INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION

Infertility Clinic

IUI : INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION It is the first stage of assisted reproductive technology, where semen is collected from the husband during the woman's ovulation period, specially processed to select high-quality sperm, and then directly injected into the woman's uterus through a thin tube to facilitate natural fertilization. Artificial insemination is a simple procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office. Compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF), it is more convenient and less expensive.

However, since fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes just like in natural conception, at least one fallopian tube must be in normal condition. It can be performed when the sperm is weak or has low motility, and it can also be done in cases of unexplained infertility.

IUI Process

Methods of IUI

There are two main methods: using the natural cycle and ovarian stimulation.
The method using the natural cycle involves timing the procedure according to the woman's ovulation cycle if her menstrual cycle is regular and she does not desire a multiple pregnancy.

The method using ovarian stimulation involves taking ovulation-inducing medication or receiving ovulation-stimulating injections to produce multiple eggs. This approach may increase the chances of pregnancy due to the production of multiple eggs, but it also raises the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy.

Both methods typically involve monitoring follicle growth (number and size) in the ovaries through ultrasound to predict the ovulation day, which usually requires several ultrasound examinations. If necessary, ovulation-stimulating injections may be administered.
IUI Procedure

Once the ovulation day is determined through an ultrasound examination, on the day of ovulation, semen is collected from the husband through masturbation, processed to select only healthy, motile sperm, and then concentrated into a small volume. This concentrated sperm is then directly injected into the woman’s uterus through a thin tube.
This procedure is very simple and painless. Afterward, the patient typically lies down for about 10-15 minutes for rest before leaving. If artificial insemination is performed with ovarian stimulation, additional treatments such as progesterone or hCG injections may be administered based on the patient's condition to aid in pregnancy.
Precautions Before and After Artificial Insemination

The husband should avoid excessive drinking and hot saunas. On the day of the procedure, it is advisable to refrain from intense exercise or strenuous activities, but normal daily activities can resume immediately. After the procedure, there is no need to restrict bathing or sexual intercourse.
The pregnancy rate for IUI

The pregnancy rate for IUI can vary depending on the woman's age, the cause of infertility, and the duration of infertility. Generally, the success rate per procedure is reported to be around 10-15%, but the cumulative pregnancy rate increases with repeated procedures. In the case of ovulation induction artificial insemination, the success rate can be expected to be around 20%.
Potential issues realted to IUI

Potential issues realted to IUI Compared to natural conception, there is no increased risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or birth defects. However, in cases where ovulation induction is performed (particularly with the use of ovulation induction injections), the incidence of multiple pregnancies can rise to about 20%, and there is an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, where the ovaries become enlarged.