Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is among the treatment options fertility clinics can recommend to patients experiencing difficulties conceiving naturally. IUI is a type of artificial insemination since it involves placing sperm directly into the uterus. By bypassing the cervix, fertility specialists can help increase the chances of fertilization and successful implantation on the uterine wall.
IUI can be a common solution for patients experiencing unexplained infertility or sexual dysfunction since it can relieve them of intimacy-related stress. The procedure can also help patients who do not have ready access to sperm, like single women or couples of the same sex. Here is a guide on how the IUI process works at a fertility clinic.
Initial Consultation
Before fertility specialists can recommend infertility treatment solutions, they have to evaluate your case. During your first visit to the fertility clinic, your doctor can evaluate your medical history and run some tests to determine the cause of your infertility. The tests can help confirm if you are a good candidate for IUI while assessing other factors that can affect its success, such as age, ovarian reserve, and partner’s sperm quality. Your fertility specialist may also explain the benefits and risks of IUI while reviewing the potential costs and success rate.
Ovulation Induction
IUI is often performed at peak ovulation to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. Fertility specialists can prescribe medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce more high-quality eggs. Medication can include oral pills like letrozole or clomiphene citrate or hormone injections like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). During ovulation induction, fertility specialists may use urine and blood tests or ultrasound scans to monitor oocyte production. Midcycle ultrasounds can also help fertility specialists know whether the medications need to be adjusted or detect missteps so they can still salvage the cycle. They schedule the IUI procedure once the egg is released from the ovary, ready to be fertilized, to increase success chances.
Sperm Collection
Fertility specialists collect your partner’s or donor’s sperm on the day of insemination. The sperm is collected in a sterile container and transferred into the uterus quickly to promote motility. You can opt for a frozen sample from a sperm bank or a previous collection, but they may need to be prepared beforehand. Fertility clinics can perform sperm evaluation beyond motility and count to quantify the probability of a sperm generating pregnancy.
Sperm Preparation
While collected sperm can fertilize mature eggs, fertility specialists can insist on preparation to improve success chances. Sperm preparation can involve washing the semen sample to remove the seminal fluid. This can help concentrate sperm cells and reduce the risk of cramping and uterine infection. Sperm preparation and washing can help promote fertilization for successful conception.
Sperm Insertion
The collected sperm is inserted into the uterus after preparation to kickstart the fertilization process. During sperm insertion, fertility specialists may have you lie on an exam table with your legs raised in a stirrups position. They insert a speculum into the vagina and open it to access your cervix. The specialist can then use a thin catheter to inject the washed sperm sample into your uterus. Sperm insertion is a simple procedure and is usually painless.
Aftercare
The IUI procedure is simple, so patients can go home after insertion. Fertility specialists can recommend resting after your procedure before resuming normal activities. Some patients can experience mild spotting or cramping after the procedure, but this is normal and not harmful. Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen since they can interfere with implantation. You can also avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drug use until you can confirm that you are pregnant.
Pregnancy Testing
Fertility specialists can schedule follow-up sessions several weeks after the IUI procedure to see if the procedure was successful. They can opt for pregnancy or blood tests to confirm successful fertilization and implantation. Women who successfully get pregnant can be advised on when to start prenatal care. Patients with negative test results can repeat the procedure in another cycle or explore other assisted reproductive techniques (ART) with their fertility specialist.
Visit Reputable Fertility Clinics
IUI treatment is a common solution for women experiencing difficulty conceiving naturally. Fertility specialists bypass the cervix and insert sperm directly into the uterus to promote fertilization and implantation. Visiting reputable fertility clinics for your IUI procedure can help make your experience more comfortable and positive.
