IUI Procedure & Infertility Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

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IUI Procedure Infertility Process A
Step-by-Step Guide
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• If you've landed on this page, you may be
  wondering if intra uterine insemination (IUI) is
  right for you.
• If so, we can help you. This article provides
  everything you need to know about IUI.
• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of
  artificial insemination in which sperm are
  injected directly into your uterine cavity at the
  time of ovulation.
• This procedure can be done using your partner's
  sperm or a donor's sperm.

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What the IUI Procedure?

• For cases of unexplained infertility, mild
  endometriosis, or mild male factor infertility,
  IUI is recommended as the first line of
  treatment.

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IUI does two things

• Medication taken prior to the injection
  stimulates egg growth.
• The sperm is then injected into the uterine
  cavity, avoiding the need for it to swim through
  the cervical opening and into the uterus on its
  own, allowing it to meet the egg more easily.
• The male partner will be asked to provide a semen
  sample about an hour or two before the
  insemination procedure is scheduled.
• In the doctor's office or at home, this is
  accomplished by masturbating in a sterile
  container.

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• Sperm are separated from the seminal fluid by
  "washing" the sperm.
• Because seminal fluid contains substances that
  can irritate your uterus, this must be done
  before injecting the sperm into it.
• Sperm "washing" can also improve the sperm's
  ability to fertilize an egg.

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Key differences between IUI and IVF fertility
procedures

• There are more differences than similarities
  between IUI and IVF, but the most notable
  difference is that during IUI the combination of
  egg and sperm is not injected into the egg to
  achieve a viable pregnancy.
• With IUI, pregnancy is still intended to occur
  naturally Doctors help to bring the sperm closer
  to the egg.

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Who requires IUI?

• Women who are unable to conceive, such as those
  with PCOS or hypothalamic patients.
• Women suffering from unexplained infertility.
• Minor sperm abnormalities or ejaculatory
  dysfunction in male partners.
• Male partners with frozen sperm obtained prior to
  surgery, travel, or disease treatment.
• Anyone in need of donor sperm, such as LGBT
  couples, heterosexual couples dealing with male
  factor, or single women attempting to conceive.

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Preparing for an IUI cycle

• You need to do some testing before the IUI
  Treatment to make sure that IUI is the right step
  for you.
• This is a test that women preparing for IVF will
  have to undergo, and it will help your doctor
  better understand your fertility needs.
• Blood work will be done to test your ovarian
  reserve hormones, as well as genetic blood work
  to determine if you are a carrier of any
  particular disease.

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• The sperm you use, either from a donor or your
  partner, will be tested and you'll also have a
  hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to make sure your
  fallopian tubes are open enough for the sperm to
  pass through. If everything checks out, you will
  be scheduled for IUI.
• Sexual intercourse should be avoided for two or
  three days before the procedure. Ovulation is the
  best time for IUI procedure.
• If you are not ovulating regularly, your doctor
  may prescribe ovulation induction.
• Check with your doctor to see if there are any
  additional recommendations for your care.

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• This stimulation process can take up to ten days.
  
• Women who do not want to be stimulated before IUI
  simply follow their natural cycle, take an
  injection to induce ovulation and then do IUI.
• Related article Causes of IUI Failure and
  Chances of Successful Pregnancy After Failed IUI

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What are the chances of having twins or triplets
through IUI?

• Yes, if you are taking ovarian stimulant
  medication prior to your IUI procedure.
• Because this medication advises your body to
  mature as many follicles as possible, when it
  comes time to ovulate, your body may release more
  than one egg, and a woman may become pregnant
  with twins.
• This occurs in approximately 10-20 of IUI cases.

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How can an IUI cycle increase my chances of
getting pregnant?

• They are close to the site of fertilization
  because the sperm are placed directly in the
  woman's uterus.
• IUI avoids many problems that occur in the vagina
  or cervix, such as incompatibility of sperm with
  cervical mucus.
• IUI also improves the distribution of sperm in
  the egg, especially when the sperm count is low
  or the sperm do not move well.

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Do I need more than one IUI to get pregnant?

• If a woman does not become pregnant after an IUI
  cycle, the procedure has to be repeated.
• If the patient does not become pregnant after
  several cycles, Ovulation Induction or IVF
  treatment may be recommended.

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How soon will I know if this treatment was
successful?

• You'll probably know in two weeks If you become
  pregnant, you may miss your next period.
• Also, a blood test can help determine if you are
  pregnant.