Short answer
In IUI (intrauterine insemination), washed and concentrated sperm are placed directly into the womb through a thin tube around the time of ovulation. It takes about 10 minutes and is usually painless, and it is often combined with medicines to help ovulation. It needs at least one open fallopian tube and reasonable sperm quality, so both partners are tested first.
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- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
Who it may suit
- Couples who cannot have vaginal intercourse, for physical or psychological reasons
- Couples using donor sperm
- Women with ovulation problems, combined with ovulation medicines
- Some couples with mild sperm problems
Guidance varies between countries. In the UK, the NHS does not recommend IUI for unexplained infertility, endometriosis or low sperm counts, and suggests IVF instead. Your specialist will advise based on your tests and age.
Tests before IUI
- A test to confirm that the fallopian tubes are open
- A semen analysis
- Hormone tests and a pelvic ultrasound
Timing with ovulation
IUI is done when you ovulate. In a natural cycle, ovulation is found with urine or blood tests. If you need help to ovulate, you take ovulation medicine, have ultrasound scans to follow the growing egg (an ovulation study), and then a trigger injection to release the egg.
On the day
- The male partner gives a sperm sample, which the lab washes and concentrates.
- A speculum is placed in the vagina, and a thin, flexible tube is passed through the cervix into the womb.
- The prepared sperm are passed through the tube, which is then removed.
- You rest for a short while and go home. Mild cramping can happen.
The clinic tells you when to do a pregnancy test.
Risks
IUI itself is safe; infection is very rare. When ovulation medicines are used, there is a small risk of twins or more, ectopic pregnancy and ovarian hyperstimulation. Contact the clinic if you have tummy pain and bloating, vomiting or feel faint.
IUI at Dhruva Hospitals
We offer IUI with ovulation scans and sperm preparation in our own lab. Call +91 99599 59694 or WhatsApp us to book a fertility consultation. OPD hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Common questions
Is IUI painful?
It is not usually painful, though it can be a little uncomfortable, like a speculum examination, with mild cramps afterwards.
How many IUI cycles should we try?
Your specialist will advise. If IUI has not worked after a few cycles, or your tests show it is unlikely to help, IVF is usually the next step.
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Sources
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.