Have you ever been in an impasse where, no matter how much you try, you could not get pregnant? If yes, don’t worry; you are not the only one.
Many individuals and couples worldwide suffer from infertility issues in one way or another. Some have minor infertility issues that can be treated with just lifestyle changes, and some have major infertility issues that might need medical assistance to achieve pregnancy.
One such medical intervention is the insemination method, popularly called IUI (Intrauterine Insemination). In this article, we’ll look into everything about the treatment and what advantages it holds for infertile couples.
What is insemination fertility treatment?
IUI is one of the most commonly preferred among all other infertility treatment methods. It involves collecting the male sperm and injecting it directly into the female uterus. This makes it easier for the sperm to swim to the fallopian tubes and fertilize the egg(s) waiting there.
This method is usually recommended in cases where the female partner has minor fertility problems or the male partner’s sperm has issues passing through the cervix and reaching the egg.
This procedure can help treat the following health and fertility complications:
- Mild endometriosis,
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes,
- Cervix or cervical mucus issues,
- Mild ovulation problems,
- Low sperm count,
- Low number of high-quality sperm in the semen,
- Low sperm motility,
- Premature ejaculation,
- Retrograde ejaculation,
- Other infertility issues.
The plus of this fertility treatment is that not only couples with fertility issues but also same-sex couples can opt for donor sperm/egg and undergo this procedure.
How Does insemination fertility treatment work?
IUI is a minimally invasive procedure and less expensive than other advanced fertility treatments like IVF or ICSI. This procedure involves three steps:
- Ovulation induction
- Sperm retrieval
- Insemination
Now, let’s look into each step in detail.
1. Ovulation Induction
This is a very important step in IUI. An average woman will naturally ovulate every month and release an egg. Fertilization is only possible when the sperm reaches the egg at the right time.
When you start your IUI treatment, your fertility doctor will routinely check your egg and endometrial development. You might also be given fertility medications (ovulation induction) if you have ovulatory issues. These injections will stimulate your ovaries and make them produce more eggs.
Insemination will occur when your doctor finds that the eggs have matured and your uterine receptivity is high.
2. Sperm retrieval
The next procedure after ovulation induction is sperm retrieval. The semen sample will be collected from your male partner. The sperm will be washed, and the healthy, motile sperm will be collected separately in a needle.
The semen is usually collected on the day of insemination. If it were collected earlier, the semen could be frozen and thawed sometime before the procedure.
3. Insemination
During insemination, the washed sperm are injected into your uterus. This procedure is minimally invasive and involves inserting a speculum inside your vagina.
The speculum holds your vagina open when the catheter containing the needle releases the sperm into your uterus. The sperm swims to the fallopian tubes, where the mature egg is waiting and fertilizes it.
You will get pregnant when the fertilized egg reaches the uterus and implants into the uterine lining.
This procedure is simple and only takes 10–30 minutes to complete. You don’t need to be under anesthesia, and it won’t cause any pain. You only need to rest for 15–20 minutes and can go home afterward.
How is insemination fertility treatment different from others?
IUI is the preferred fertility treatment method for couples who don’t have serious fertility issues. Only if your doctor is sure that IUI can’t help you get pregnant will they choose other methods.
Here are some common differences between IUI and other fertility methods.
IUI requires less number of eggs
In IUI, you don’t need to have several eggs. It will be okay to have one or two eggs for fertilization. In other fertility treatments like IVF or ICSI, you need to produce more eggs for the highest success rates.
Minimally invasive than other procedures
IUI involves only one minimally invasive procedure compared to IVF or ICSI, where you undergo two minimally invasive procedures.
Fewer side effects than other procedures
IUI involves very few side effects and is less painful compared to other fertility treatments. At most, you will only feel slight discomfort and minor side effects during the treatment.
Less expensive than other treatments
IUI is comparatively less expensive than IUI or ICSI. it is an affordable fertility treatment option for many couples who have trouble conceiving.
Why Choose Me For Your IUI Treatments?
IUI is a fairly simple procedure. However, you need to consult the best fertility doctor to perform the procedure correctly and increase your chances of success.
With over 11+ years of experience in treating fertility issues and conducting fertility procedures, I have helped over 1000+ couples become parents. So, if you have a fertility issue, don’t worry! You can consult me at The Hive Fertility and Women’s Centre for the best IUI treatment.
Conclusion
IUI is a simple and effective procedrue that can help you get pregnant. As long as you choose an Best fertility doctor and follow all their instructions, you can definitely have a successful pregnancy and childbirth.
So, don’t panic if you can’t get pregnant. There are several fertility treatment options that you can undergo to achieve pregnancy.
IUI has very minimal side effects compared to other procedures. Here are some possible side effects you might experience during the procedure:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea & vomiting
- Slight weight gain
The success rate of your IUI depends on various factors like
- Your age,
- Your fertility condition,
- Egg & sperm quality,
- Uterine receptivity, etc.
No, IUI is not painful. You might feel slight discomfort during the insemination procedure and experience minor side effects due to hormonal injections. Other than this, IUI is relatively less painful than other fertility treatments.
