IUI Treatment in Chennai

IUI works best for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor (total motile count above 5 million post-wash), ovulatory dysfunction responding to medication, cervical factor infertility, or single women using donor sperm. At least one open fallopian tube is essential. Dr. Rukkayal confirms eligibility through a thorough workup before starting.

Evidence supports attempting three to four well-timed IUI cycles before transitioning to IVF. If you have not conceived after three medicated IUI cycles with good follicle response and adequate sperm counts, success rates with additional IUI cycles plateau. Dr. Rukkayal discusses this timeline openly from the first consultation.

Most patients experience no more than mild cramping during the catheter insertion, similar to a Pap smear. The entire insemination takes under a minute. No anaesthesia is needed, and you can return to normal activities immediately afterwards. Occasionally, light spotting may occur but resolves quickly.

A single well-timed IUI cycle has a 15 to 25 percent success rate, depending on age, sperm quality, and whether ovulation medications are used. Medicated cycles generally perform better than natural cycle IUI. Cumulative success over three to four cycles can reach 40 to 50 percent for suitable candidates.

Natural cycle IUI carries no increased twin risk. Medicated IUI may produce multiple follicles, raising the possibility of twins to roughly 10 to 15 percent. Dr. Rukkayal monitors follicle count carefully and may cancel the cycle or convert to IVF if too many follicles develop, prioritising your safety.

The lab processes the semen sample using density gradient centrifugation or swim-up technique. This separates highly motile, morphologically normal sperm from seminal fluid, dead cells, and debris. The resulting concentrated sample is placed directly into the uterus, maximising the chance of sperm reaching the egg.

IUI requires a minimum post-wash total motile sperm count of about 5 million for reasonable success. Below this threshold, the chance of fertilisation drops significantly, and ICSI with IVF becomes a more effective option. Dr. Rukkayal evaluates your specific semen analysis to advise honestly.

Natural cycle IUI relies on your body ovulating on its own and is best for women with regular cycles. Medicated IUI uses oral medications or low-dose injectables to stimulate follicle growth, improving ovulation timing and sometimes producing two follicles instead of one. Medicated cycles generally have higher per-cycle success rates.

Bed rest is not required after intrauterine insemination. Most patients resume normal daily activities immediately after the procedure. Some women prefer to rest for 15 to 30 minutes in the clinic before leaving, but studies have not shown any benefit from prolonged bed rest on pregnancy outcomes. Avoiding very strenuous exercise for a day or two is a reasonable precaution, though routine movement and work are perfectly fine.

IUI can be effective when sperm motility is mildly reduced, because the laboratory preparation concentrates the most actively moving sperm and places them directly into the uterine cavity, bypassing the cervix. However, if the post-wash total motile sperm count falls below approximately 5 million, the likelihood of success with insemination drops considerably, and IVF with ICSI may offer a more realistic path to conception.

IUI is one of the more affordable fertility treatments. In Chennai, each IUI cycle typically costs between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000, which includes ultrasound monitoring, sperm washing, and the insemination procedure. If ovulation induction medications are needed, that may add Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 depending on the protocol. Most couples attempt two to four IUI cycles before considering IVF, keeping the total investment manageable. We provide a clear cost estimate during your first consultation.