Can you explain the IUI Procedure Step by Step?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization. This article provides an explanation of the IUI Procedure Step by Step in simple words.

Doctors perform IUI, a simple, painless and non-invasive procedure, in an outpatient setting. Registered Level 1 or Level 2 Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) clinics in Bangalore perform IUI treatment as per the requirements of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act.

The IUI procedure involves several steps. Here’s how it is performed:

IUI procedure Step by Step- Step 1: Ovulation Monitoring

The doctor will monitor your ovulation to determine the best time for the insemination. This involves monitoring the woman’s ovulation cycle through ultrasound and blood tests (if required). Once the ovulation is confirmed, the IUI procedure is scheduled.

IUI procedure Step by Step- Step 2: Semen Collection & Preparation

The male partner or a donor provides a semen sample on the day of the IUI procedure. An andrologist collects, washes, and prepares the semen sample. This ensures that only healthy and motile sperm are used for the insemination. The wash step removes unhealthy sperm, inflammatory cells, and other debris from the sample.

IUI procedure Step by Step- Step 3: Preparation of the Uterus and Insemination

To prepare the uterus for the insemination, the doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina to visualize the cervix. The doctor then cleans the cervix with a sterile solution to remove any bacteria and mucus. The doctor injects the prepared semen directly into the uterus through the cervix using a thin catheter. This process is painless and takes only a few minutes to complete.

If you are anxious about pain or discomfort, we may perform the procedure under sedation or light anesthesia.

IUI procedure Step by Step- Step 4: Post Procedure

After the insemination, we advise the woman to lie down for a few minutes to allow the sperm to reach the fallopian tubes. Afterward, you can resume normal activities.

IUI procedure Step by Step- Step 5: Check for Pregnancy

We would ask you to check for pregnancy through a urine or a blood test for beta HCG after 14-21 days.

Keys to a Successful IUI

Ensure that IUI is the right procedure for you. IUI done for the wrong diagnosis would not be successful.
Get your semen analysis done in a good laboratory. Its important to know semen quality before attempting an IUI
Follow your doctors instructions about medications, tests and scans
The male partner should abstain from ejaculation for at least 3 days before the procedure.
The IUI procedure is dependent on the semen processing procedure. Ensure that the laboratory performs this well. The post wash sample must have good counts and motility.
Lead a healthy lifestyle. Abstain from smoking and alcohol. Eat a balanced diet
Maintain a healthy weight. You should target a BMI between 18 and 24.
Try exercising, meditation and yoga to keep stress in check

How much sperm is needed for an IUI procedure ?

The semen sample from a male partner is usually 1.5mL and contains over 15-20million sperms per mL. In the IUI procedure, we wash and concentrate the sample to at least 5 million healthy sperms in 0.5mL.

IUI procedure Step by Step- Post wash sperm count for a successful IUI procedure

The post wash sperm count should be at least 10 million cells per mL or 5 million sperms in 0.5mL. Lower counts reduce the chances of success.

IUI procedure Step by Step- Sperm motility for a successful IUI procedure

A healthy and normal semen sample should have about 40% motility or more. The post wash sample ideally should show more than 90% motile sperms.

Is sex after IUI good or bad?

We encourage couples to have have a normal relationship and have intercourse after an IUI. The IUI procedure is similar to the natural conception process. There is no harm to have sex after an IUI procedure.

Conclusion

If you are considering IUI in Bangalore as a fertility treatment option, you should consult with a qualified and experienced fertility specialist. Also do the procedure in a registered ART clinic.

Remember IUI treatment may not work for men with severe male factor, women with tubal blocks on both sides or with poor ovarian reserve. Check out the video by Dr. Chaitra Nayak titledin whom does IUI treatment work the best.