What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant with Intrauterine Insemination?

Introduction

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that helps couples conceive. It involves the artificial insemination of sperm directly inside the uterus to improve the chances of conception.

IUI is usually more effective than other fertility treatments and is often recommended as a first step for couples unable to conceive through traditional means. Although the chances of getting pregnant with intrauterine insemination are good, they depend on a variety of factors, such as:

• Age: The success rate of IUI tends to be higher among younger couples than older ones. This is likely because sperm from younger males have a greater potential to fertilise an egg.
• Previous pregnancies: Successful pregnancies in the past increases the chances of reaching full-term after IUI.
• Male fertility: In instances where sperm mobility is poor, the chances of a successful IUI are lower. A history of medical concerns such as blocked tubes or other reproductive issues also lowers the chances of a successful conception through IUI.

While multiple factors impact the chances of conception with IUI, following a few simple guidelines and seeking help from the doctor will help solve any complications that may arise during the treatment.

IVF vs IUI: What is the difference?

Both IUI and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) are undertaken to help couples conceive. However, there are a few significant differences between these two procedures:

1. Cost: An IVF cycle is much more expensive than an IUI cycle.
2. Success rate: The success rate of an IVF is typically much higher than the success rate of an IUI.
3. Process: The IVF process is more complex than the IUI process.

Who does intrauterine insemination help?

IUI can effectively increase the chance of conception if the same is not possible through other methods including ovulation induction or assisted conception. IUI can be used by couples who have unexplained infertility, male infertility or female infertility.

How does intrauterine insemination work?

IUI is a fertility treatment that involves injecting sperm directly into a woman’s uterus. It is often used when a couple’s infertility is caused by the sperm being unable to swim through the cervix and uterus to the egg.

What risks are associated with IUI?

The few risks associated with IUI include possible side effects from the sperm injection (such as pain, discharge or bleeding), fertility problems (such as low egg production), and an increased risk of miscarriage.

How successful is intrauterine insemination in achieving pregnancy?

The success rate of IUI depends on various factors. The patient and the partner’s diagnosis plays a key role in the success rate of IUI.

• The success rate of IUI for unexplained fertility cases is between 7% and 10% per cycle.
• The IUI success rate for male factor infertility cases is 16.9%.
• The IUI success rate for single open fertility tube cases (i.e., one fallopian tube is blocked) is between 11.7 and 38.1%, depending on where the blockage is.

How much does IUI cost?

There is no standard fee for IUI, as the cost of the procedure depends on various factors, such as insurance coverage and the location of the clinic.

While the average cost of one IUI cycle is around INR 6,000, other pre-treatment medications and post-treatment medications cost around INR 4,000 to INR 5,000 per cycle. As a result, the total cost of the procedure ranges from INR 12,000 to INR 17,000 per cycle and includes medication, ovulation monitoring and other necessary procedures and medications.

What to expect during the procedure?

During an IUI procedure, the doctor will insert a speculum into the vagina. The vial containing the sperm sample is attached to a flexible tube and is inserted through the vagina, the cervix, and the uterus. The sperm is then pushed through the tube and directly into the uterus, which has a greater chance of fertilising the egg. The tube and speculum are removed.

The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes and can be done at a certified doctor’s clinic. Some patients may experience discomfort while the tube is inserted.

Some may experience minor side effects such as pain, discharge, or bleeding during treatment. However, these symptoms are usually mild and should resolve within days after treatment.

Conclusion

While intrauterine insemination is a safe method for getting pregnant, it requires the right technique and medicines to ensure the right results. Therefore, consult a reliable doctor who understands medical history before starting this process.

References

• WebMD Team. What Is IUI Success?. www.webmd.com

• Dr Vaishali Sharma Team.IUI Cost in India. www.drvaishalisharma.com

• Nova Team. How Much Does Intra Uterine Insemination Cost? www.novaivffertility.com

• Mayo clinic Staff. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) . www.mayoclinic.org