Intrauterine insemination, often known as IUI, is a fertility treatment frequently used by couples suffering from male factor infertility or unexplained infertility. IUI can also be done on patients using donor sperm that has been frozen, including same-sex couples, single women, and couples whose male partner suffers from severe male factor infertility.
Understanding IUI
When a woman has an IUI procedure, all of the motile sperm in a sample is injected into the
uterine cavity, bypassing the cervix. When a couple has sexual relations, the most significant obstacle that sperm face is getting through the cervix to reach the egg in the fallopian tube; this surgery removes this obstacle, allowing the sperm to go closer to the egg and increasing the likelihood of fertilization.
Preparing for IUI
Ovulation day is the only time the IUI may be performed successfully. This day would usually be reserved for the intrauterine insemination procedure. "Trigger shots" are commonly given to patients undergoing ovulation induction. These shots cause ovulation to occur 36 hours after they are administered. Patients who choose not to take a trigger shot may instead be timing their IUI based on the results of a positive OPK, often known as an "ovulation predictor kit."
The patient needs to have a full bladder on the day of the IUI procedure to prepare for the procedure correctly. When the bladder is complete, the uterus becomes more vertical, which makes it simpler for the IUI catheter to enter the uterus.
The IUI Procedure
The IUI procedure begins with preparing a sperm sample on the day a woman is ovulating. If frozen sperm is used, a cryopreserved sperm vial is thawed. If fresh sperm is used, the male patient ejaculates their sperm specimen, which is then processed to produce a highly concentrated sample containing only motile sperm.
After that, the patient is prepared for the IUI. First, a speculum is inserted (similar to a pap smear). The sperm is drawn into a long, thin catheter. The catheter is then introduced into the uterine cavity through the cervix. The sperm is injected into the uterus, and the catheter and speculum are removed. Patients typically report little to no discomfort. If the catheter is difficult to implant, the clinician may utilize ultrasonography to guide the catheter into the uterus.
After the Procedure
Following the completion of the treatment, the patient will be instructed to lie on her back for approximately ten minutes. After that, she can return to her home or her place of employment and resume her daily activities. Two weeks later, a pregnancy test is going to be performed. The chances of success change depending on various parameters, with the mother's age being among the most influential of these considerations.
Conclusion
IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is an in vitro fertilization technique that has proven successful in treating infertility in various individuals, including those who have utilized donor sperm. It is well-accepted and has a modest or moderate price tag. If you are looking for an IUI procedure for fertility, visit Audobon Fertility.