Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

1. What is IUI?

IUI is a minimally invasive fertility procedure in which a prepared semen sample containing concentrated motile sperm is introduced into the uterine cavity through a thin catheter.

2. When is IUI Recommended?

IUI may be considered for selected patients with:

• Unexplained infertility
• Mild male-factor infertility
• Cervical-factor infertility
• Ovulation disorders
• Difficulty with intercourse
• Use of appropriately screened donor sperm, where legally and clinically applicable

Suitability also depends on factors such as female age, ovarian reserve and fallopian tube status.

3. What Does the Treatment Involve?

A typical IUI cycle may include:

Fertility evaluation → Ovulation monitoring → Semen collection → Laboratory sperm preparation → IUI procedure → Pregnancy test

The semen sample is processed in a laboratory to select and concentrate motile sperm. Around the time of ovulation, the prepared sperm is placed into the uterus using a thin flexible catheter.

4. How Long Does the IUI Procedure Take?

The actual insemination procedure usually takes only a few minutes and normally does not require anaesthesia or hospital admission.

The complete treatment cycle, including monitoring and timing of ovulation, generally occurs over one menstrual cycle.

5. Is IUI Painful?

Most patients experience little or no pain. Some may experience mild cramping or discomfort during or shortly after the procedure.

6. What Are the Success Rates?

Success rates vary depending on:

• Female age
• Cause and duration of infertility
• Sperm quality
• Ovulation
• Fallopian tube status
• Use of fertility medicines

IUI generally has a lower pregnancy rate per cycle than IVF, but it can be an appropriate and less invasive treatment for selected patients.

7. What Are the Possible Risks or Considerations?

IUI is generally considered a low-risk procedure. Possible issues include:

• Mild cramping
• Light spotting
• Rare infection

When fertility medicines are used to stimulate ovulation, there may be an increased risk of multiple pregnancy and, in some circumstances, ovarian hyperstimulation.

8. Why Consider IUI Treatment in India?

India has specialised fertility centres offering:

• Fertility and hormonal assessment
• Ultrasound follicular monitoring
• Andrology laboratories
• Semen preparation
• Ovulation induction
• Assisted reproduction services

9. How Can Medavelle Help?

Medavelle can assist with:

Medical-record review → Fertility specialist coordination → Fertility-centre selection → Treatment planning → Cost estimation → International patient arrangements.

10. What Should the Patient Do Next?

Share fertility reports → Fertility specialist evaluation → Ovulation & fertility assessment → IUI planning → Procedure → Pregnancy test.