Reasons to have IUI
IUI is less expensive than assisted reproductive technology
(ART) treatments like IVF.
IVF is also more invasive and may be objectionable to
some couples because it involves artificially fertilizing
the woman's eggs outside of her body. Because of this,
IUI may be a good choice for couples who can not afford
IVF or would prefer not to have IVF. Even though IUI
is not as effective as IVF, it is still more successful
than just trying to time intercourse well. Often couples
will try IUI first before pursuing IVF or other ART
treatments.
IUI may be advised for couples with
the following fertility issues:
- low sperm count
- sperm motility problems
- sexual dysfunction
- need for donor sperm
- hostile cervical mucous
- antisperm antibodies
- endometriosis
- unexplained infertility
What happens during the IUI procedure?
IUI is often combined with the use of fertility medication.
IUI can be done without fertility medication, but many
doctors encourage women to take a fertility drug to
improve the chances of success. The woman may be given
a drug like Clomid
at the start of her cycle to increase the amount of
mature eggs produced during ovulation. Normally, she
would only produce one egg per cycle; and therefore,
only have one egg available for fertilization. Having
more eggs available improves the chances of conception.
In order for IUI to be successful, it has to occur
on the day of ovulation. To accomplish this, the woman
may be asked to keep a bbt
chart and/or use
an ovulation prediction kit to predict
when ovulation will occur. A bbt chart is usually not
used alone because it is not an accurate method to predict
ovulation. Ovulation tests predict ovulation by testing
for a hormone called LH, or luteinizing hormone, which
peaks right before ovulation. Once the woman has a positive
ovulation test, she should call her doctor to schedule
the IUI procedure. It is important that IUI is scheduled
on the day of ovulation, which normally happens the
day after the LH surge is detected on a home ovulation
prediction kit. If the woman does not detect an LH surge,
she may be given an HCG injection to trigger ovulation.
She may also have to come in for a vaginal ultrasound
or blood tests to determine when she is ovulating.
On the day of the procedure, the man will be asked
to collect a semen specimen. The semen will then be
“washed” and concentrated. Sperm washing
doesn't actually wash the sperm. It separates the sperm
from the seminal fluid and also helps weed out immobile
or defective sperm, leaving the healthy sperm to deposit
during the insemination.
Sperm washing can not be skipped even if the male has
a healthy sperm count. The seminal fluid in semen contains
chemicals called prostaglandins. The prostaglandins
in seminal fluid usually don't pose a problem during
normal intercourse because most of the seminal fluid
remains in the vagina and doesn't enter into the uterus.
However, during IUI, the sperm is placed directly into
the uterus. If semen were not washed first, the amount
of prostaglandins deposited into the uterus could make
the woman very sick or cause severe cramping.
After the semen is collected and washed, it is placed
into the woman's uterus by using a catheter that is
attached to a syringe. The catheter is threaded through
the cervix and into the uterus. Then using the syringe
the sperm is injected through the catheter into the
uterus. IUI is usually painless. The woman may experience
some mild cramping or spotting after the procedure.
Once the procedure is completed, the woman will be asked
to rest for about ten minutes before she is allowed
to go home.
Should you have sex before or after
IUI?
Having sex right before IUI is usually not recommended.
Sperm count may be affected if a man has sex shortly
before the procedure. It is best if the man does not
have intercourse or masturbate for one or two days before
the procedure. After having IUI, however, you can, and
should, have sex as often as possible for 24 hours after
the procedure. This way there are more sperm available
to hopefully fertilize the egg.
IUI success rates
How successful IUI is will depend on the reasons for
having the procedure. The CDC does not collect statistics
on IUI like it does with IVF and other ART procedures.
IUI success rates can be as high as 20% or as low as
5% depending on the clinic you go to and the reasons
for treatment.
How much does IUI cost?
The price of IUI varies depending on where you live
and the particular clinic you use. The price of IUI
can cost anywhere from $300-$800. If you need ultrasounds,
medication, or other treatments, it can cost more than
this.
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