IUI Procedure: How Does IUI Work Step By Step

How does IUI work?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where washed, concentrated sperm are placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. The steps include monitoring ovulation, preparing the sperm sample, inserting it into the uterus with a catheter, and waiting for fertilization. It increases pregnancy chances by bringing sperm closer to the egg.

Infertility issues are rising among females because of age, physical problems, hormone problems, and lifestyle or environmental factors. Most of these factors are not under our control, and if you are also among the women who have infertility, you can go for Assisted Reproductive Technique.

There are many Assisted Reproductive Techniques(ART) like IUI works and give successful pregnancy to female fertility issues. IUI has brought hope into the lives of many women by giving them the opportunity to get pregnant.

The success rate of intrauterine insemination when the blockage is closest to the ovary is 11.7%, and when the blockage is closest to the uterus, the success rate is as high as 38.1%. 

How Does IUI Work

What Is Intrauterine Insemination(IUI)? 

IUI is a fertility treatment where when a woman is ovulating, sperm are directly placed into the woman’s uterus through the cervix, which helps healthy sperm travel through the fallopian tube and fertilize an egg, resulting in pregnancy.

IUI is chosen by most couples when:

  • IUI with Donor sperm: IUI is used if sperm quality of the male partner is not viable for reproduction, single woman wants to get pregnant, or couple don’t want transmit their genetic disorder.
  • IUI with Unexplained infertility: IUI is mostly performed first as a form of infertility treatment for unexplained fertility. This is done alongside ovulation-inducing medications.
  • PCOS: IUI is also a valid option for women who are suffering from Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • IUI with Endometriosis-related infertility: Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. In this conditions, performing IUI with medications to get a good and quality egg is usually the first form of treatment. 
  • Mild male factor infertility (subfertility): One of the first approaches to infertility treatment is examining the partner’s semen analysis. The results are either below-average sperm concentration, motility of sperm, or abnormalities in sperm morphology. IUI is effective in tackling this problem because readying the sperm for the procedure helps differentiate highly motile, normal speed from the ones of lower quality. When the quality of your partner is below average, then IUI is the first procedure a doctor suggests because when preparing sperm for the procedure, they separate highly motile, normal sperm from those of lower quality.
  • Low Sperm Count In Men: IUI is an effective procedure for getting pregnant even with cases such as low sperm count in one’s partner. However, the lower the count, the lower the success rate. Research has revealed that IUI done with 9 million motile sperm had a 17% success rate. This implies that if the sperm count drips below 9 million, so does the success rate.
  • IUI Works With Sperm Morphology: There is a vast relationship between IUI results and sperm morphology. This is because sperm morphology which refers to the shape of the sperm can affect the IUI result. Success rates with IUI are higher than 14% or more if the sperm has a normal morphology.
  • Cervical factor infertility: IUI is effective for cervical factor infertility because the specially readied sperm sample is infused directly into the uterus using a small catheter. And this prevents the sperm from being exposed to cervical mucus which is a hindering factor in Cervical infertility. Thereby reaching the uterus.
    If the cervical mucus is too thick, it can hinder the sperm’s journey. In IUI, sperm bypasses your cervix, depositing sperm directly into your uterus and increasing the number of sperm available to meet the awaiting egg. That’s why IUI is a good option for women with cervical factor infertility.
  • Irregular Periods: IUI with controlled ovarian stimulation is a great option for patients with irregular periods. Investing in stimulating medications can help follicles mature and produce eggs that can help women ovulate.
  • Ovulatory factor infertility: In the case of Ovulatory factor infertility, IUI is the first treatment approach considered by doctors.
  • Blocked Fallopian Tube: If a patient’s tube is blocked, IUI may not work. Given this, it is usually not a recommended treatment for women with serious endometriosis. Women with mild endometriosis can appropriate IUI once there is no history of distortion of the pelvic structures.
  • Semen allergy: When a woman has an allergy to the proteins present in semen, then also IUI is the best approach for the treatment. IUI can be effective since before inserting the semen; doctors can remove the proteins from the semen.

How long does it take for IUI to work?

  • After IUI, patients are advised to lie down for 10–15 minutes.
  • This is not to prevent sperm leakage, since the catheter places sperm directly into the uterus.
  • First-time IUI success rate: 10–20%.
  • Women aged 40 and above: success rate drops to 2–5%.
  • Overall success after 3 attempts: 30–60%.

How is IUI Beneficial?

With medical science progressing, now we have many Assisted Reproductive Techniques. Let us see why Intrauterine insemination is better than other Assisted Reproductive Techniques.

  • IUI is cheaper when compared with IVF, ICSI.
  • It is less invasive as in this process, only sperm is placed into the uterus, unlike IVF.
  • Sperm quality enhances because of the washing procedure. In IUI, prostaglandins, infectious agents, antigenic proteins, non-motile spermatozoa, immature germ cells, etc., are removed for a better quality sperm. 
  • This process is less painful and does not require anesthesia.
  • IUI increases the chances of getting pregnant more than the regular sex.
  • IUI is gentler on the body than IVF. IVF might deteriorate the quality of the egg and could be harsh and aggressive on your body.
  • There are fewer chances of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
  • It is a great way to see how a woman’s body will react before going to IVF without wasting an ovulation cycle.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Does IUI Work?

Step-by-Step Guide for IUI Process 

If you are thinking of getting IUI done, there might be many questions about the procedure. In order to answer that let us go through the step-by-step process of how does iui work.

  • The first step is to find the perfect timing for the insemination of sperm while the woman is ovulating. In case the woman has already been through an unsuccessful IUI or has a problem with ovulation, oral or injectable medications are given to the woman to stimulate the growth and maturation of her eggs. 
  • When a woman is ovulating naturally, she has to keep track of her ovulation cycle to go to the doctor within 24-36 hours for further carrying out the IUI procedure. In the case of injectable medications, with the help of AMH, hysteroscopy tests are done every 2-3 days to monitor the ovaries and egg development. Once a ripe egg is present, the woman receives a trigger shot that causes ovulation within about 36 hours.
  • Sperms are washed, and prostaglandins, infectious agents, antigenic proteins, non-motile spermatozoa, immature germ cells, etc., are removed for a better quality sperm. Then the best quality sperm is chosen for the process.
  • The doctor inserts the sperm into the patient’s uterus using a long thin tube called a catheter in medical terms. It is inserted into the uterus through your vagina, passing through your cervix area. The tube then releases the sperm into your uterus and hopes to successfully carry out its further journey towards the eggs.
  • The last step is to hope for the best and take a pregnancy test after a few days of insemination.

What to expect after IUI is done?

Vaginal Discharge:

  • Common after IUI.
  • Not leakage of sperm; it is cervical mucus being dislodged.
  • Nothing to worry about.

Spotting:

  • Slight spotting is a normal symptom post-IUI.

Mild Cramps:

  • Some patients may experience mild cramps after the procedure.
  • Rest is recommended.
  • Over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen may help.

When to Contact Your Specialist:

These symptoms could indicate infection or a rare complication.

If you experience bloating, heavy bleeding, or severe pain.

How to prepare so that IUI works effectively and easily?

  • Avoid undue stress and anxiety
  • Avoid ejaculation for at most three days
  • Inquire about possible hormone stimulation
  • Eat healthily
  • Exercise regularly

One should keep the following things in mind before going for Intrauterine insemination.

  • Avoid stress because it could have an impact on the success rates of treatments.
  • Take a healthy diet.
  • Avoid ejaculation for three days because of the volume of semen and the amount of sperm matter during IUI. 
  • One has to go for the test of sperm quality and if the male candidate has oligospermia. Then he should opt for good food that increases sperm count.

Conclusion

Intrauterine insemination is a good treatment if you can not get pregnant naturally. Before trying any other Assisted Reproductive Technique, one should try IUI. IUI success rates are reasonable and treatment is affordable than other artificial reproduction techniques. If you are looking for a good fertility clinic, with Experienced fertility specialists then your search is over. Aastha Fertility Care provides the best IUI treatment and comes with the best success rates in India. They take care of your every need and make your journey to pregnancy very smooth.

FAQs – How Does IUI Work

How do I know if IUI is working?

The most effective way to be sure if IUI is working is to take a pregnancy test after 14 days of the IUI procedure. 

How many cycles does it take for IUI to work?

Research has shown that the majority of IUI pregnancies occur between the first three to four cycles of the IUI procedure. 

How Does Progesterone Work After IUI?

Progesterone is a hormone produced by the ovaries essential for the uterus to prepare for and protect a pregnancy. 

Can spotting occur after IUI?

Yes, slight spotting is normal and usually nothing to worry about. It may happen due to the catheter used during insemination.

Should I rest after the IUI procedure?

Taking short rest is advisable, especially if you feel cramps or discomfort. However, most women can return to normal activities soon.

When should I contact my doctor after IUI?

If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or unusual bloating, contact your fertility specialist immediately. These could indicate infection or complications.

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Picture of Dr Namita Kotia
Dr Namita Kotia
Dr. Namita Kotia (MBBS, MS – Obstetrics & Gynaecology) is a highly experienced IVF and Infertility Specialist with over 15 years of expertise in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). She completed her post-graduation from S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur, affiliated with the University of Rajasthan. As the Director of Aastha Fertility Care, Jaipur, Dr. Kotia specializes in advanced fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI, ICSI, and fertility preservation. Her patient-centric approach, combined with clinical excellence, has helped hundreds of couples achieve their dream of parenthood. Dr. Namita Kotia is also active in reproductive health education and awareness initiatives.
Picture of Dr Namita Kotia
Dr Namita Kotia
Dr. Namita Kotia (MBBS, MS – Obstetrics & Gynaecology) is a highly experienced IVF and Infertility Specialist with over 15 years of expertise in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). She completed her post-graduation from S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur, affiliated with the University of Rajasthan. As the Director of Aastha Fertility Care, Jaipur, Dr. Kotia specializes in advanced fertility treatments such as IVF, IUI, ICSI, and fertility preservation. Her patient-centric approach, combined with clinical excellence, has helped hundreds of couples achieve their dream of parenthood. Dr. Namita Kotia is also active in reproductive health education and awareness initiatives.

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