Intrauterine Insemination

Usually, IUI treatment is painless and is completed in few minutes. The sperm is injected 24 to 36 hours later followed by the injection of the hormone into the womb.

The following three steps are performed during IUI procedure in India:

Step 1: Speculum (medical tool) is inserted into the vagina to keep the vaginal walls aside.

Step 2: A small catheter is threaded into the womb through cervix.

Step 3: Sperms or a single sperm is inserted through the catheter into the womb.

After the treatment, you may experience slight speculum bleeding. It is noticed in the routine gynaecological exam. Cramping is experienced due to the use of speculum during IUI or is could be normal cramping that occurs at the time of ovulation.

To speed up recovery after IUI, make sure that you:

• Quit smoke, alcohol, and illegal drugs
• Take rest for short period of time to stop bleeding
• Take prenatal vitamins and healthy diet as advised by the doctor

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• It is cheaper and less invasive than other Associated Reproductive Therapies (ART) such as In vitro Fertilization.
• It has a high success rate with the couples who have unexplained infertility.
• It is like a Pap smear test and is not painful.
• Men who have the problem of fertility can have the better chance of impregnating their partner through this procedure.

Cons:

• Your partner needs to provide the sample within the time that is usually about 24 to 36 hours before the ovulation.

A few patients may experience discomfort in the form of pelvic pain, hot flashes, nausea, and headache because of the use of drugs administered to stimulate ovaries. In rare cases, administration of drugs may lead to swollen and painful ovaries, which could be a symptom of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, these side effects are mild and disappear once the medication is stopped.