What is IUI?
IUI is a painless process in which healthy sperms are injected in the cavity of the uterus around the time of ovulation (i.e. rupture of follicle and release of the egg from the follicle).
Aims of Follicular Monitoring & IUI
- Bypassing the cervical barrier.
- To deposit good quality & quantity of sperms in the uterine cavity.
- To identify the ovulation timing.
Prerequisites of IUI
1. Ovulating female i.e. presence of eggs in the ovaries (patient aged more than 35years should check their ovarian reserve before IUI by means of hormonal test i.e. AMH & Ultrasound).
2. At least one patent Fallopian Tube (checked either by HSG or Laparoscopy).
3. Semen sample should contain sufficient numbers of good quality sperms.
Who can go for IUI (Indications)?
Patient with Ovulatory Dysfunction
Patient with early stages of Endometriosis
Patient with Unconsummated Marriage.
Patient with decreased semen quality.
Patient with ejaculatory dysfunctions.
Unexplained Infertility
Steps of IUI
Chances of Pregnancy?
Pregnancy rates following an IUI depend on the indications of IUI. Best results are obtained in patients with unexplained infertility, ovulatory dysfunction, unconsummated marriage, or patients with ejaculatory dysfunction. In these cases, the pregnancy rate per cycle can go up to 15-25%. In other words, almost 70-80% of couples can expect pregnancy in 6 cycles of IUI. In patients with endometriosis or decreased semen quality, pregnancy rate decreases, depending upon the severity of the disease.
Cost of IUI?
IUI is a low cost and effective therapy. IHR offers a package that includes all the Sonography in that cycle required for monitoring the egg growth (Follicular Study), Semen processing, IUI disposables such as media & cannula, and insemination by a doctor in the uterine cavity.
Patients have to purchase all the medications, used separately during the cycles. The total cost of IUI including medications is usually less than Rs. 10,000/- per cycle. But in case injectable hormones have to be used (e.g. in Poor responders) then the cost may increase.
Number of Visits?
Usually, the presence of the female partner is required from Day 9 or Day 10 of mensuration for 4-5 days. Those who have irregular cycles may have to visit more frequently. During this period Follicular Study (FS) is done. The male partner is required only for the last 2 days for providing the semen sample.
Hospitalization or Rest?
No hospitalization or rest is required during and after the procedure. The whole procedure is very simple and painless. The female partner needs to stay at OPD for 2-3 hrs. during the days of Follicular Study. On the day of Insemination, the female partner may have to stay in the OPD for 3-4 hrs. The male partner is needed only on the day of Insemination, for giving the semen sample. No rest is required after finishing the process. The female partner can do routine household, office work, can travel, or practically do all the activities which she used to do regularly.