IUI FAQs

Following are the common questions about IUI:

1. Is IUI treatment painful?
2. How long does the IUI procedure take?
3. What is the success rate of IUI treatment?
4. What is the cost of IUI treatment?
5. What should I avoid while undergoing IUI treatment?
6. Are IUI and IVF treatment the same?
7. What are the questions you can ask your fertility specialist regarding IUI treatment?
8. When should you consult an IUI specialist?
9. Are there any risks involved in the IUI procedure?
10. Which diagnostic tests are recommended to females during IUI treatment?
11. Which diagnostic tests are recommended to males during IUI treatment?
12. When is the IUI procedure recommended?
13. Is age an important factor in IUI treatment?
14. Are there any dietary restrictions during IUI treatment?

Q. Is IUI treatment painful?

A. IUI treatment is generally not painful. However, pain is subjective and may vary from one patient to another. Some women may find the procedure uncomfortable where the IUI specialist inserts a speculum. Or, the catheter used during the procedure can cause problems if the cervix is very narrow.

Q. How long does the IUI procedure take?

A. The IUI is an outpatient procedure that usually takes 15-20 minutes. However, the complete cycle may take two to three months, depending on the ovulation or medication to stimulate the ovulation. The doctor artificially inseminated the selected sperms directly into the uterus in this procedure. It is an assisted reproductive technology to help a couple become pregnant.

Q. What is the success rate of IUI treatment?

A. IUI is an effective assisted reproductive technology, but one can not quote any specific success rate for the treatment. There are various factors on which the success rate of IUI treatment depends, such as the lifestyle habits, the age of the woman who is undergoing the IUI treatment, and the expertise of the IUI specialist.

Q. What is the cost of IUI treatment?

A. The average cost of IUI treatment may range from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 15,000. However, this is an average range that may differ from the final cost of the IUI treatment depending upon various factors such as:

• The general fees of consultation
• Diagnostic tests prescribed by the specialist
• The locality of the fertility clinic
• The expertise of the IUI specialist
• Number of cycles required

Q. What should I avoid while undergoing IUI treatment?

A. There are certain things that doctors may advise you to avoid during the IUI treatment to increase the chances of becoming pregnant. Some of them are:

• Do not take any drug, pain killer, aspirin, or any other medicines without consulting your IUI specialist
• Avoid smoking and drinking as they can result in a complication
• Avoid strenuous activities like jogging, running, cross-fit, etc
• Do not lift any heavy object during the IUI treatment

Q. Are IUI and IVF treatment the same?

A. No. IUI and IVF are both different assisted reproductive techniques. The key difference between IUI and IVF is that in IUI, fertilization takes place internally. In IUI, the sperm is injected directly into the woman's uterus. On the other hand, fertilization takes place externally in IVF, or outside of the uterus, in a lab.

Q. What are the questions you can ask your fertility specialist regarding IUI treatment?

A. There are some questions you can ask your fertility specialist to understand the treatment better and to prepare for it:

• What is the success rate of IUI treatment at your clinic?
• How does IUI treatment take place?
• Are there risks involved in IUI treatment?
• What is the cost of IUI treatment in your clinic?
• What are do's and don'ts during IUI treatment?
• Is IUI treatment effective?
• Should I consider other assisted reproductive technology to conceive a baby?

Q. When should you consult an IUI specialist?

A. If you are experiencing any of the following signs, consult a fertility specialist:

• Not able to conceive naturally for more than a year
• Irregular periods
• Ovulation problems
• Extreme pain during cramps
• frequent miscarriage
• Heavy thyroid
• If your partner has trouble ejaculating

Q. Are there any risks involved in the IUI procedure?

A. There are certain complications and side effects that are involved in the IUI procedure, which you can discuss with your gynecologist before undergoing IUI treatment:

• Vaginal infections
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• Risk of multiple births
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Spotting
• Hot flashes
• Ovarian cysts
• Tender breasts
• Bloating

Q. Which diagnostic tests are recommended to females during IUI treatment?

A. The gynecologist recommends a few standard diagnostic tests to start the IUI cycle accordingly in order to increase the chances of conceiving a baby:

• Pelvic ultrasound to detect any underlying issue related to the uterus or ovaries.
• Ovarian reserve test helps in finding out the number of eggs present in your ovaries for ovulation.
• Ovulation test is conducted through a blood test to determine whether the female is ovulating or not.

Q. Which diagnostic tests are recommended to males during IUI treatment?

A. There are a few diagnostic tests recommended by the IUI specialist to male partner to detect the underlying cause of the problem:

• Testicular biopsy to check the abnormalities in the male reproductive system
• Hormone testing is done to estimate the level of testosterone and other hormones
• Genetic testing is done to detect any genetic defect
• MRI and ultrasound of the genital to find any irregularity in the reproductive system
• Semen analysis is recommended to check the motility rate of the sperm

Q. When is the IUI procedure recommended?

A. IUI is an assisted reproductive technique that helps a couple to become pregnant. In this procedure, a specialist inseminates the collected sperm directly into the uterus to increase the chances of conceiving a baby. It is usually recommended when a couple has been trying for more than a year and is not able to get pregnant naturally. The doctor suggests IUI treatment to help the couple to conceive the child with the help of medical techniques.

Q. Is age an important factor in IUI treatment?

A. Yes. Age is an important factor in IUI treatment. It determines the chances of conceiving a baby or becoming pregnant. In addition, as woman ages, the number of eggs in her ovarian reserve becomes lesser and lesser. Therefore, the higher the age is, the lesser are the chances of getting pregnant. Therefore, it is always suggested to consult a gynecologist for assisted reproductive treatments if you are seeking and discuss getting the eggs frozen. According to the IUI experts, women above 35 years may experience complications during treatment.

Q. Are there any dietary restrictions during IUI treatment?

A. Yes. There are certain dietary and lifestyle changes one should consider if they are undergoing IUI treatment to promote success. Some of the tips you can follow:

• Avoid eating spicy foods
• Try avoiding fatty and fried food items
• Eat seasonal fruits( avoid papaya, pineapple, grapes)
• Eat green vegetables
• Avoid intake of asafoetida in your food
• Eat protein-rich foods
• Add fiber-rich foods to your diet to avoid constipation, as it may put pressure on your abdominal area