Intrauterine Insemination: What is IUI & How Does it Help?

Medical science is constantly advancing, and one outcome of this evolution is IUI treatment. If you are curious to know what is IUI treatment, you have come to the right page.

Human bodies are extremely complex, and everybody reacts differently to certain processes. Pregnancy is a joyful journey of nine months for any parent, but getting pregnant may come with certain challenges for some couples. Several factors may interrupt the usual pregnancy process leading to difficulty in conceiving. Hence, people may look forward to alternate options. 

Gone are the days when medical science had limited solutions to pregnancy-related complications. Now, through advanced technologies and the will of people to adapt, these advancements have made it easier to carry pregnancy apart from the usual process. IUI is one such process that brings revolutionary changes the way people think of infertility treatment. Let's understand what is IUI treatment, what to do after IUI, and how it is a boon for all those couples unsuccessful in conceiving naturally.

What is IUI Treatment?

IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination. Couples experiencing infertility or pregnancy-related complications are advised IUI by their gynaecologist. Let's understand what is IUI treatment here.

In intrauterine insemination, sperm are directly injected into the uterus of the female. The uterus is the organ responsible for carrying the growth of a fetus. Using minimally invasive methods, the specially chosen sperms are directly placed to increase the chances of fertilisation in females. The process is usually conducted when the female is most fertile to maximise the chances of a successful pregnancy. As we proceed further, you’ll learn more about what is IUI and the process. 

What is the IUI Process?

Intrauterine insemination has become a commonly practised method to treat infertility or those with donor sperm. To better understand what is IUI treatment, here is a detailed process of the treatment:

• The female has to lie down with her legs in stirrups. It helps doctors to easily perform the treatment
• Usually, IUI treatment does not include anaesthesia. The female undergoing the process may experience slight pinching or cramps during and after the procedure, which is usually bearable.
• Using a speculum, a metal tool, the walls of the vagina are spread so it becomes easier to insert sperm.
• The doctor then uses a catheter to inseminate sperm directly into the uterus. A catheter is a thin, long, and flexible tube that has sperms in its end.
• The catheter passes through the cervix to reach the uterus, where the doctor slowly pushes the sperm.
• Once the sperm are released, the doctor takes out the catheter and the speculum to end the process.
• After relaxing for a while, the patient is usually allowed to go home and return to their usual routine.

What Happens after IUI Treatment?

Once the IUI treatment is done, you may come home and rest. It is best to rest until the pregnancy test. If you are wondering after insemination what to do- well here are some insights. Avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and unhealthy diet is highly recommended for women undergoing IUI treatment. The day following IUI treatment can cause cramps and discomfort. Do not worry, as it is a part of the process.

Note: If the pain becomes unbearable, contact your doctor immediately. The following paragraph explains in detail about after IUI what happens.

You may experience light spotting for 1-3 days after the treatment. It must not be confused with implantation bleeding. The process is normal, and spotting may reoccur. For the next 14 days, keep yourself hydrated and eat healthy food. After 14 days, your doctor may ask you to visit for a pregnancy test. You may also be asked to perform an in-house pregnancy test using the pregnancy test kit. By god's grace, if the result is positive, you may continue the lifestyle of an expectant mother to make sure you have a healthy baby.

However, if the IUI is not successful, you must not be overwhelmed and upset. In some cases, it may take a few rounds of IUI treatment to achieve a successful pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to suggest the best course for you in this matter. Depending on the case, your doctor may recommend 3 to 6 attempts of IUI treatment before considering IVF (in vitro fertilisation).

How Successful IUI Treatment is?

The success rate of IUI treatment is greatly affected by many factors. IUI treatment may have a different result for different couples, so there cannot be a one-fits-all answer to the success rate of IUI treatment. Here are some details about the success rate of IUI treatment:

• Age can play a significant factor in the IUI success rate. Usually, women below 40 years of age have 50%+ chances of IUI success than those above 40 years of age.
• Number of IUI treatment attempts is also a factor of consideration. Usually, those who undergo 3 or more IUI attempts have relatively higher chances of being successful in the treatment.
• The reason for opting for IUI treatment also affects its results.
• Fertility drugs also increase the chances of pregnancy. However, there may be a risk of multiple births with fertility drugs.
• The health of parents may also be a matter of concern. In case either of the parents, especially the mother, is suffering from any disease, it may impact pregnancy.

Your treating doctor may be able to advise you better on the success rate of IUI treatment and the number of attempts you may require.

Who Should Opt for IUI Treatment?

Now that you have understood what is IUI fertility, let's discuss who needs IUI treatment. Here are some reasons why your doctor may recommend IUI treatment:

• Infertility that may not be explained
• Cervix or cervical mucus problems
• Minor endometriosis
• Low sperm count or mobility
• Erectile dysfunction
• A single woman with donor sperm
• Same-sex couples with donor sperm
• Reduced egg count in women or ovulation problems.

To read more on the Frequently Asked Questions about IUI, you may scroll down to the FAQs section below! 

In Conclusion

Pregnancy is a complex process, and so, some parents may suffer challenges in successful pregnancy. Opting for modern methods like IUI treatment can increase the chances of getting pregnant to a great extent. To know more about what IUI treatment is, talk to your gynaecologist today to know what pregnancy solution may best suit your needs.

Needless to say that these treatments are highly expensive that could easily drain a huge chunk from your savings. What if your health insurance policy covers such modern infertility treatment? Thankfully, our zone-based health insurance Care Classic Plan offers coverage for IVF treatment. The policy benefits are available up to INR 2 lakh per policy year for sum insured above 5 lakh. You can visit our website to know more about the policy to make an informed decision. 

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s plan a secured pregnancy today!

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.