IUI, also known as Intrauterine Insemination, is a fertility treatment. It’s a simple process that puts sperm directly into a uterus. It helps a healthy sperm get closer to an egg. IUI and pregnancy are closely related. IUI helps to enhance the chances of pregnancy for some individuals and couples.
Human bodies are complex and everybody reacts to certain procedures differently. Hence, people opt for alternate options to get pregnant. One of these is IUI that helps couples to turn them into a family. Let’s understand what IUI is, its procedure, treatment options, success rates, and more.
What is IUI and Pregnancy?
IUI and pregnancy are related because IUI helps a person get pregnant. IUI pregnancy is a pregnancy that is achieved with the help of IUI treatment. It’s a type of artificial insemination, where sperm is directly placed into a uterus. Whereas in natural pregnancy, semen is ejaculated into the vagina during sexual intercourse.
The results of IUI treatment usually takes about 2-3 weeks to show whether a woman is pregnant or not. People choose IUI for many reasons. These can include infertility issues, or as a reproductive choice for same-sex females who want to have a baby without a partner. IUI may be used when the below conditions are there:
- Weak, slow, or low sperm count.
- Problems with the cervix or cervical mucus issues.
- Erection dysfunction or ejaculation.
- Unexplained infertility.
- Using donor sperm.
- Having an allergy with your partner’s sperm.
How does IUI work?
IUI has become a common treatment to treat infertility. Here is a detailed procedure of the treatment to make you understand it better:
- Your doctor will ask you to lie down with your legs widely opened.
- The IUI treatment doesn’t include giving anesthesia to the patient. However, the women undergoing this treatment might experience mild cramps.
- Your doctor will then use a speculum, a metal tool to spread the walls of vagina. It becomes easier to insert the “washed” sperm into the vagina.
- To inseminate the sperm directly into the uterus, a catheter is used. It’s a long, thin, and flexible tube that consists of the sperm at the end.
- To reach the uterus, the catheter is passed through the cervix. The doctor then pushes the sperm to release it.
- After relaxing for a while, the patient can go home and follow the usual routine.
Is IUI Painful?
IUI is usually not painful but the person might experience some mild discomfort. It is a minimal invasive process and doesn’t require any pain medication or anesthesia. A person might feel a slight pinching when the catheter is inserted. However, this sensation is short-lived and disappears quickly.
The pain level typically depends on the factors below:
- Your pain tolerance level.
- High levels of anxiety can increase the discomfort.
- The expertise of your doctor performing the IUI procedure.
Note: Contact your doctor if you are experiencing pain on a higher level. It can include unusual vaginal discharge, worsening cramps, heavy bleeding, fever, and more.
What are the IUI treatment Options?
The IUI fertility options differ from clinic to clinic. However, there are some common IUI treatment options that anyone choose:
Ovulation Induction
If a woman is not ovulating regularly, they can opt for ovulation induction with IUI. In this, you have to take medications to stimulate the development of eggs. This procedure is done based on your hormone and ultrasound test results. It helps to show whether the eggs are ready or not.
Natural Ovulation
If there’s regular ovulation, you can undergo an IUI treatment during ovulation. In this method, no medications are prescribed to induce ovulation. Your healthcare provider will plan your IUI process on your optimal fertile day.
Donor Sperm
A person can use a donor sperm if there’s a reason for not using their partner’s sperm. Your clinic will coordinate with a known sperm donor or from an outside sperm bank.
IUI and Pregnancy: What are the success rates?
Every couple responds differently to IUI treatment. However, the success rates are difficult to predict as everyone’s body reacts differently. There are a number of factors that can affect the outcome, including the following:
- Age: Women below 40 years of age usually have 50% or more chances of IUI success.
- Whether fertility drugs are used or not: Fertility drugs play a major role in increasing the chance to get pregnant. However, with fertility drugs, there are also risks of multiple births.
- Number of IUI attempts: Those who undergo three or more IUI attempts have more chances of a successful treatment.
- Parents Health: The health of parents is also a matter of concern. Pregnancy can be affected, if either of the parents is suffering from any illness.
Note: Before going for a IUI treatment, it’s better to talk with your healthcare provider. Your doctor may be able to give you better advice on the success of IUI. They will also guide you on how many attempts you may need for a successful treatment.
Some Early Signs of a Successful IUI
The success of IUI treatment can be confirmed by taking pregnancy tests. However, it’s also important to know about the symptoms that one can experience before a successful IUI. Here are some of the early signs one can experience:
- Light bleeding or spotting.
- Breast tenderness or sensitivity.
- Mild cramping.
- Changes in BBT (Basal Body Temperature) and Cervical Mucus.
- Fatigue, morning sickness, or nausea.
- Heightened sense of taste and smell.
- Frequent urination.
Tips for a Successful IUI and Pregnancy
Since IUI is more affordable, many couples opt for this to grow their family. However, there are some tips you should keep in mind when getting pregnant.
- Avoid heavy exercise: There are many women who do heavy exercise to keep their body healthy. However, if you’re preparing for your IUI treatment, it’s best to stick to these exercises:
- Meditation and Yoga
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Regular walk
- Aerobics exercise
- Follow a healthy diet: Eating a well-balanced diet can both help the mother and the baby to be healthy. Limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption. You can also take vitamins and supplements to improve the success of IUI treatment. Include the following in your diet for a successful IUI treatment:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully: Prior to your IUI treatment, your doctor will give you instructions. Many doctors will ask you to come in with a full bladder. However, if you’re using a fresh semen sample, you’ll need to coordinate with your male partner.
- Avoid hot baths: Skip hot baths, hot tubs, and saunas. Heat can hamper the implantation procedure. So, it’s best to avoid these for a successful IUI treatment.
- Worry less: It’s common to feel stress before and after the IUI procedure. If you’re experiencing the same, you can talk with your partner, get a massage or even consult with a therapist.
Final Line
Pregnancy is a complex procedure for which some couples suffer a lot. Choosing treatments like IUI can increase the chances of getting pregnant to a higher extent. IUI and pregnancy may not go hand in hand. However, the success rates of IUI may differ from person to person. To know more about IUI treatment procedure, talk with your doctor for a personalized plan. You can also consult with our fertility specialist, Dr. Rita Bakshi at Risaa IVF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How quickly do you get pregnant with IUI?
A person can get to know approximately two weeks after IUI treatment whether they’re pregnant or not.
How successful is IUI on the first try?
The success of IUI is generally between 10 to 20 percent.
How many rounds of IUI is normal?
3-6 rounds for women under 35 years of age. Whereas 3 rounds are recommended for women 40 years or over.
Are IUI babies healthy?
IUI babies have a higher risk of birth defects compared to babies who are conceived naturally.