Treatment procedures for infertility problem - IUI, Intrauterine insemination(Part2)

IUI Process
Woman has to take clomiphene or gonadotropins to increase the number of egg development. Your doctor will monitor you closely in order to prevent too many eggs being stimulated. A semen sample will be collected from your partner about an hour or two before you are scheduled for insemination. 

 

The semen is “washed” to separate the sperm from the seminal fluid, which contains substances that can irritate your uterus. Sperm “washing” sperm may also improve the ability of the sperm to fertilize the egg by reducing the distance for the sperm in reaching the egg and increasing the number of sperm entering the uterus.

Your doctor will inject the “washed” sperm directly into your uterus near the uterine entrance of fallopian tube at the time of ovulation. A speculum will be placed inside your vagina and a small catheter will be inserted through your cervix into your uterine cavity when the sperms are injected through the catheter into your uterus.  This procedure will not cause any discomfort and does not require any anesthetics.

 

Success rate
Success rates vary among international studies, ranging from 5-70%, with a mean success rate of about 9%. This can be explained by different protocols adopted in clinics as well as the patients’ condition (age, chronic illnesses, etc.).

 Most pregnancies in reported IUI studies occurred within 3-6 months. It is suggested that couples should opt for IVF after 6 months of IUI treatment failure.

 

Risks / Possible Complications

Bleeding/ spotting

Bleeding or spotting is often reported in IUI treatment, particularly those with a cervical tenaculum used.

Pain

The procedure is a bit uncomfortable. If needed, local anesthesia may be used to eliminate discomfort.

Multiple pregnancy

Multiple pregnancy is a common and major complication of assisted reproductive therapies. It poses both economic and sociological burden to the family.

Congenital defects of fetus

All ART have reported risks of fetal congenital defects

 

Can I go through this procedure more than once?
Yes, if you do not become pregnant after the first treatment, you can repeat the procedure again in your next few cycles. Obviously, further evaluation may be required if the treatment fails to show an effect after several attempts.

 

NOTE:

Fallopian tube of female should be normal in order to commence IUI.

Avoid sexual intercourse for 2-3 days before IUI therapy.

 

 

 

 

Reference: fertility.com.hk

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult obstetricians and gynecologists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.