Are you hoping for a baby, but feeling sad because that dream hasn't come true yet? Maybe you and your partner have met a doctor about this and talked about various treatments. While talking like that, you may have heard the word IUI. So, today we will talk about this IUI treatment, which may seem a bit complicated to many, in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is IUI?
The full meaning of IUI is Intrauterine Insemination . In Sinhala, it means inserting sperm into the uterus . This is a fertility treatment that belongs to the category of Artificial Insemination.
Imagine, when a child is conceived normally, the man's sperm has a very long journey to make. It has to enter the vagina, pass through the cervix, travel through the uterus and all the way to the Fallopian tubes. This journey is so difficult that only a very small number of sperm, about 5%, that enter the vagina make it to the uterus. There, they combine with the egg released from the woman's ovary and are fertilized.
What happens in the IUI method is that this long journey is made easier for the sperm. To be precise, it's like giving the sperm a 'shortcut'.
In this method, a sperm sample from the man is washed in a laboratory using a special method ("sperm washing") to select only the healthiest, best-swimming, and highest-quality sperm. Then, these selected sperm are inserted directly into your uterus using a thin tube called a catheter. This reduces the distance and time it takes for the sperm to travel, increasing the chances of meeting and fertilizing an egg, which means you have a higher chance of getting pregnant.
Who is IUI treatment best suited for?
IUI is usually the first treatment that doctors try before resorting to more expensive and complicated treatments like IVF. This can be done using your partner's sperm or a donor sperm. There are several reasons why you might consider IUI.
| Reason for seeking treatment | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Cervical problems | If the cervical mucus becomes too thick, it can be difficult for sperm to swim through. IUI avoids this problem because the sperm is placed directly into the uterus. |
| Low sperm count | This is a good solution for issues like low sperm count, poor motility (swimming), and shape issues in the partner, because only the best sperm are selected during IUI. |
| Using Donor Sperm | If the partner does not produce sperm or their quality is very poor, a donor's sperm can be used. This method can be used by single women or same-sex female couples. |
| Problems with ejaculation or erection | IUI can be used if the partner has difficulty ejaculating or maintaining an erection during sex. |
| Semen Allergy | This is very rare. Some women may be allergic to proteins in their partner's sperm. These proteins are removed during IUI because the sperm is cleaned. |
| Unexplained Infertility | Sometimes, despite all the tests, a specific reason for the delay in conceiving a child cannot be found. In such cases, IUI is also tried. |
How does the IUI process happen?
The IUI process from start to finish usually takes about 4 weeks, which is about the same length as your normal monthly menstrual cycle. There are a few key steps involved.
Step 1: Preparation and Ovulation Timing
It is very important for the success of this treatment to catch the exact time of ovulation . That is, the time when the egg is released from the ovary. There are several ways to find this:
- Ovulation prediction kit: These kits, which can be used at home, can be used to determine the approximate time of ovulation by measuring the level of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the urine.
- Blood tests and scans: Your doctor may perform blood tests to check for LH hormone levels and a transvaginal ultrasound to check for ovulation.
- Medications and injections: Sometimes, your doctor may give you oral medication (for about 5 days) or injections (for up to 2 weeks) to help you release more than one egg. Sometimes, an injection called hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) may be given to help you ovulate at the right time.
Step 2: Preparing the semen sample
On the day of IUI, a fresh sperm sample is collected from your partner. Sometimes, a sample that has been previously collected and frozen can be used. This sample is then subjected to a process called "sperm washing" to separate out only the best sperm.
Step 3: Insemination
It's very simple and only takes a few minutes. While you lie on an examination table, the doctor inserts a speculum into your vagina, similar to a Pap smear. Then, a thin tube (catheter) is passed through your cervix and into your uterus, where a previously prepared sperm sample is inserted into the uterus.
After this, you will be asked to lie down for about 15-30 minutes. After that, you can go home as usual. You can test to see if you are pregnant two weeks after this treatment.
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
One thing that many people get confused about is the two treatments called IUI and IVF. These are two completely different treatments.
| Factor | IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) | IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) |
|---|---|---|
| Place of fertilization | Inside the body (in the fallopian tube) | Outside the body (in a laboratory) |
| Complexity | Less, simpler | Too much, too complicated |
| Cost | Relatively low | Very high |
| Success rate (per cycle) | Relatively low | Relatively high |
What are the risks and side effects of IUI?
IUI is a very low-risk procedure compared to treatments like IVF, but there are some minor risks.
- Having twins or more children: If you take fertility drugs, more than one egg may be released, increasing the chances of having twins or triplets.
- Infection: Very rare.
- Minor bleeding: You may experience some vaginal bleeding for a day or two after treatment.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This is also very rare. It occurs when the ovaries overreact to the medications given to stimulate ovulation, causing them to swell and become painful.
If you experience symptoms such as severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, sudden weight gain, or dizziness after treatment, call your doctor immediately. These may be signs of OHSS.
How successful is this?
The success of IUI treatment depends on several factors, the most important of which are the woman's age and the underlying cause of her infertility .
Typically, when IUI is done with medication, the chance of getting pregnant in one treatment cycle is about 20% . This is about the same success rate as a normal pregnancy. This means that IUI only brings your chances back to normal.
This success changes with age:
- Age 20-30: About 17.6%
- Age 31-35: About 13.3%
- Age 39-40: About 10.6%
- Over 40 years old: about 5.4%
Doctors usually recommend trying about 3 IUI cycles before going for IVF. However, if you are over 40, or have conditions like damaged fallopian tubes or endometriosis, your doctor may recommend going straight to IVF.
Take-Home Message
- IUI is a simple, low-cost, and low-risk treatment that many people who are having difficulty conceiving can try as a first step.
- The success of this depends on your age and the cause of infertility.
- Finding the right time to ovulate is essential for the success of the treatment.
- IUI is a different, simpler process than IVF.
- This journey can be a bit emotionally difficult. So feel free to discuss all your questions, fears, and concerns with your doctor. He or she will help you choose the treatment that is best for you.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න