Dec-20-2024
What is IUI?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a common fertility treatment designed to help couples who are struggling to conceive. During this process, healthy sperm is carefully placed directly into a woman’s uterus to increase the chances of fertilization. This treatment is simple, non-surgical, and often one of the first steps couples take when facing fertility challenges.
At New World Fertility, we specialize in guiding couples through every step of their fertility journey, including IUI treatment.
How Does IUI Work?
The goal of IUI is to bring healthy sperm closer to the egg, making it easier for fertilization to occur. The doctor decides if IUI is suitable based on factors like the couple’s medical history and fertility issues.
Steps Involved in IUI Treatment
Stimulating Ovulation:
The woman may take fertility medications to help her body release more eggs during ovulation. This increases the chances of fertilization.Tracking Ovulation:
The doctor monitors the woman’s ovulation through blood tests and ultrasounds to determine the best time to perform the IUI procedure.Preparing the Sperm:
A sample of sperm is taken from the male partner (or a donor) and processed in a lab. This process, called a “sperm wash,” separates healthy, active sperm from slower or dead ones.Performing the Procedure:
Using a small, thin tube called a catheter, the prepared sperm is gently inserted into the uterus. This step is quick and usually painless.Post-Procedure Care:
After the procedure, the woman might be advised to rest briefly and avoid intense physical activity for a day or two.
At New World Fertility, our experienced team ensures that every step of the process is handled with care and precision.
Why Choose IUI?
IUI is less expensive and less invasive than other fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It is often recommended for couples dealing with issues like:
Low sperm count or poor sperm movement.
Mild fertility problems in women.
Unexplained infertility.
Success Rates of IUI
The success of IUI depends on several factors, such as the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the quality of sperm used.
Couples with male fertility issues (like low sperm count) see the highest success rates with IUI.
On average, IUI has a success rate of 10-20% per cycle.
After 6 cycles, up to 80% of couples may achieve pregnancy.
Success rates drop for women over 40, with only about 4% succeeding.
At New World Fertility, we provide personalized care and monitoring to maximize the chances of success with IUI.
Advantages of IUI
Improves Chances of Pregnancy: Sperm is placed closer to the egg, increasing the likelihood of fertilization.
Affordable: IUI is less costly compared to treatments like IVF.
Simple and Painless: The procedure is quick and doesn’t require surgery or anesthesia.
Flexible Options: It can be done with or without fertility medications, depending on the patient’s needs.
Addresses Male Fertility Issues: IUI helps overcome problems like low sperm count or poor motility.
Disadvantages of IUI
Lower Success Rates: It’s not as effective as IVF for some infertility problems, such as blocked fallopian tubes or severe male infertility.
Risk of Multiple Pregnancies: While less likely than with IVF, there’s still a chance of twins or triplets, which can increase pregnancy risks.
Risk of Infection: Inserting the catheter into the uterus carries a small risk of infection.
Limited Usefulness: IUI may not work for all couples, such as those with severe fertility challenges.
Final Thoughts
IUI is a safe, simple, and effective fertility treatment that helps many couples start their journey to parenthood. While it may not work for everyone, its affordability and straightforward approach make it a great first step for many.
If you’re considering IUI or any other fertility treatment, the team at New World Fertility is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you in achieving your dream of parenthood.