Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Uses, risks and Success Rate

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to make fertilization possible. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization.

It’s a less invasive and less expensive option compared to In-Vitro Fertilization.

When is IUI used?

The most common reasons for IUI are low sperm count or decreased sperm mobility.

However, IUI can be applied for the following conditions:

• A hostile cervical condition, including cervical mucus problems.

• The fertility that’s not properly explained

• Cervical scar tissue from past procedures which may cause hindrance for the sperm to enter the uterus.

• Ejaculation dysfunction

How does IUI work?

Before intrauterine insemination, ovulation-stimulating medications may be used in which careful monitoring will be necessary to determine when the eggs are mature. A semen sample will be washed by the lab to separate from the seminal fluid. A catheter will then be used to insert the sperm directly into the uterus. This process maximizes the number of sperm cells that are placed in the uterus, thus increasing the possibility of conception.

What are the probable risks of IUI?

The chance of becoming pregnant with multiples is increased if you take fertility medication when having IUI. There’s also a slight chance of infection after IUI.

How successful is IUI?

The IUI success rate depends on several factors. It may reach as high as 20% per cycle depending on a variable such as female age, the reason behind infertility, and whether fertility drugs were used, among other reasons.

While IUI fertility treatment is a less expensive option, pregnancy rates from IUI are lower than those from IVF. NU Fertility@NU Hospitals certainly provides one of the most feasible IUI treatment in India.