Intrauterine Insemination, commonly known as IUI, is a fertility treatment that involves directly placing sperm inside a woman's uterus to facilitate fertilisation. With the help of an IUI treatment in Bangalore, couples facing infertility issues can increase their chances of conception. In this article, we will take a deeper look into the IUI procedure and break it down step-by-step to help you understand what to expect.
Preparing for IUIBefore undergoing IUI, it is important for couples to undergo certain tests and evaluations. This includes an infertility evaluation and semen analysis. During an infertility evaluation, the female partner undergoes tests like a pelvic exam, ultrasound scan of the uterus and ovaries, hormone level tests etc. to determine the cause of infertility. At the same time, the male partner provides a semen sample for analysis at an IUI hospital in Bangalore to check sperm count, mobility and shape.
Based on the test results, if IUI is recommended by the fertility specialist, the next steps would be to synchronize the female menstrual cycle with the IUI procedure. Medications may be prescribed to stimulate and mature multiple eggs in the ovaries. This increases the chances of conception. Ultrasound scans are done regularly to monitor follicle growth.
IUI procedureOn the day of ovulation or up to a day before, the IUI procedure is scheduled. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis at a fertility clinic or IUI hospital in Bangalore and takes about 5-10 minutes. Here are the steps involved:
- A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open and provide access to the cervix. This may cause some discomfort.
- The cervix is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to remove any bacteria that could interfere with sperm survival.
- A thin flexible catheter is then guided through the cervix and advanced into the upper end of the uterus near the fallopian tubes under ultrasound guidance.
- Meanwhile, the male partner or a donor provides a semen sample on the day of the procedure. The semen is prepared in the laboratory to isolate the most motile sperm.
- Finally, the prepared sperm sample is inserted through the catheter directly into the uterus near the fallopian tubes, bypassing the cervix and vagina.
- After removal of the catheter, the patient can resume regular activities.
While IUI has modest success rates of 10-15% per cycle, certain factors can improve the chances:
- Use of ovulation induction medications to produce multiple follicles
- Semen preparation techniques like swim up or density gradient centrifugation to isolate healthy motile sperm
- Timing the insemination correctly, around the time of ovulation
- Using an IUI catheter for deposition deeper into the uterus
- Trying multiple IUI cycles (success rates increase with subsequent cycles)
Factors like age, fertility issues, semen quality also impact outcomes. Consulting a fertility expert at an IUI hospital in Bangalore about individual case can help optimise IUI success.
Early pregnancy signs and next stepsIf the IUI is successful, early signs of pregnancy like missed/late menstrual period, tender breasts, nausea etc. may appear around 2 weeks post the procedure. A home pregnancy test or visit to the fertility clinic can confirm.
Final ThoughtsThe IUI procedure is a simple yet effective fertility treatment that can help many couples conceive. While success is not guarantee, it does offer a reasonably good chance at attaining pregnancy. Considering the low risk involved, IUI is certainly worth a try before moving to invasive treatments. With proper planning that includes undergoing preparatory tests, optimizing medication protocols, synchronizing the cycle and optimizing insemination at Miracle IVF, couples can fully maximize their odds. We hope this guide helps you understand the IUI process better and feel more prepared.