Intrauterine Insemination or IUI treatment IUI treatment is a method of inserting sperm directly into the uterus to coincide with ovulation, using a very fine catheter, to enhance the chances of fertilization. The purpose of IUI treatment is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes. The woman often takes fertility drugs to boost ovulation. Who is it suitable for IUI treatment? First, IUI is typically only used if the woman is known to have healthy, unblocked fallopian tubes. It is advisable to use IUI treatment in anyone of these conditions:
- It is often used for couples who have been trying to conceive for at least two years but who have unexplained infertility.
- It may also be recommended in cases where the male partner has a slightly low sperm count…
- Or where there are conditions that make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg; such as hostile cervical mucus…
- It can also be used if there are problems with intercourse (e.g. impotence or premature ejaculation).
- IUI can be used with women who have ovulatory problems in conjunction with stimulating drugs such as Clomifene.
Because IUI requires the sperm to reach and fertilize the egg on its own, it is important that the sperm is known to be healthy and mobile. IUI basically gives the sperm a head start, but it still has to seek out the egg on its own, so helping the two to get together.
IUI treatment may also be used with donor sperm. This is an option if your partner is infertile or has a genetic disorder that could be passed on to any offspring. However, donor insemination is not something to embark on lightly as it may have significant long-term emotional consequences for both you and your partner and also for your child. Clinics should always offer counseling to couples considering embarking on donor insemination. Talking over your concerns and feelings with someone impartial can be extremely beneficial and can help to work through the difficult issues the IUI treatment might raise.
There are many advantages for doing IUI procedure because it also provides diagnostic information. The treatment itself is not too difficult, which usually could make it a reasonable and cheaper alternative to many couples. It does not usually hurt; you might feel cramps like your period pain. The IUI procedure normally takes a few minutes and do not need any anesthetic. Medically, one learns about the cycle in more detail as well as what the sperm is like after preparation. The insemination is very much like an embryo transfer in IVF and thus one can see whether this is possible. The other diagnostic area is whether one can cope with going through invasive infertility treatments. If the couple cannot with IUI treatment, then IVF is unlikely to be for them. The treatment itself is not too difficult, which usually could make it a reasonable and cheaper alternative to many couples.
Success Rate of IUI. The common IUI success rate varies for young age women between 10-15% in one cycle; however this percentage may increase by approximately 5% whenever IUI treatment is used together with ovulation-stimulation drugs like clomifene.
