IUI Treatment: Step by Step Procedure, Benefits and Success Rate

Diagnostic Tests Before IUI Treatment

The doctors employ a comprehensive diagnostic approach to diagnose fertility issues, determine the cause of infertility, and rule out other underlying reproductive health conditions. The diagnostic approach employed before IUI, or any other fertility treatment, involves a series of tests for both the female and the male partners. Some standard tests are performed at every clinic, which we will further discuss, however, some additional tests specific to the patient’s condition may also be recommended. Let us look at some standard diagnostic tests performed before Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) procedure:

Tests for women: 

• Ovulation testing: The purpose of this test is to check whether the woman is ovulating or not. 
• Ovarian Reserve Test: This test is performed to check the number of eggs available in the woman’s ovaries. It is generally done in the initial days of a woman’s menstrual cycle. 
• Imaging tests: The most commonly performed imaging test before IUI treatment is a pelvic ultrasound. The purpose of a pelvic ultrasound is to rule out abnormalities in the uterus or the ovaries. 

Tests For Men:

• Semen Analysis: A semen analysis test involves the collection of sperm samples and its assessment under a microscope. This test helps doctors look for potential problems with sperm quality that may be causing infertility.
• Imagine Tests: These tests may involve MRI or ultrasound scans of the genitals to look for underlying abnormalities of the male reproductive organs. 
• Testicular Biopsy: This test helps doctors look for abnormalities in the male reproductive system.
• Hormone Testing: This test helps analyze the level of testosterone or other hormones in the male partner.

India's most trusted IUI treatment center with high success rate

At Pristyn Care, we do our best to fulfill your dreams of parenthood. Our team of highly trusted and recognized infertility specialists maps every fertility case and guides every couple before the treatment, so they achieve the best outcome from the IUI treatment. Pristyn Care is trusted as one of the best IUI treatment centers in India that houses some of the best fertility specialists in India. Our fertility doctors have years of experience performing successful IUI treatment for couples with sexual disorders. 

We, at Pristyn Care relentlessly work to provide a wide range of assisted conception options to intending couples. The top fertility specialists provide tailored and dedicated fertility treatment plans specifically designed for you. Additionally, we ensure cost-effective treatment with complete transparency in pricing and NO-cost EMI.

Pristyn Care is committed to delivering a wonderful experience to all the patients who approach us with hope. Our treatments help you embark on the beautiful journey of parenthood.

What happens in IUI treatment?

Before beginning the IUI treatment, the IUI expert shall recommend a few diagnostic tests to determine the exact problem preventing the couple from conceiving a baby. In a common scenario, the following tests are recommended before IUI treatment for the male and the female partner:

Tests for male before IUI treatment

• Semen analysis – There could be several problems associated with the sperm of a male. To determine the exact, the IUI specialist will need to collect the sperm sample and send it to the lab in a clean container. The semen sample is then analyzed in the lab to determine the problem precisely.
• Imaging tests – In several conditions, the male is suggested to undergo imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasounds of his genitals to find out if there are any underlying abnormalities with his organs.
• Testicular biopsy – Testicular biopsy is yet another test to identify and determine abnormalities in the male reproductive system that might contribute to infertility. If the test shows any significant abnormality, the couple might need to use donor sperm to get the treatment done.
• Hormone testing – Hormone testing estimates the level of testosterone and other male hormones in the male.
• Genetic testing – Genetic testing helps determine if there is any genetic defect in the genitals of the male that is contributing to problems in conceiving for the couple.

Tests for a female before IUI treatment

• Ovulation testing – This is done through a blood test that can help determine whether you are ovulating or not.
• Imaging tests – Often, problems associated with the ovaries and the uterus can contribute to problems for which a couple fails to conceive. Therefore, imaging tests like pelvic ultrasound are mainly recommended to identify if there is any abnormality in the uterus or the ovaries of the women.
• Test for ovarian reserve – This test can help the doctor determine the number of eggs available in your ovaries for ovulation. To evaluate your ovarian reserve, the IVF specialist may require you to test your hormones at the beginning of your menstrual cycle. If the doctor sees any abnormality associated with your ovarian reserve, the doctor will use an alternative line of treatment.

Who needs IUI Treatment?

Before suggesting the IUI treatment, the doctors check the patient’s eligibility for the treatment. Not all individuals may be eligible to get an IUI treatment, and therefore, this treatment may not be suggested to each person who seeks treatment for their fertility issues. To determine whether the patient is fit for the IUI procedure, the doctors take the aid of the diagnostic tests mentioned before and assess the patient’s sexual habits. The most suitable candidates for an IUI procedure include the following: 

• Men with low sperm count, abnormal shape of sperm, erectile dysfunction, inability to ejaculate sperm or anejaculation are considered good candidates for IUI. On the other hand, men whose sperm count in post-semen wash is less than 1 million may not be eligible for the procedure. 
• Women with ovulatory dysfunction or anovulation, failure of ovulation induction, endometriosis, PCOS/PCOD, and semen allergy, which refers to an allergy to proteins in the semen. On the other hand, women with both fallopian tubes blocked or removed or those with severe pelvic infection can not undergo the IUI treatment. 
• Sometimes, the doctors are not able to figure out the cause of infertility. This situation is called unexplained infertility. IUI may also be suggested in cases of unexplained infertility as it improves the chances of fertilization. IUI is also recommended for same-sex or LGBT couples, HIV positive couples, and single women who wish to conceive.

IUI Treatment explained step-by-step

Step 1: Counseling before IUI treatment – We understand that just like any other fertility treatment, IUI also is a cumbersome process that can be physically and emotionally draining. Hence, at Pristyn Care, we begin the treatment with thorough counseling, after which the doctor plans the treatment process.

Step 2: Ovarian stimulation – Ovarian stimulation begins on the second day of the female partner’s menstrual cycle. The infertility specialist would give oral medicines to stimulate ovulation and then thoroughly monitor the egg production in the ovaries. The ovulation stimulation can also be done by injecting drugs into the female’s body. Oral medications are recommended for 8-12 days and may vary depending on how the ovaries respond. On the other hand, injections are given in parts of the body with a comparatively more significant amount of fat, such as the stomach. 

Step 3: Ovulation monitoring – After the ovarian stimulation, the IUI specialist monitors the development of the follicles. The doctor will likely do hormone tests and ultrasounds to assess the development of the ovarian follicles. Tracking the ovulation helps the doctor decide the best dates when you can begin your IUI treatment for the best possible results.

Step 4: Ovulation trigger – When the ovarian follicle shave develops and reaches the desired shape and size, hCG injection is given to the female to trigger ovulation. Ovulation generally happens 36 hours after the trigger shot.

Step 5: Sperm harvesting – For IUI treatment, the couple and the doctor may decide whether to use fresh sperm or frozen sperm. If the couple decides to use fresh sperm, the male partner or the donor must produce it at the fertility clinic by masturbating. If the couple decides to use frozen, they can contact any of the infertility treatment labs nearby. Frozen sperm is defrosted and then washed to remove the impurities before they are used for the treatment.

Step 6: Insertion of sperm – Once the female ovulates and the sperm is washed out of all impurities and dirt; the doctor uses a thin, flexible catheter to implant the sperm into the female partner’s uterus. Unlike IVF, IUI does not involve any painful steps. However, the insertion of the catheter may cause the female to feel slight cramps and discomfort.

Step 7: Pregnancy test – This is the last step of the IUI treatment, wherein the doctor checks whether or not the treatment has been successful. This test can be done two weeks after the sperm has been implanted in the uterus. If the pregnancy is not successful, the doctor might repeat the entire procedure or may suggest another line of treatment.

How to prepare for IUI treatment?

Here are a few steps to help you better prepare for the procedure. Some of the best practices to maximize the outcome of IVF treatment are:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Start taking prenatal supplements
• If you are planning for IVF, quit smoking, drinking alcohol and other recreational drugs
• Practice yoga, meditation, and journaling to maximize the outcomes of your IVF treatment.
• Live a stress-free life. Trust the treatment process and remain hopeful. 

When should you consult a fertility expert for IUI treatment?

You should consult an IUI specialist when you and your partner have unprotected sex for more than a year but fail to conceive. You may try on your own for as long as you want, but getting medical help without delay is the best decision. 

Pristyn Care fertility experts suggest consulting a fertility expert when a couple fails to conceive even after indulging in unprotected sex for a year. Additionally, a couple may consult a fertility specialist for IUI treatment in case of the following:

• The female partner has ovulation disorders, does not ovulate regularly, or has PCOD/ PCOS
• Couples with unexplained infertility
• If the male partner has semen abnormalities or ejaculation disorder
• Anyone who needs donor sperm, such as LGBT couples, heterosexual couples struggling with male factor infertility, or single women looking to conceive.

What are the advantages and disadvantages associated with IUI treatment?

IUI is a viable fertility treatment for couples with unexplained fertility, low sperm count, and male factor infertility. IUI is a relatively simple procedure and consists of three main steps:

• Ovulation tracking to identify the best fertile period
• Collection of sperm
• Iplantating the sperm into the uterus

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of IUI treatment:

Advantages of IUI:

• IUI is less expensive than IVF or ICSI.
• IUI exerts less stress on the body.
• The sperm-washing process enhances the chances of sperm quality.
• IUI is not a painful procedure and hence does not require anesthesia.
• IUI treatment does not take more than 15-20 minutes. So, the female does not require any hospitalization and can return home just after resting for 20 minutes after the procedure.

Disadvantages of IUI

Although IUI is a viable fertility treatment option, it has some challenges too. Some of the common disadvantages of IUI are:

• IUI cannot be carried on if the female does not ovulate.
• The sperm used should be of high quality, i.e., it should have good motility.
• The success rate of IUI is only 20-25 percent compared to IVF treatment.
• The risk of multiple pregnancies is relatively high IUI due to the intake of fertility drugs.

Case Study

“IUI was a boon for us when nothing else worked.”

Sravanti (name changed, 32 years old) and Prateek (name changed, 34 years old) were struggling to conceive. They had been married for 6 years now. They had consulted several fertility specialists in Kolkata (their hometown) but were disappointed when nothing worked in their favor. They almost gave up hope, decided to adopt a child, and had already begun the process. But, as luck would have it, in December 2020, Prateek shifted to Delhi for his job and on a friend’s recommendation, got in touch with Pristyn Care.

“It is harder than one can imagine. The disappointment drained both of us. We held onto hope for a long time and almost gave up. But, I thank my destiny that it brought us to a new city that changed our lives forever,” Prateek shared.

Ritika was consulted by one of the best and highly trusted fertility specialists in Delhi who works with Pristyn Care. She was diagnosed with a minor blockage in the fallopian tubes, but the upside was that she was ovulating. Considering all the factors, the doctor recommended IUI since they have already exhausted enough money consulting doctors in the past 2 years. Everything fell in place, and Ritika conceived a baby boy in her second IUI cycle.

“We can’t be more thankful to Pristyn Care. It still feels like a dream, but when I look at the little boy, I know we are living the joys and blessings of parenthood,” says Ritika.

What is the IUI treatment cost in India?

IUI is considered a relatively affordable fertility treatment, and its one cycle is priced between Rs. 10,000 to 15,000. You should note that this is the estimated cost of only one cycle of IUI. In several cases, patients require multiple cycles to see effective results. Some other factors that affect IUI treatment costs in India, include:

• Consultation fees of the fertility specialist
• Cost of donor sperm
• Cost of medicines for ovulation stimulation
• Charges of follicular monitoring
• Number of IUI cycles
• Choice of treatment city
• Preference of treatment hospital or fertility clinic
• Age of the couple
• Cost of lab tests
• Post-treatment consultation charges

Consult with best Fertility specialist at Pristyn Care and Get the cost estimate of IUI treatment.

How is IVF different from IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are both fertility treatments, designed to to help individuals and couples facing difficulties in conceiving. However, there happens to be a difference between the two. The primary contrast between IUI and IVF lies in their procedures: IVF involves stimulating, retrieving, fertilizing, and transferring eggs, while IUI involves injecting sperm into the uterus to reduce the sperm’s travel distance to the egg.

There’s also a difference in the steps involved in both the procedures, as well as the eligibility.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IUI Treatment

Advantages of IUI 

Intrauterine Insemination, or IUI, is a boon for patients with fertility issues. This procedure serves as a ray of hope for them and improves their chances of living their dream of parenthood. This procedure is highly popular and reliable owing to its various benefits. Some advantages of IUI are as follows: 

• IUI procedure typically costs lower compared to other fertility treatments, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). 
• IUI exerts less physical strain on the body, reducing the overall stress associated with fertility treatments.
• Sperm washing involved in the IUI procedure improves the quality of sperm used in the process, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
• IUI is a relatively painless procedure and does not necessitate the use of anesthesia.
• IUI treatment is quick, typically lasting only 15-20 minutes, allowing patients to return home shortly after a short rest post-procedure without requiring hospitalization.

Disadvantages of IUI

IUI is a viable option for couples seeking fertility treatment. However, this procedure also accompanies several challenges and drawbacks that should be considered before opting for this procedure. Some disadvantages of IUI include: 

• If a woman wishes to go for IUI treatment, it is essential for her to have regular ovulation cycles. Women who do not ovulate may not be eligible for this procedure as there would be no egg available for fertilization.
• IUI success depends on the quality of the sperm used for insemination. Therefore, high-quality sperm is a must for the efficacy of this procedure. Sperm with good motility (ability to move effectively) is preferred for IUI as it increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.
• When compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, IUI generally has a lower success rate. On average, the success rate of IUI ranges from 20 to 25 percent per cycle, meaning that not every attempt will result in a pregnancy.

What to Expect After IUI treatment?

For successful IUI outcomes, the patients need to take care of themselves after the procedure as well. Following the IUI procedure, the patients are recommended to relax and go about their normal routine. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a day or two. However, there are generally no restrictions on normal daily activities. It is normal to experience mild cramping or discomfort in the lower abdomen for a few days following IUI. Some individuals may also notice slight spotting or light bleeding. These side effects are generally mild and temporary.

The fertility specialist may prescribe progesterone supplementation to support the uterine lining and help in implantation. The duration and dosage will depend on individual circumstances and medical advice.

After IUI,  patients can expect a “two-week wait.” During this time, patients are advised to avoid stress of any sorts,  eat the right foods, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, as these factors can affect the IUI treatment outcomes. It is important to note that pregnancy symptoms take time to show. Therefore, an absence of symptoms can also mean a positive pregnancy test in some cases. 

Two weeks after the IUI procedure, a pregnancy test is typically performed. Some patients may choose to take a home pregnancy test, while others may prefer to have a blood test at a medical facility for more accurate results.

Is IUI Covered Under Insurance?

Typically, health insurance companies provide a range of health benefits such as outpatient care, emergency services, prescription drugs, pediatric services, and maternity and newborn care. However, what isn’t included in the benefits offered by several healthcare companies is infertility care. 

This is generally because getting treatment for infertility is an individual’s own choice and is not really medically necessary. But, with the surge in need for fertility treatments, some insurance providers have introduced plans that cover IUI treatments. These plans may cover parts of the treatment or the entire treatment. It is best to reach out to the insurance provider to understand the insurance coverage for IUI treatment.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes after IUI Treatment

To ensure effective outcomes of IUI treatment, patients are required to make certain lifestyle changes, along with certain dietary modifications. These modifications can enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy following IUI. While it is essential to consult with a fertility specialist for personalized advice, here are some standard recommendations that can help patients boost their chances of getting successful IUI outcomes:

Maintain a healthy diet:   Patients who’ve undergone IUI must consume a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. They must eat nutrient-dense foods that are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This is important for ensuring healthy reproductive health. The doctor may also suggest prenatal vitamins or folic acid supplements which should be taken as recommended. These supplements are prescribed to ensure the patient is getting all the necessary nutrients.

Staying hydrated is important; Patients must maintain adequate hydration after their IUI treatment. This can be done by drinking ample water at regular intervals throughout the day. Water helps maintain overall health and supports the healthy functioning of the body.

Make Exercising A Habit: Patients must indulge in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, to promote their overall well-being. Exercising as a habit helps manage stress, improves circulation, and supports a healthy weight, which can be helpful in maintaining reproductive health.

Cut Back On Caffeine and Alcohol: It is advisable to limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption during and after the IUI process. High caffeine intake has been linked to fertility issues, and alcohol can negatively impact fertility and treatment outcomes.

Quit Smoking: Patients who smoke must completely quit smoking before their treatment. Smoking can negatively impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke should also be avoided.

Stay Stress-Free: It is important to remain stress-free during and after the IUI treatment. Excessive stress is often linked with poor reproductive health. To remain stress-free, patients must practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation. In addition, any apprehensions regarding the procedure and its outcomes should be conveyed to the fertility specialist beforehand.

Get Adequate Sleep:  It is important to get enough sleep and maintain a regular sleep routine during the IUI process. It is advisable to get 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

Follow the Doctor’s Instructions: Patients must follow the doctor’s instructions regarding medications, progesterone supplementation, and any other prescribed treatments or lifestyle modifications, diligently. Any significant lifestyle or dietary changes should also be reported to the fertility specialist, and their guidance must be sought. It is crucial to ensure minimal complications during the treatment and effective outcomes. 

It should be noted that it is crucial to discuss any dietary or lifestyle changes with the healthcare provider. Their guidance will ensure that the patient makes informed choices that support their fertility journey and overall well being.