IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) Treatment InGurgaon

About IUI Treatment

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) therapy is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that is used to get pregnant women in case of infertility problems. It involves injecting sperm directly into a woman's uterus to facilitate fertilization at the time of her ovulation. This increases the chances of the egg being fertilized by the sperm. It's also called artificial insemination or donor insemination.

Conditions When IUI Treatment is Recommended

1. Unexplained infertility

   This occurs when a couple has been trying to conceive for a year (or 6 months if the woman is over 35) without success, and all the tests done show no clear reason for infertility.

2. Mild endometriosis

   In the case of endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Mild endometriosis refers to a less severe stage of the condition, with minimal implants causing little to no disruption to fertility.

3. Low sperm count or motility

   Sperm count refers to the number of sperm in a man's ejaculate. Low sperm count means there are fewer sperm than normal.

4. Low Sperm Motility

   Sperm motility is the movement of the sperm. Low motility means the sperm are not swimming as well as they should, making it harder for them to reach and fertilize an egg.

5. Cervical mucus problems

   Cervical mucus is a fluid produced by the cervix that changes throughout the menstrual cycle. It can be thick and sticky during infertile times, making it difficult for sperm to pass through.

6. Same-sex female couples using donor sperm

   This refers to couples where both partners are female and they are using sperm donation to conceive. Donor sperm can be used through various fertility treatments like IUI or IVF.

7. Single women using donor sperm

   Similar to same-sex female couples, this refers to single women who are choosing to have a child using sperm donation. Donor sperm can be used with fertility treatments to help them conceive.

Note: If you are considering IUI, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment.

Steps Involve in the IUI Procedure

1. Ovulation Induction

   Depending on the woman's menstrual cycle and fertility issues, she may undergo ovulation induction. This involves taking fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, increasing the chances of conception.

2. Monitoring Ovulation

   Throughout the menstrual cycle, the woman's reproductive health is monitored closely using ultrasounds and blood tests. This helps determine the optimal time for the IUI procedure when ovulation is about to occur.

3. Sperm collection

   This can be done through masturbation at a clinic or at home, or retrieved during intercourse using a special condom. In some cases, sperm may be extracted from a urine sample in a lab.

4. Sperm washing

   The collected sperm sample goes through a process to separate the sperm from seminal fluid and other substances. This improves the quality of the sperm by concentrating healthy, motile sperm and removing components that might cause cramping in the woman.

The IUI Procedure

1. Positioning: You'll lie comfortably on an exam table, similar to a Pap smear procedure.
2. Speculum insertion: A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open and allow clear visualization of the cervix.
3. Catheter insertion: A thin, flexible catheter is carefully inserted through the cervix and into the uterus.
4. Sperm insemination: The washed sperm is then injected through the catheter directly into the lower part of the uterus.

After IUI Procedure

• The catheter is removed, and you may rest for a few minutes before resuming normal activities.
• You might experience some mild cramping after the procedure, which is usually temporary.
• Your doctor may prescribe medications to support ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg.
• You'll need to wait two weeks after IUI to take a pregnancy test.

The entire IUI procedure typically takes only a few minutes and is generally considered a well-tolerated and minimally invasive outpatient procedure.

Factors That Can Affect Success Of IUI Treatment

1. Age: A woman's age is an important factor. Fertility naturally decreases with age, reducing egg quality. This means that younger women generally have higher IUI success rates than older women.
2. Sperm quality: The health of the sperm used in IUI plays an important role. Factors such as sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape) affect the sperm's ability to reach and fertilize the egg.
3. Timing: The exact timing of IUI around ovulation is important. The doctor will monitor your cycle and determine the optimal window for conception to maximize the chances of the sperm meeting the egg.
4. Underlying medical conditions: Some medical conditions can affect the success of IUI.
5. Unexplained infertility: When a couple has been tested and no obvious cause for infertility is found.
6. Mild endometriosis: The presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus can affect implantation.
7. Cervical mucus problems: Thick or repugnant cervical mucus can obstruct the passage of sperm.
8. Ovulatory issues: If ovulation is irregular or absent, it may be difficult to time IUI effectively. Sometimes fertility drugs may be used to stimulate ovulation.
9. Lifestyle factors: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can improve overall health and potentially increase IUI success rates.

Note: It is important to remember that IUI success rates vary depending on individual circumstances. Doctors can provide personalized estimates based on your specific factors.

Risk Factors Associated With IUI Treatment

IUI is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal risks. But there are some factors which we have to be aware of:

• Infection: While the use of sterile instruments minimizes the risk, there's a slight chance of developing a pelvic infection following IUI.
• Multiple pregnancy: If fertility medications are used to stimulate ovulation, there's an increased risk of conceiving multiples (twins, triplets, etc.). This is because more than one egg may be released and fertilized. Your doctor will carefully monitor ovulation with blood tests and ultrasounds to try and prevent this.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): This is a rare but serious side effect of fertility medications used to stimulate ovulation. OHSS causes the ovaries to overreact and become enlarged and painful.
• Discomfort: You might experience some mild cramping or spotting after the IUI procedure. These are usually temporary and subside on their own.
• Emotional stress: Infertility and fertility treatments can be emotionally challenging. IUI may not be successful in every cycle, which can cause stress and disappointment. Talking to a counselor or therapist specializing in infertility can be helpful.

Note: If you're considering IUI, discuss these potential risks with your doctor. They can address your specific concerns and explain the likelihood of these risks in your case.

Cost of IUI Treatment in Gurgaon

The cost of IUI treatment in Gurgaon ranges between ₹5,500 to ₹50,000 at Dr. Bindu Garg's Hospital.

However, the following factors can affect the overall cost:

• Facility fees: The clinic or hospital where you undergo IUI will have its own set of fees for the procedure, including the use of its facilities, staff, and equipment.
• Medications used: If you require medications to stimulate ovulation, these will add to the overall cost.
• Number of IUI cycles required: Success rates with IUI are not as high as IVF, so you may need multiple cycles of IUI to achieve pregnancy. The cost will increase with each additional cycle.
• Donor sperm costs (if applicable): If you're using donor sperm, there will be additional fees associated with sperm acquisition and processing.

Note: Based on the above factors IUI Costs may vary from patient to patient. So before starting the treatment consult your doctor for the cost estimation.