FAQs about Intra- Uterine Insemination

by Dr Sarita Sukhija Doctor

Here are some basic frequently asked questions about IUI.

Q: What is an IUI?

A: IUI is a relatively simple infertility treatment and a form of assisted conception. The procedure is performed by threading a very thin flexible catheter through the cervix and specially washed sperm place directly into the uterus. The whole process of artificial insemination or IUI does not take very long- usually it requires the insertion of a speculum and the catheter that may take a couple of minutes. In case cervix is hard to reach, tenaculum is used to hold the cervix which makes the process a little bit uncomfortable.

Q: For whom IUI treatment used?

A: The treatment may be recommended to male factor infertility such as low sperm count or if a sperm donor is being used. If woman’s cervical mucus is less than ideal, IUI is used and in case of unexplained infertility, if clomid alone does not help, IUI may be tried.

Sometime it could be used when couple would like to avoid expensive IVF treatment. Though IUI is less effective than IVF, couples may be able to afford more attempts with IUI.

Q: What are the success rates of IUI treatment?

A: Like other infertility treatment, the success rate of IUI also depends on the cause of infertility and age of the patient. The statistics show just 4% of women got pregnant per cycle without fertility medicines and when fertility medicine and IUI were combined, around 8 to 17% women got pregnant.
IVF success rate is much higher than IUI, but IUI is significantly less expensive and much easier process.

Q: Does IUI can be used if there is not a sperm count problem?

A: Apart from sperm count problem, IUI can help on Clomid where cervical mucus is a problem. It increases the chances of success on injectable cycles no matter what the sperm count is. If you have not had success with intercourse, IUI does make it sense here as with IUI more sperm will be available for fertilization.

Q: Before IVF how many IUI should I try?

A: It depends on you what you can afford. Usually one might do 3-4 IUI with Clomid and then do 3-4 cycles on injectables. The good time to consider IVF is when one does not have success after 4 ovulatory cycles with well timed IUI on injectables.

Q: What is the approx cost of IUI treatment?

A: Cost may vary from clinic to clinic. The average cost of IUI and sperm washing is around $200-300 excluding the cost of medications, blood work and ultrasounds which can make a considerable difference.

Q: Are there any risks involved in IUI?

A: There is no major risk yet noticed in IUI. However some discomfort can be arise such as minor injury to the cervix, cramping, bleeding, infection, hyper- stimulation. With proper technique and adequate monitoring risks can be reduced.

Q: Can gender selection is possible with IUI?

A: Yes, it is possible, but the technique is not 100% effective, perhaps as high as almost 90%.

Eterna IVF & Fertility Clinic is located at Same Hospital, Delhi. We are easily accessible by road from all parts of IVF Cost India as we are best located Egg Donors in India. Our Medical team has decades of experience in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility Treatment in India.