What Is IUI Treatment (Intrauterine Insemination)? Process, Cost, and Success Rate Explained

If you’re not getting pregnant even after a few months of trying, you may start questioning what’s going wrong. It is during this stage that your gynecologist may bring up IUI treatment, a simple and less invasive way to improve your chances of conception. Want to know the IUI full form, how the IUI procedure works, and what to expect from it? In this guide, we’ll explain the steps, the IUI treatment cost, and the success rates you can expect, all in an easy-to-understand way. Let’s get reading!

IUI full form and meaning

The IUI full form refers to Intrauterine Insemination. It is one way of achieving conception where healthy sperm is placed in the womb of a woman during her ovulation period.

What is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?

The IUI procedure involves injecting the sperm directly into the uterus when there is an occurrence of ovulation. It is common knowledge that the sperm will travel through the cervix and uterus to reach the egg.

Why is IUI performed?

Gynecologists usually recommend IUI treatment when you face mild or unexplained fertility problems. However, a doctor may advise you to try for about a year if you are under 35, and for at least 6 months if you are over 35, before considering a treatment. You may need the treatment if you are diagnosed with any of the following conditions:

• You experience irregular or missed periods
• Your partner has a low sperm count, volume, or poor sperm health
• Thick cervical mucus is blocking sperm movement
• Unexplained fertility

If you tick one of the boxes, an IUI procedure is the first step you may take if you’re planning a pregnancy.

How to prepare for IUI Treatment?

Preparation for the IUI process may help in enhancing the chances of success.

IUI Procedure Preparation:

• Observe your physician’s instructions and medication
• Attend ultrasound sessions
• Have nutritious food and consume sufficient water
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
• Stay calm and sleep well

General Instructions:

• Maintain ideal body weight
• Engage in physical activities
• Watch for ovulation
• Follow prescription drugs

Step-by-Step IUI Treatment Procedure

Before undergoing the IUI process, your physician needs to determine whether the treatment will suit your condition. Therefore, you are required to undergo some preliminary fertility tests. This will include hormone testing such as FSH, AMH, and estradiol, ultrasound scanning, and semen analysis. After your test results are available, you will proceed further in the following manner:

Step 1 – Ovarian Monitoring / Stimulation

The Ovulation period is determined by the doctor by monitoring conducted via the following :

• Using at-home ovulation kits
• Blood tests performed at clinics
• Transvaginal ultrasound scans

Your physician might give you gonadotropin injections to help your ovaries release eggs and also boost fertility chances. In some cases, your doctor may also plan an hCG injection to trigger ovulation at the right time. You should undergo the IUI procedure 24-48 hours after taking the injection. If not, your doctor will monitor your ovulation window.

Step 2 – Semen Collection & Preparation

This process involves getting the semen sample from your male partner. At times, the semen sample can be obtained from frozen semen samples. Your semen sample will then go through a preparation process known as semen washing. The laboratory will:

• Rid the sample of seminal fluid
• Select healthy and active sperm
• Reduce the likelihood of uterine cramps

Thus, only the high-quality sperm would be used for the procedure.

Step 3 – Insemination Procedure

Your doctor may schedule the IUI procedure based on the date when ovulation occurred. Based on this, your doctor will then determine your ovulation period, during which he/she will perform the process. The process occurs between:

• 24 and 48 hours after natural ovulation, or
• 24 and 48 hours after hCG administration

During the procedure, the following takes place:

• You will be instructed to lie down on an examination table where your legs will be properly positioned.
• You will have your cervix examined using a speculum by your doctor.
• A catheter will be used to introduce the processed sperm into your uterus through your cervix.
• Your doctor will then remove the catheter and speculum.

This whole process will take approximately 10-15 minutes, and no anaesthesia will be required since the procedure is normally painless.

Step 4 – Post-Procedure Care

Once the process is completed, you will be allowed to have some rest before you go back to your daily activities. There might be:

• Cramps
• Spotting, which may appear after 1-2 days or sometimes even 6-12 days

Additionally, your physician might prescribe progesterone to help the lining of your uterus.

Step 5 – Pregnancy Test

Note that you have to wait for about 2 weeks prior to taking a pregnancy test. Testing too early can result in inaccurate results, particularly when you have been administered hCG shots.

Your doctor may recommend having a blood test done. If pregnancy has not resulted after this procedure, your physician may advise you to repeat IUI up to three or six times.

Worried if the procedure actually works? Keep reading to find out.

IUI treatment process timeline

A typical IUI treatment course lasts about 2-4 weeks.

What to Expect after IUI Treatment?

Following the IUI treatment, most women find that they can get back to their normal routine activities in a matter of hours.

The period between IUI and the pregnancy test is known as the “two-week wait.” During this period,

1. Fertilization and implantation will occur.
2. Supplemental progesterone may be needed.
3. Proper nutrition and hydration are recommended.
4. Hot baths are not advised.
5. Strenuous exercise is to be avoided.

After 9 to 14 days following the procedure, a blood test is to be done to confirm its success. During this period of pregnancy, you will have mixed emotions of excitement and hopefulness. It is important to remain optimistic. 

IUI Success Rate

Your age plays a big role in how well IUI treatment works. As you get older, your egg quality and number slowly decrease, which can make it harder to get pregnant. That’s why doctors always look at age before discussing success chances.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the IUI success rate by age per cycle:

As you can see, success rates go down with age. This happens because your body releases fewer healthy eggs over time. That’s why many doctors suggest not waiting too long if you’re facing difficulty in conceiving.

IUI Treatment Cost in India

IUI treatment is considered one of the most economically viable and minimally invasive fertility treatment methods recommended by fertility experts for mild infertility conditions. The cost could range anywhere between INR 5,000 and INR 35,000+ based on the severity of infertility.

Factors influencing IUI Treatment Costs include 

• Location of the fertility center
• Medical treatments involved
• Number of IUI procedures required

Discussing your fertility options with a specialist will provide you with detailed information on the IUI treatment cost and fertility treatment plans.

Risks and Side Effects of IUI

IUI treatment is usually considered to be safe with minimal side effects. Rare risks and complications experienced after the procedure include:

1. Discomfort
2. Mild cramping
3. Stress
4. Spotting
5. Infections
6. Multiple births with increased chances of twins
7. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

The above-listed symptoms are usually due to the hormonal medications taken during the IUI procedure.

Benefits of IUI Treatment 

IUI treatment is among the most popular fertility methods as it is non-invasive and inexpensive. Advantages of IUI include:

1. It is less invasive than IVF
2. Simple and quick procedure
3. Inexpensive fertility method
4. Short recovery period
5. Increases chances of conception

Medications and Injections used for IUI

In most cases, fertility drugs are administered when undergoing IUI treatment to induce ovulation. The medications involved in the process of IUI are:

1. Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid): This is used to induce ovulation.
2. Letrozole: In cases where there is difficulty with ovulation, as well as polycystic ovarian syndrome.
3. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Trigger Injection: Helps initiate the process of ovulation before the process of IUI.
4. Progesterone: Helps in ensuring that successful implantation occurs following the procedure.

The medication chosen is dependent on the fertility problem, age of the patient, and recommendation of the fertility expert.

IUI vs IVF – Key Differences

When you start looking at fertility treatments, you will often come across IUI vs IVF treatment as the two main options. Both of them help you get pregnant, but they have completely different procedures. Here’s how you can distinguish between the two:

Tips to Improve IUI Success

Lifestyle Changes to Improve IUI Success

• Maintain a healthy weight range as per your height 
• Incorporate low-intensity exercises like yoga, swimming, or brisk walking 3-4 times a week
• Limit your caffeine intake to 1-2 cups a day
• Avoid smoking and alcohol

Diet

• Include protein-rich foods such as eggs, paneer, tofu, soy, and chicken in your meals to improve egg health.
• Iron-rich foods such as spinach, beetroot, and dates should also be included to improve your blood supply.
• Drink lots of water
• Avoid junk food consumption 

Choosing a Doctor

• Consult a gynecologist with a successful track record
• A reputable fertility center
• Check the lab facilities 
• Compare the IUI treatment cost between clinics
• Strict adherence to the treatment cost

Timing

• The timing of ovulation is critical
• Punctuality for all scans and appointments

When to Move from IUI to IVF?

There might be times when IVF will be a more suitable alternative when IUI fails.

IUI Cycle Failures

• The doctor might recommend IVF after 3-6 failures of IUI.

Age Considerations

• Women aged above 35 years could gain from undergoing IVF sooner since their fertility decreases with age.

Health Issues

• Cases where IVF can be suggested include:
  • Blocked fallopian tubes
  • Profound male infertility
  • Endometriosis
  • Ovarian insufficiency

When to Consult a Fertility Specialist?

You may consult a fertility specialist and consider IUI treatment if you tick any of the following boxes:

• You are 21-30 years old and have not conceived after 12 months of trying
• You are 30-35 years old and do not conceive after 12 months, or earlier if you have irregular periods or known fertility issues.
• You are 35-40 years old and have not conceived after 6 months
• You are >40 years and want a fertility evaluation without delay
• You have mild fertility issues and want a less complex option before IVF

If you are under medication and experience any of the following symptoms after IUI treatment, immediately contact your doctor to prevent further complications:

• Severe pain in the lower abdomen 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Difficulty in breathing
• Feeling dizzy or faint

Conclusion

The IUI procedure is relatively straightforward, inexpensive, and non-invasive, making it ideal for treating mild forms of infertility in couples. The more complicated but highly effective IVF technique is recommended for cases of extreme infertility. An essential point is knowing the various aspects linked to IUI vs IVF that are necessary for making the right choice, as well as knowing the post-treatment recovery process and costs of fertility procedures.

Start Your Fertility Journey with Expert IUI Care at Femcare Fertility

At Femcare Fertility, our specialists can provide personalized IUI treatment and emotional support that will assist you in reaching your goal of parenthood. With the help of various tests and cutting-edge techniques, we strive to achieve success for our patients.

FAQs 

1. What is the full form of IUI?

IUI full form refers to Intrauterine Insemination. It is a method of fertilization where the sperm that has been prepared is introduced into the uterus to maximize the chances of conception.

2. How does IUI treatment work?

During an IUI treatment procedure, the collection and washing of the sperm takes place, followed by the introduction of the sperm into the uterus around the ovulation period.

3. How long does the IUI procedure take?

The time duration of an IUI treatment procedure usually ranges from 10 to 15 minutes. It is a simple outpatient procedure wherein patients can return home after undergoing treatment.

4. What is the cost of IUI Treatment in India?

In India, the cost of IUI treatment is anywhere from INR 8,000 to INR 25,000, depending on different factors.

5. What factors affect the cost of IUI treatment?

Some of the cost determinants in the case of IUI treatment include:

• Fertility clinic and its location
• Medications for fertility treatment
• Blood test and ultrasound
• Number of IUI treatments needed
• Fees charged by fertility doctors

6. What is the success rate of IUI treatment?

The success rate of IUI treatment depends on several factors, such as age, fertility conditions, sperm health, and problems with ovulation. Nevertheless, the average success rate of the IUI procedure falls anywhere between 10%-20% per cycle.

7. How many IUI cycles are usually needed to get pregnant? 

It will take couples 3-6 IUI cycles to conceive successfully.

8. Is IUI treatment painful?

There is no pain involved in IUI. Patients may sometimes experience cramping and discomfort after the procedure.

9. Who is the right candidate for IUI treatment?

Indications for the use of IUI:

• Male infertility
• Ovulation disorders
• Unexplained infertility
• Abnormality in cervical mucus
• Donor sperms

10. What is the difference between IUI and IVF?

Whereas IUI involves the insertion of sperm into the womb, IVF entails the fertilization of eggs outside the body, followed by their insertion into the womb.

11. Is IUI better than IVF for infertility treatment?

Considering affordability and convenience, IUI is more suitable for the treatment of infertility than IVF. But IVF may produce better results when it comes to infertility involving complex factors.

12. When should you consider IVF instead of IUI?

IVF would be preferred over IUI in the following situations:

• Failure of several IUI treatments
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Severe male infertility
• Aged women above 35 years
• Poor ovarian reserves or the presence of endometriosis

13. What precautions should be taken after IUI treatment?

After undergoing the IUI procedure:

• Avoid strenuous exercises for a day or two
• Eat healthy foods and ensure adequate hydration
• Stay away from smoking and alcohol consumption
• Take prescribed medications on time
• Regularly attend medical appointments

14. What are the risks or side effects of IUI treatment?

Though IUI is a fairly safe infertility treatment, there may be cases where patients experience the following mild symptoms:

• Cramping
• Spotting
• Bloating
• Discomfort

More serious complications like infections and multiple pregnancies are rare cases.