INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION (IUI)

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What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):

is the process by which sperm is placed into the reproductive tract of a female for the purpose of impregnating the female by using means other than sexual intercourse or natural insemination.

What is the ideal age for IUI?

To have optimal chances with IUI, the female should be under 30 years of age. Advanced maternal age causes decreased success rates. 

Success rates for IUI in women over 35 drop off, and for women over 40 they are much lower.

Intrauterine insemination success rates vary considerably and depend on:

  • age of the woman
  • type of ovarian stimulation used (if any)
  • duration of infertility
  • cause of infertility
  • number and quality of motile sperm
  • other factors

What is the Pregnancy Rate following IUI?

Generally, it is 15-20% per cycle for IUI.  In IUI, about 60 to 70% have achieved pregnancy after 6 cycles.

Pregnancy Rate:
For a couple with unexplained infertility, female age under 35, trying for 2 years, and normal sperm – we would generally expect about:

  • 8% chance per month of conceiving and delivering with artificial insemination and Clomid for up to about 3 cycles (lower percentages with Clomid and insemination after 3 attempts)
  • 12% chance per month of conceiving and delivering with injectable FSH medication (e.g. Follistim, Gonal-F, or Menopur) and insemination for up to about 3 cycles (lower after 3 attempts)
  • 55% chance of conceiving and delivering with one cycle (month) of IVF treatment (at our center – success rates vary greatly between clinics)

Pregnancy rates are lower when insemination is used:

  • in women over 38 years old
  • in women with low ovarian reserve
  • with poor quality sperm
  • in women with moderate (or severe) endometriosis
  • in women with any degree of tubal damage or pelvic scarring
  • in couples with a long duration of infertility (over 3 years)

How many infertility treatment cycles should be done with insemination?

Most pregnancies resulting from insemination with the male partner’s sperm occur in the first 3 attempts. The chances for success per month drop off after about 3 attempts and drop considerably more after about 4-5 unsuccessful attempts. 

Therefore, IUI treatment is usually recommended for a maximum of about 3 or 4 tries. However, many couples with fertility problems are ready to move on to IVF treatment after 3 IUI’s have failed. It is the next step in treatment after inseminations – with a much higher success rate per cycle.

Risks of Intrauterine insemination (IUI) in women

The risk for complications with intrauterine insemination is very low. The woman could develop an infection in the uterus and tubes from bacterial contamination that originated either in the semen sample or through a contamination of the sterile catheter in the vagina or cervical area during the procedure. Careful cleaning of the cervix and cautious technique make this a rarity

Is IUI done under general anaesthesia?

– No.Anaesthesia is not necessary

How long the patient should should be on rest after IUI?

The woman should rest on the table at least for 15 minutes after an IUI to optimize the pregnancy rate

Does the patient need to stay overnight or for few hours?

-Not necessary. The patient can go home after half an hour

What special advice to the couple prior to IUI?

– The couple should abstain from sexual intercourse for three full days prior to IUI.

When can the patient resume normal sexual intercourse?

– From the same day

What special advice should be given to the husband regarding the preparation for IUI?

The husband is usually advised not to ejaculate for two to three days before providing the sample in order to increase the sperm count.

When does the husband have to report for semen collection?

– At least 03 hrs before the time of IUI for preparation of semen

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