treatment

What is IUI?

IUI or intrauterine insemination is a procedure where your husband’s semen is processed and placed inside your uterus at the time of ovulation to help achieve a pregnancy. During sex, the sperms have to travel through the vagina and the cervix and reach the uterus. Only a few sperms reach the uterus and then to the tubes, where it fertilizes the egg. By bypassing the cervix and by ensuring that good sperms are present at the time of ovulation, pregnancy rates can be improved.

When is IUI helpful?

IUI is often recommended for couples who are infertile because of impotence or when the man has an excessively low sperm count, decreased sperm motility, or other sperm problems. It is also useful in couples with unexplained infertility and normal sperm counts. If the female is undergoing ovulation induction, IUI may significantly improve the chances of successful fertilisation.

Taking medications to help you ovulate increases your chance of pregnancy and is recommended at the time of IUI. Ultrasound scans are performed to monitor response to these medications and time the IUI.

How is semen collected?

A man may masturbate into a sterile cup no more than one hour before a scheduled appointment. This can be done in the privacy at the hospital or alternatively at home.

What happens next?

The semen sample is ‘washed’ in the laboratory. This involves different steps to remove dead and slow moving sperms, bacteria and chemicals. The process also helps in improving the chance of sperm fertilising the egg. The washed sample is then placed in to your uterus using a fine plastic tube (catheter). You can continue to lie down for a few minutes before going home.

What else should I need to know?

You might be asked to take medications before and after the IUI to help improve the success rates. You can have sex during the month IUI treatment is performed. Avoiding sex does not improve your chance of getting pregnant. A minimum frequency of once every 2-3 days is advised. Day to day activities, travel and diet need not be altered during the treatment cycle.

What are the success rates?

The success rate of IUI depends upon several factors including the cause of infertility, your age and the sperm count. The success rate of insemination may be as high as 20 percent per cycle.