In this article, Dr. Shweta Shah, among the best gynecologists from Malad, Mumbai, has explained how IUI can help you become pregnant.
Dr. Shweta Shah is a gynecologist and obstetrician who practices in Malad, Mumbai. She is a wonderful and knowledgeable doctor who specializes in women’s health. She has a lot of obstetrics and gynecology experience.
Major health platforms like Practo, Clinicspots, Lybrate have also mentioned Dr. Shweta Shah among the ten best gynecologists in Malad, Mumbai.
Table of Contents
What exactly is IUI?
According to Dr. Shweta Shah, an excellent gynecologist from Malad, Mumbai, Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which sperm gets injected straight into the uterus during ovulation. This allows sperm to reach the egg more quickly.
Couples are having trouble getting pregnant or using a sperm donor using IUI frequently.
The journey begins: IUI employs
Like therapy or clothing (think Brandy Melville), IUI isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
According to Dr. Shweta Shah, Malad’s expert gynecologist, Here are some of the reasons why people may choose fertility treatment.
Unexplained infertility:
Have you had trouble getting pregnant and can’t figure out why? You could have unexplained infertility. IUI is a good option for unexplained infertility and functionally standard fallopian tubes.
Sperm donor:
IUI is an excellent option for those who want to use a sperm donor, whether they’re in a same-sex relationship or want to have a baby without one.
Endometriosis-related infertility:
Endometriosis may be to blame for 5 to 15% of infertility cases, according to a 2014 study. According to some studies, it could be as high as 50%. IUI is an option for women with mild to moderate endometriosis and normal pelvic anatomy.
A malefactor causes infertility:
IUI is a good option for a male partner with moderate malefactor infertility. However, experts say IUI isn’t a good option if the sperm count is too low or the sperm abnormalities are too severe.
Cervical-factor infertility:
This means that sperm can’t get to the egg through cervical mucus (basically discharge from the cervix). Occasionally, the mucus is abnormally thick or thin. By avoiding this fluid, IUI helps to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Ovulatory-factor infertility:
Ovulatory factors, such as reduced eggs or complete lack of ovulation, account for about 25% of infertility cases. IUI is still the treatment of choice for ovulatory dysfunction.
Semen allergy:
It’s uncommon to have a semen allergy. However, if this occurs, the allergic reaction can be avoided by implanting sperm directly into the uterus.
Who doesn’t qualify for IUI?
Unfortunately, IUI isn’t a viable option for:
- females with endometriosis that is moderate to severe
- women who got their both fallopian tubes extracted or blocked
- females with severe fallopian tube disease
- females with multiple pelvic infections
- males who produce no sperm (unless a sperm donor is used)
What is the IUI procedure?
While the procedure will vary depending on your doctor’s assessment and instructions, here’s what to expect in general.
Prepare: Preparation for IUI
Observing ovulation
The IUI procedure needs to be timed to coincide with ovulation.
According to Dr. Shweta Shah, Mumbai’s talented gynecologist, you can pinpoint ovulation using at-home urine ovulation predictor kits. Alternatively, you can have bloodwork and ultrasounds done at a fertility clinic to determine ovulation timing.
Your doctor’s advice and your unique needs will determine which path is best for you.
In any case, you’ll coordinate with your doctor to schedule your IUI procedure around ovulation.
Other options for fertility treatment
IUI can also be used with fertility drugs that promote egg production and ovulation.
Medications that can help you get pregnant with IUI include:
- Clomid
- Femara
- trigger shots containing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or GnRH agonist
- follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injections
If you’re on medication, IUI is usually scheduled 10 to 16 days after you start taking it (depending on your ovulation test results).
A sample of sperm
On the day of the procedure, if a male partner is involved, he will provide a semen sample. Donor sperm will be thawed if this does not happen.
After that, the sperm sample is taken to a lab, where each tiny swimmer is “washed.”
This entails the removal of seminal fluid and other non-essential debris. As a result, the sperm are potent and are unlikely to irritate the uterus with various substances.
IUI procedure
The IUI procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia or pain medication. The following is a list of what to expect on the big day:
Your legs will be in stirrups as you lie on the exam table. Your doctor will open up the vaginal canal with a speculum (that metal pap smear tool).
- You will lie on the examination table with your legs within stirrups. Your specialist will then utilize a speculum (metal pap smear tool) to open the vagina.
- Your doctor will insert a long, skinny tube affixed to a needle via the cervix and into the uterus. Once in position, they will insinuate the sperm.
- You may be requested to hang out lounged over the table for some minutes.
- The doctor will fulfill the second insemination the following day to promote your pregnancy odds in some circumstances.
After the IUI, you’ll need to take care of yourself.
After IUI, some people experience mild cramping or light bleeding.
Otherwise, it would be beneficial if you were not in any pain or discomfort following the procedure. You can go to work, exercise on the elliptical, and go about your daily routine as usual.
Please cross your fingers and grab your pee sticks about two weeks after the procedure: it’s time to take a pregnancy test.
If you’re expecting a baby, your doctor may prescribe progesterone to help you have a healthy pregnancy (depending on your unique fertility sitch).
Is there any risk associated with IUI?
IUI is regarded as a risk-free fertility treatment. Even so, there are some risks to consider, especially if you’re combining IUI with fertility drugs.
Infection:
Though there is a slight chance of infection after IUI, it is improbable. Because your doctor uses sterilized instruments, this is a rare occurrence.
Multiple babies:
Taking gonadotropin-containing fertility drugs increases your chances of having multiples (not IUI itself). Premature birth, low birth weight, and death are all risks associated with multiple pregnancies.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS):
Fertility drugs can make your ovaries overreact to excess hCG, causing them to swell and fill with fluid. Although OHSS is uncommon, it can be a medical emergency.
Side effects of OHSS
According to Dr. Shweta Shah, a wonderful gynecologist from Malad, Mumbai, if you’re on fertility medication for IUI and you’re experiencing any of the following OHSS symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- weight gain of more than 5 pounds in a short period, shortness of breath
- vomiting or nausea
- Abdominal or pelvic pain that is severe
- a significant increase in abdominal size in a short period
In conclusion
IUI (intrauterine insemination) is a low-cost, low-risk fertility treatment. It can be used with or without fertility medications and is frequently used as a first-line treatment for infertility.
It’s also a viable option for those who use a sperm donor.
Are you having trouble getting pregnant and wondering if IUI might help? Discuss your options with a fertility specialist.
