Is IUI Always Successful on the First Try?

Infertility acts as a pregnancy hurdle for many couples globally. But thanks to medical advancements, there are technologies that help couples become parents. One such infertility treatment in India is IUI. 

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is an ART procedure that involves placing sperm in the uterus, increasing the chances of pregnancy. However, many wonder whether this procedure is successful in the very first try. 

Well, IUI is surely one of the best infertility treatments out there. However, its chances of success depend on several factors. In this blog, we will uncover two major factors - age and number of cycle. Additionally, we will also look into some ways you can improve the chances of successful procedure.

Without further due, let's get in!

IUI Success factor: Age

Age is not just a number when it comes to the IUI treatment in India. It significantly affects the success chances. Often, women between 18-24 years of age are considered to be in the IUI golden window since the success rates are the highest during these times. However, with the right techniques and protocols, older women can conceive successfully as well.

The tabular representation of age and success rates is as follows:

Age	Success rate by age (%)
<24	37.5
25-29	28
30-34	26.2
35-39	22.1
40-41	21.2
42-43	14.8
>43	8.3

IUI Success Factor: Number of Cycles

The number of IUI cycles every patient undergoes depends on several factors including the female's overall body condition and age. The lesser the age, the better the chances to conceive through limited cycles. It is important to note that doctors consider a 5% decrease in success rate every cycle when the female crosses 40 years of age. 

The tabular representation of age and success chances by cycle is as follows.

Age	Success rate by cycle (%)
<24	19.7
25-29	12.9
30-34	10.9
35-39	8.8
40-41	9
42-43	6.3
>43	3.5

Ways to Improve Tour Success Chances in the First Try

While there are multiple things you can consider to naturally improve your chances of success, some most important are:

The Right Timing

The chances of success is significantly influenced by the ovulation period. During this time, the egg released from the ovary is all set for fertilization. Generally, the best fertility window is considered to be 5-7 days from the day of ovulation. You can consult or use ultrasound monitoring, ovulation predictor kits, and even blood tests to understand the best timing for the procedure.

Fertility Medications

There are multiple fertility medications available to improve the quality of your eggs or stimulate ovulation. They help increase the success rate of fertilization. However, do not consider taking them before consulting your fertility specialists. They will recommend the ones best suitable for your case.

Healthy Lifestyle

Your lifestyle significantly affects fertility. Thus, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It includes taking care of your diet i.e. eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and overall balanced meals. Additionally, managing stress and exercising regularly is also important to maintain a healthy weight.

Conclusion

IUI can and cannot be successful in the first attempt. Along with the effect of age on IUI treatment's success, it depends on multiple factors including sperm and egg heath, age, the fertility center, experience of the doctor, and much more. What you can do is take steps to improve your health and chances of a successful cycle naturally. To know more about the procedure and IUI treatment cost in India, consult your fertility specialist or the center.