What is IUI?
IUI technique is a technique that involves placing sperm directly in the woman’s womb. IUI treatment method is also known as artificial insemination (AI) or intrauterine insemination (or IUI). Many-a-times it is used in cases where the male partner suffers from a mild sperm abnormality or anti-sperm antibodies. In recent years, especially now that ICSI has firmly established as the most effective treatment for male infertility, IUI treatment method has become the most commonly used fertility treatment for lesbian and single women.
What is IUI according to IVF?
The best IUI technique is performed at IVF. It is carried out in two different ways: in a natural cycle without fertility drugs or in a stimulated cycle with fertility drugs. It can be carried out in two ways- with sperm from a male partner or from a sperm donor.
IUI sample preparation- The sperm is placed in the womb with a thin flexible plastic tube that is led through the cervix. The procedure is usually painless and requires just a few minutes. Some women might experience temporary menstrual-like cramps. All other normal activities can be done after this process.
Because it is a relatively low-tech solution for infertility problems, IUI is usually one of the first techniques used to help a couple struggling to conceive. During this procedure, washed sperm is introduced into the woman’s womb through a tube. Sperm can be provided by the woman’s partner or a donor. The procedure is done around ovulation to give the best chance of conception.
IVF Center has a large donor insemination program, best IUI technique facilities, and precise IUI sample preparation methods. We have been treating single women and lesbian couples for a long time and offer advice in a relaxed, friendly and informal environment. Sperm donors are screened for sexually transmitted agents (including HIV) and genetically inherited diseases.
Benefits of IUI
During normal sexual intercourse, only a small amount of sperm enters the woman’s womb and fallopian tubes, where fertilization takes place. IUI adds large amounts of the best performing sperm directly into the womb of a woman and thus increases the chances of fertilization. In this way the techniques used for IUI can help you attain parenthood.
Doctors can try three cycles of IUI, and if they are unsuccessful, then recommend more advanced methods, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Unlike IVF, IUI does not include egg collection or IVF sedation.
Reasons to use IUI
IUI is mainly used when timed intercourse or hormonal medication does not work, or if there are mild sperm problems, such as poor mobility (the sperm’s ability to move). It is also used in combination with donor sperm by same-sex female couples or by women who do not have a partner. In addition, techniques used for IUI can be used to overcome infertility due to the following conditions:
• Mild endometriosis- This occurs when the tissue that normally covers the inside of the uterus grows in other places where it does not belong, such as on the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
• Mucos hostility- May occur due to a vaginal infection or the presence of anti-sperm antibodies in the mucus.
• Ovulation problems- Including irregular or absence of ovulation, often caused by a deficiency of one of the controlling hormones.
• Low sperm count- Even if the sperm count is a little low, it can still be used.
• Ejaculation problems- Due to impotence or paraplegia.
• Retrograde ejaculation- In men, the sperm goes back into the bladder instead of coming out of the penis.
• Physical problems with sexual intercourse- Vaginism can prevent some women from having frequent sexual intercourse.
• Women with severely damaged or blocked fallopian tubes cannot go to this process.
Conversion rates of IUI
Conversion rates with this technique vary with different cases and some patient groups- for example; lesbian and single women can do very well. However, when there is a problem with the quality of the sperm, the chances of pregnancy fall around 10% per cycle, even if IUI is performed after stimulation of the ovaries. IUI can never achieve pregnancy in cases where the sperm count is very low, and ICSI is always recommended in these cases. In general, a healthy woman under the age of 35 can expect a pregnancy rate between 9% and 15% per cycle (depending on the age of the woman and the egg quality) provided that the sperm count of the male partner is within the normal limits and the woman’s tubes are healthy.
The risk of multiple pregnancies
Fertility drugs can cause more than one follicle to form and this is why your body is being closely monitored while you use them. If your doctor detects more than three maturing follicles prior to the procedure, the IUI treatment may be canceled for that cycle. For those struggling to have twins, it seems a blessing, but complications such as miscarriage and low birth weight are much more common with twins than with single pregnancies.
Ovary Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening medical condition that can occur if your ovaries are over-stimulated by fertility medication. The ovaries can become larger and produce large amounts of fluid. It is characterized by pain and bloating in your abdomen and it can cause serious problems with breathing or urination. Contact a member of your healthcare team immediately if you think you have any of these symptoms.