Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination that is involved in the process of treating infertility cases. This process is very common in the fertility clinic where the sperms are cleaned and by means of the clinical procedure, is placed directly in the uterus during the time the ovary releases eggs for the process of fertilization.
The IUI test or treatment is done to treat infertility cases such as-
- Unexplained infertility
- Male infertility
- If the treatment with fertility drugs alone is not successful
- If sexual pain makes intercourse not possible
- The sperm donor is being used
- Hostile cervical mucus
However, IUI treatment is not recommended for patients with the following symptoms-
- Severe endometriosis
- Previous pelvic infection
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- The most common cycle that is involved in the IUI treatment where the patient is administered infertility drugs-
- Letrozole or Clomid with IUI – In this oral, fertility drugs are prescribed by the doctors. The patient also requires an ultrasound to monitor the period and blood cycles. The doctor can also assign an ovulation kit to make the predictions more perfect, making the chances of getting pregnant more.
- Gonadotropins with IUI- These are injectable fertility drugs, namely- hMG, LH, FSH, and hCG. When one or more follicles reach maturity, the shot of hCG is administered to prompt the ovaries to mature and hence release an egg so that IUI can be performed.
The IUI procedure involves the two main process-
- Collection of Sperm- In case you are a sperm donor, then you can visit the clinic to directly deposit the sperm. The semen sample is achieved via masturbation If in case you cannot produce a semen sample at the clinic, then you will have the choice of employing a sterile home collection kit.
- Semen washing- The semen discharged contains more than just sperm, therefore it is necessary that a clinical “washing” procedure is conducted to make sure it contains no more impurities and only the sperm is collected so that it can be further used for the process of conception.
IUI Procedure-
You need to lie down on the table or any similar gynecological table so that the shot can be administered to you. A catheter, which is a small thin tube, will be placed in the cervix. Which can cause some mild cramping. The clinically washed semen will then be transferred into the uterus via the catheter. Once the semen is placed, the catheter is then removed.
After the procedure, the patient is administered progesterone. That is usually provided via a vaginal suppository. Almost a week after the IUI treatment, the blood test can be conducted to check the estrogen, progesterone, and hCG level. A blood test can also be conducted to confirm pregnancy.
Thus, couples who want to get pregnant can take the help of an IUI test and further treatment. They can also consult the professionals for more clarity.