How does IUI treatment work?

What is IUI?

IUI refers to Intrauterine Insemination, which is one of the fertility treatments. The IUI process can be done with or without fertility drugs. In the procedure, the semen is first washed and then kept in concentration, and then transferred to the uterus using a thin catheter. The process is carried out on a woman while she is ovulating or in conjunction with the fertility drugs so that there are higher chances of conception. 

How is IUI done?

The IUI procedure is comparatively a simple method of fertility treatment and is quite painless. The entire procedure takes place in three parts-

1. Semen collection- You can either opt to collect semen from a sperm donor or your partner. The particular person has to visit the clinic and then submit his semen to the lab.
2. Semen washing- After the semen has been collected, the same will go through the process of "washing" that will remove all the impurities from them and give you exactly what is needed.
3. The procedure- The actual procedure requires a woman to lay down on the table/bed. A small and thin tube will be placed in the cervix. After placing the thin tube in its required area, the washed semen will be put into the uterus using the catheter, and then the catheter is removed after it's successfully placed. 

Also, Read - What Factors Indicate You Need IUI Treatment 

After the completion of the IUI pregnancy process, you may be prescribed progesterone which needs to be taken through a vaginal suppository. Around a week later, you may have to go through the prescribed tests to check whether everything is fine or not. 

How to prepare for IUI treatment?

The IUI treatment needs to be done very carefully. One of the main aspects of this procedure is the timing of things. Let's understand how to increase the chances of fertility via the right preparation for the procedure- 

• Semen sample- The semen sample provided by the patient needs to be thawed and then prepared. The semen carries more than just sperm, and the non-sperm components of the semen can actually cause reactions in the female body that may hamper the process of fertilization. This is why the sample needs to be washed in a way that separates the highly active sperm from lower quality as well as non-sperm elements. The chances of fertilization can improve using a highly concentrated and healthy sample of semen.
• Ovulation- The IUI process is done when the woman is ovulating. To understand the timing, you can use an at-home urine ovulation prediction kit that will help you detect when your body is releasing luteinizing hormone. Your doctor can also prescribe you an HCG injection or medication to make you ovulate one or more eggs at the correct time.
• Determining the time- The majority of IUI treatments are done after one or two days of ovulating. The doctor will tell you about the entire plan of the treatment depending upon your condition. 

Conclusion

It is based on your choice to go for the IUI treatment or any method of fertility. There are several best IVF doctor in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, and so on. You just need to make sure that you have researched well about the doctor as well as the clinic. The IUI pregnancy process is less expensive and does not take much time. In addition to that, understand that you will have to go through an emotional ride. Talk to your doctor and find out what works best for you.

Also, Read - IUI Treatment Success Rate and Risks