Today it is safe to say that more couples with infertility issues are comforted with the availability of assisted reproductive methods as an option to bring a child into their lives, when other natural means of conception fail them. There are a host of concerns that stand in the way of conceiving and they include unexplained infertility; hostile cervical conditions, cervical mucus problems, cervical scar tissues from past procedures which may hinder the sperms’ ability to enter the woman’s uterus and ejaculation dysfunction, low sperm count or decreased sperm mobility in men. In these circumstances the success rate guaranteed (almost in all cases), by a fertility hospital, makes it the prime choice for couples. If you have decided to opt for assisted reproduction methods, start out with a visit to a fertility specialist to evaluate your options.
One of the most commonly suggested option is Intrauterine Insemination or IUI.
Intrauterine insemination is a fertility treatment where sperm is placed inside a woman's uterus to help fertilisation. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of sperm cells that reach the fallopian tubes; subsequently increasing the chance of fertilisation.
You can say that IUI gives the sperm a head start, but the sperm still needs to reach and fertilise the egg on its own. This is a less invasive and less expensive option when compared to IVF (in vitro fertilization).
The process of readying for IUI begins with the mother taking ovulation stimulating medications under careful monitoring to determine when the eggs are mature. The procedure is then performed around the time of ovulation, usually about 24-36 hours after the surge in LH (Luteinizing hormone) that indicates ovulation will occur soon. The lab will then wash the semen sample, collect the required sperm and then directly insert it into the uterus through a catheter.
The success of IUI depends on several factors such as number of IUI cycles performed, female age, the reason for infertility, types of fertility drugs used (if any) etc. among other variables. Also there is the chance of becoming pregnant with multiples in some cases.
To know if IUI is the procedure for you, make an appointment with a doctor from the S10 Health SafeCare Network today!
Dr. G Buvaneswari,
MBBS, DGO, DNB (OG), Dip. ALS (Germany), AMRCOG (UK),
Medical Director - GBR Clinic – Fertility Centre
www.gbrclinic.com
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