Many couples with infertility problem, have chance on becoming parents, thanks to technological developments. One of the methods used to help those couples is insemination it is also known as IUI. It is one of the most frequently used and easiest method available within the options of assisted reproductive techniques.

What is IUI (Insemination)?

The brief answer for this question is, from the couple in treatment we take sperm samples from male partner and form it to make sure it is suitable for fertilization and leave it to the mother-to-be’s uterus. This method can increase the chance of success up to 30%, is a suitable method for couple who do not necessarily need IVF treatment. This method is more simple, fast and less costly than IVF method therefore it is generally applied to couples who do not have big problems in the general examination as first option.

In couples who cannot have a baby despite regular and unprotected intercourse for at least one year, some tests should be performed to investigate reproductive health before deciding on IUI treatment. Ultrasonographic examination, gynaecological examination, investigation of the condition of the tubes and hormone levels in women; in men, after the application of tests such as sperm analysis, it is decided which reproductive treatment is appropriate for the couple. Women with both tubes blocked and men with very low sperm counts in semen analysis should be referred directly to IVF treatment. Factors such as woman’s age and egg reserve are also considered in determining which method should be applied. Generally:

  • Male ejaculation problem
  • Slight decrease in sperm count in semen
  • Presence of vaginismus and similar health problems preventing sexual intercourse
  • Presence of polycystic ovary syndrome in women
  • Non-severe cases of endometriosis
  • Unidentified infertility (idiopathic) cases are generally the most suitable option for IUI treatment and it is applied successfully.

How is IUI Applied?

By considering the results of examinations and test to investigate the reproductive health in couples who want to have children, patients who are found suitable for IUI are informed first about the process. A healthy egg is needed for IUI treatment. If the mothers have regular menstruation, the eggs are followed. The timing of IUI is very important for achieving pregnancy. When the egg follicle reaches certain size, the HCG needle, also known as a fracture needle, is applied. Pills that also stimulate the ovaries can also be used. Vaccination is performed by determining the most accurate time when the ovary is ready for pregnancy.

During the 3-day period prior to IUI treatment, the male partner should not have any kind ejaculation. Before the procedure, the male partner is asked to give a sperm sample by masturbation in a suitable environment. The sperm cells taken in this way are sent to the laboratory in a special sterile container. After the semen becomes liquid, a process called washing is applied with the help of special techniques. The healthiest and best quality sperm are determined and separated from the prepared sample and injected into the uterine cavity using a thin catheter. During this process, the mother is brought to the gynaecological examination position. In total, the process ends in about 5 minutes.

When Should IUI be Applied?

Vaccination should be performed 36 hours after the injecting HCG needle, also known as egg cracking needle. Accurate monitoring of ovulation and follicle development is one of the most important aspects of IUI maintenance. Performing the procedure at the wrong time significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. For this reason, pre-procedure follow-up and IUI process should be carried out meticulously by physicians who are experts in their field. Success may not always be the first time. In this case, it is useful to repeat the process. If there are still no positive results after 4 repeated IUI, different treatment options should be adopted.

IUI Treatment and After

The symptoms of successful IUI is another of the most curious subjects for mothers. After IUI, the physician gives the necessary information about the precautions to be taken. Pregnancy test should be performed after 2 weeks after the treatment. During this two-week period after the procedure, the doctor may recommend the use of progesterone hormone-containing drugs. Since blood tests give more accurate results compared to urine tests, pregnancy test should be performed to investigate the level of beta-HCG hormone in the blood. If the result is positive, an ultrasound examination should be performed to see the baby and hear the heartbeat 3 weeks after the IUI treatment.

Things to Make Sure IUI is Successful

Your doctor will explain you the necessary actions needs to be taken for a successful IUI treatment. If sperm samples obtained from male partner are over 1 million, chance of success is higher, to be able to have that sperm count on that level male partner should not have any kind of ejaculation for 3 days. Apart from that, pre during and post treatment, you should be cautions about the points your physician points out, you should take the medication that was prescribed by your physician and attend to your control examination.

Women Became Pregnant with IUI

Pregnancy after IUI treatment is same as natural pregnancy. Post-treatment 15 days later pregnancy test is applied if the result is positive, on the 3rd week ultrasound examination is applied to check foetus and heartbeat, at this stage we can determine the health of the baby. The symptoms of successful IUI treatment is same a natural pregnancy. Pain on the breasts, vaginal afflux, frequent urinating, nausea and vomiting are amongst the symptoms of pregnancy. Those kinds of symptoms are normal after successful IUI treatment.

IUI Prices

One of the main part of the treatment that is the fear of couple with desire to have child is the cost of the treatment. At private hospital and state hospitals prices can differ, healthcare providers that offer IUI treatment, can have different prices as quality of the equipment used, speciality of medical staff have impact on the cost. Price of IUI, is cheaper than other IVF methods as the procedure is less complicated, use of less equipment. As on IVF procedures, experience of the staff that will apply IUI treatment has an important impact on the chance of success. Therefore, IUI treatment applied by non-specialist staff may have a negative impact on your finances and emotions.

If you have a desire to become parent but could not experience your miracle yet, you can book your initial appointment with our specialist doctors. On the examination, your doctor will decide on whether if you are allegeable for IUI treatment. For more detailed information on how IUI is applied and the cost you can reach us from 0090 216 444 39 49.