IUI Treatment for Pregnancy: Process, Success Rates, and What to Expect

Overview – Understanding IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

Intrauterine insemination is a process in which sperm are placed into the uterus directly using a thin tube to enhance the chances of healthy sperm reaching the egg for fertilisation. Couples choose IUI for different reasons, such as facing infertility due to poor sperm quality and motility, cervical mucus problems, ovulation problems, single women, and same-sex couples planning to start a family. The success rate of IUI depends on different factors such as the infertility cause, age, and the general health of the couple.

How Does IUI Treatment Work for Pregnancy?

The IUI is a painless procedure done during ovulation. A step-by-step treatment process is outlined here to help you understand how it works to achieve pregnancy.

The first step is ovarian stimulation that starts on 2-4 days of the menstrual cycle. The doctor will prescribe medications to stimulate egg development. You may have to visit the doctor regularly to monitor egg development through ultrasound scans. The doctor may give another medication for 13 days if you have a 28-day cycle to trigger ovulation. IUI is done during ovulation. You can predict ovulation using an ovulation predictor kit or by measuring LH using blood tests.

A semen sample is collected from the male partner. It is analysed to evaluate the quality and quantity of healthy sperm. The collected sample is washed thoroughly to separate healthy sperm. The semen sample can be collected at home or in the hospital. A concentrated and prepared semen sample is used for insemination to enhance the chances of success.

The insemination procedure is done in the hospital. The patient lies down in a reclined position, and it is similar to a pap smear. The fertility expert will use a thin tube to transfer sperm into the uterus. The patient will keep lying down on the table for some time for proper movement of sperm. The procedure is done without anaesthesia and takes only 10-15 minutes.

After the procedure, the patient can start doing normal daily activities. Some women may experience light spotting and cramps in the abdomen after IUI, which is normal. Keep taking any medications as prescribed by your fertility expert.

Success Rates of IUI Pregnancy

The success rate of an IUI pregnancy is based on many factors, such as fertility issues, age, and the quality of sperm and egg.

Women under 35 years have a higher success rate than those who are above 35 years because the egg quality declines with age.

Couples may suffer from different fertility problems. IUI is the best fertility treatment recommended in cases when a woman has healthy fallopian tubes and mild ovulation problems. It is also a suitable treatment for couples dealing with unexplained infertility and mild male factor infertility. IUI has a low success rate in cases with severe male factor infertility, women having ovulation problems, and damaged fallopian tubes. Therefore, the doctor will evaluate the underlying fertility issues before starting IUI treatment.

Sperm quality and quantity are also important factors to determine the success rate of IUI. Healthy sperm with good motility will have a high chance of achieving pregnancy.

Some couples may achieve success in the first IUI cycle, but others may have an improved cumulative success rate after 4-6 cycles of IUI.

What to Expect After an IUI Pregnancy Procedure?

After the IUI procedure, it is a difficult time for couples as they have to wait at least two weeks to get the results.

• You will take a rest for 10-15 minutes after the procedure before going home. You may experience mild cramping and spotting, which subsides after a few hours.
• You can resume your daily activities after the procedure. Avoid strenuous exercise or weight lifting after IUI.
• If your doctor has prescribed medications, you must take them as directed and regularly to enhance the chances of conception.
• During the wait period, some women experience breast tenderness, fatigue, mild cramping, and bloating, which may look like early pregnancy, but these may be due to side effects of medications.
• Many couples experience anxiety and stress during the waiting period. You can stay busy and practice relaxation techniques during this period.
• You must wait for at least two weeks before taking a pregnancy test after the IUI procedure. Testing early can give you false results.

Tips for Increasing IUI Pregnancy Success

After the procedure, a few tips are given here to increase IUI pregnancy success:

• You must continue eating a healthy diet and take your necessary supplements, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and minerals.
• You must engage in mild to moderate exercise to maintain a healthy body weight.
• Take proper rest, sleep for 7-8 hours, keep yourself calm, and avoid mental stress. Join support groups, practice meditation, and breathing exercises.

Risks and Considerations for IUI Pregnancy

• IUI is a simple and safe procedure but minor risks may occur. Some women may experience mild cramping and spotting for a few hours, which is normal.
• In some cases, women may have an infection if proper hygiene is not maintained.
• Some women may have multiple pregnancies with IUI.
• Women who receive fertility medications to induce ovulation may suffer from OHSS.

Conclusion

IUI gives hope to many couples as it is a less invasive and more affordable treatment option for pregnancy. You can choose this method if you have unexplained infertility, ovulation issues, mild male factor infertility, and no cervical issues. You can visit a fertility expert who can suggest the best fertility treatment after evaluating your case and based on your personal needs.