The IUI or intrauterine insemination technique is an assisted reproductive technology used to help couples conceive a child. It involves collecting and preparing the sperm cells to be fertilized in the laboratory, then injecting them into the uterus of a woman.
IUI is a viable option for women who are not able to conceive using alternative methods, such as IVF-assisted insemination, natural intercourse, and artificial insemination. This method is also useful in couples where there are fertility concerns or sperm count is low. It takes about 3 weeks from the fertilization of the egg to implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. You can go to a san diego fertility clinic for some tips on what to expect during an IUI.
However, there are certain criteria for IUI. The most important is that the ovaries are very healthy and the uterus must be capable of nurturing and growing a fertilized egg into a fetus. If you have a medical condition, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or polycystic ovary syndrome, then you may not be able to undergo IUI.
Here are the main reasons for you to consider IUI.
- Problems with ovulation
If the woman has irregular or no menstruation, it is called amenorrhea and it is usually caused by the hormonal imbalance. When ovulation does not occur regularly, the body of a female is unable to release an egg for fertilization. IUI is often used in such cases because it bypasses the need for the release of an egg.
- Mild male factor infertility
IUI can also be used in case of male infertility. Many diseases can cause problems with sperm production and overall fertility, and IUI has been shown to have a success rate of up to 90% when there are sperm production problems in men!
- Failed treatment using fertility drugs alone
If the woman has been using fertility drugs for a long time but the treatment has not worked, IUI can be used to help her conceive. IUI helps the body create favorable conditions for pregnancy by releasing hormones that make the reproductive organs more sensitive to sperm.
- Unexplained infertility
Sometimes a woman may have no known cause for infertility. In such cases, you may consider IUI. After all, if there is no known cause, there may not be one causing the problem in the first place. IUI bypasses the need to use other infertility treatments, such as IVF, use of fertility drugs, and artificial insemination.
