The IUI process is considered to be one of the most preferred choices for couples who are looking for infertility treatment in India. It is because of the cost and the period that is required to complete the process.
But have you ever thought about the IUI procedure step by step?
We are sure it’s a no. Don’t worry; we have got you covered!
Nimaaya, one of the best IVF fertility centers across Gujarat, offers comprehensive infertility treatment, such as IUI, IVF, and many more, to couples seeking assistance in conceiving a baby. We are present in multiple cities of Gujarat, such as Vadodara, Surat, and Ahmedabad, with IVF specialist expertise in successful pregnancies ranging from 67% to 75%.
In this blog, we will delve into the IUI process, its key factors for success, and when to consider the IUI process for achieving pregnancy. We hope that by the end of the blog, you will get a clear picture of what the IUI process is and its impact on your mental and emotional lifestyle.
1) IUI Process
IUI is a process that involves placing prepared sperm into a woman’s uterus to increase the chances of fertilization. Let’s study in depth the pre-, during, and post-IUI procedure step by step to understand the IUI process:
Pre-Procedure
Before beginning the IUI process, at Nimaaya, we prefer to have a consultation with an IVF specialist who will guide you through various tests, including a medical history review, previous fertility test, and an assessment of reproductive health. After all the tests, there will be a personalized treatment prescribed specially for you.
Let’s explore it step by step:
Ovulation Monitoring
One of the keys to successful IUI is timing, which plays a crucial role in ovulation monitoring. This process involves tracking your menstrual cycle through ultrasound and hormone level measurement to determine your ovulation status.
Timing the Procedure Correct
For effective IUI fertility treatment, make sure to perform the procedure just before or during ovulation. The goal of this step is to ensure that sperm are present in the fallopian tube at the time when the egg is released from the ovary. Determining the correct timing depends on your cycle, monitoring results, and guidance from the fertility specialist.
Preparation of Semen
On the day of the IUI procedure, your partner will need to prepare to provide a semen analysis. It’s important to keep in mind that you need to abstain male from ejaculation for a specified period before collecting the sample to ensure the highest sperm count and quality.
Sperm Collection and Washing
The sperm collected then undergoes a process known as sperm washing. During this process, healthy motile sperm are separated from the seminal fluid, dead sperm, and other impurities. After all this, the washed sperm is concentrated into a smaller volume and prepared for insertion into the uterus.
During the Procedure
Once the sperm is prepared, the next step is to perform the insemination process. This procedure does not involve any anesthesia, but it does entail the placement of a plastic, or a metal-hinged tool called a speculum to open the walls of the vagina.
During the procedure, a thin and flexible catheter is gently inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The final step involves carefully placing the washed sperm through the catheter into the uterus. After completing the whole process, the catheter is removed.
Post Procedure Care
After IUI, there are about two weeks before taking a pregnancy test. Your fertility specialist will provide you guidance in advance regarding when there is a need to take a test to ensure accurate results. During the entire procedure, it is quite possible to experience mild discomfort or cramps, but again, the level of pain depends from woman to woman.
2) Keys to Successful IUI
To increase the chances of a successful IUI procedure, there are a few options for you to opt for:
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
What affects fertility is stress and anxiety during the IUI procedure going on. Keeping this in mind, you need to find ways to balance stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts during the entire IUI process. For this, you need to adopt yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and other healthy lifestyle and well-being activities. These can significantly contribute to your emotional well-being and support during IUI fertility treatment.
Opting for Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Increasing the likelihood of pregnancy involves making healthy lifestyle choices. This includes avoiding smoking, drinking, and drugs and beginning with a healthy lifestyle, such as eating healthy foods that contain minerals such as Vitamin C, high in protein, and low-carb fats. These choices indirectly help you in improving the quality of eggs and healthy sperm.
Avoiding Ejaculating Before Sperm Collection
One of the methods to be adopted for the IUI process is avoiding ejaculating before sperm collection. This is done to ensure that you receive the highest quality and count of sperm during the IUI process.
Moreover, couples are advised to abstain from sexual activity for 2-5 days leading up to the procedure. This allows for the accumulation of a higher concentration of motile sperm, which can increase the chances of successful fertilization.
Taking Correct Supplements
There are certain supplements recommended to improve the fertilization. These include folic acid, prenatal vitamins, and specific antioxidants like vitamin E. At Nimaaya, our IVF specialist recommends you take the supplements after conducting certain tests. This ensures that you give accurate guidance and prescriptions throughout the IUI process, tailored to your individual needs.
3) When to opt for IUI?
Couples often consider the IUI process and other infertility treatments when they fail to conceive a baby naturally. There are multiple reasons why couples opt for the IUI process, which we will explore one by one:
Donor Sperm
An option where sperm is being donated by someone known or unknown to you. It is chosen when the male partner has low-quality sperm or a low sperm count. People who want to opt for this method can go through certified libraries and undergo thawing IUI procedures before beginning the IUI process.
Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained fertility issues often lead couples to choose IUI fertility treatment. This is because IUI is a less costly and more advanced option compared to other IVF fertility treatments. IUI success rates are higher due to the increased chances of sperm meeting the egg and reaching the fallopian tube.
Mild Male Factor Infertility
If a male partner has certain fertility issues such as slightly reduced sperm count or motility, IUI is a suitable option. There are high chances of naturally conceiving a baby or an increase in chances of concentration of sperm in the uterus count after an IUI procedure.
Cervical Factor Infertility
Some women face cervical problems, such as cervical mucus abnormalities or cervical scarring, which hinder the passage of sperm through the uterus. The IUI process is a solution to this problem, as it involves washing and placing the sperm directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervical problem and increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
Also Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Cervical Cancer
Infertility Related to Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which fertility is affected because tissues similar to the uterine lining grow outside the uterus. In this condition, the insemination process optimizes the timing and increases the concentration of sperm outside the fallopian tube.
4) IUI Procedure at Nimaaya: Why choose us
Our IVF specialist helps you in guiding the IUI fertility treatment journey and also makes sure that at every step there is no risk involved. Your dream of parenthood comes because we specialize into:
Lab with Updated Facilities
Our experts at Nimaaya perform the best process with advanced equipment and machines that will perform the advanced test because our lab conducts tests that avoid discrepancies or inconsistencies during the entire procedure.
Trained Experts
Our team at Nimaaya closely works with the laboratory to provide completed, coordinated care for your family. We closely examine the process to ensure consistency in the result.
Customized Care
We customize your care of pre- and post-IUI according to families, couples’ requirements, or medical needs.
World-Class Facility
We have updated technology, state of infrastructure, equipment, and doctors with experience of more than 15 years in the industry. At Nimaaya, we have IVF, embryo, and fertility specialists who have higher success rates.
Make an Appointment
E-mail: hello@nimaaya.com
Surat: +0261-6119900
Vadodara: +0265–6839900
Ahmedabad: +079–61199900
