Services

What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) ?

It is one of the most commonly used Assisted Reproduction Technique to treat infertility. It is a minimally invasive process that places washed sperms, bypassing the cervix and inside the uterine cavity, closer to the fallopian tubes, around the time of ovulation, allowing more sperms to reach the egg.

This process is combined with Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation to ensure there is more than one egg available for fertilization.

When is IUI Useful?

There are many factors that influence the ability of a couple to conceive. Intrauterine insemination is most commonly used in couples with:

Unexplained infertility

Sometimes, the causes of infertility remain unknown, with no particular reason behind it. In such cases, IUI is frequently used in conjunction with ovulation-inducing medications as a first-line treatment for infertility.

Endometrial infertility

Often, endometriosis becomes one of the major factors that act as a hurdle against getting pregnant. The first treatment approach for infertility caused by endometriosis is to use medications to obtain a good-quality egg, followed by IUI.

Infertility caused by the cervical factor

The opening between your vagina and uterus is provided by your cervix, which is located at the lower end of the uterus. Around the time of ovulation, mucus produced by the cervix creates an ideal environment for sperm to travel from your vagina to your fallopian tubes. However, excessive cervical mucus can obstruct the sperm's journey.
Sperm may be prevented from reaching the egg by the cervix itself. In addition, the cervix can thicken due to scarrings, such as that caused by a biopsy or other procedures.

Infertility caused by the ovulatory factor

Infertility caused by ovulation problems, such as an absence of ovulation or a reduced number of eggs, can also be treated with IUI.

Allergy to sperm

An allergy to proteins in sperm can cause infertility in some cases. Vaginal redness, burning, and swelling occur wherever the semen contacts the skin after ejaculation. A condom can help you avoid pregnancy while also protecting you from such symptoms. However, since many of the proteins in the ejaculate are removed before the sperms are inserted, IUI can be effective if your sensitivity is severe.

IUI can be used to treat both Male and Female Infertility

Male infertility (Subfertility)

One of the first steps in the medical assessment of male infertility is a semen analysis, which may reveal low sperm concentration and motility, or abnormalities in sperm size and shape (morphology). Because preparing the sperms for IUI helps separate highly motile, normal sperms from those of lower quality. The process of IUI is commonly used when the male partner has a borderline low sperm count, poor motility, problems in developing an erection, or ejaculation.

Female Infertility

IUI is commonly recommended for women who have problems ovulating regularly. In conjunction with ovulation induction, the process is used to treat various issues of female infertility, such as endometriosis and cervical scarring due to surgery or infection. However, the process needs fallopian tubes to be patent (unblocked) and the husband’s sperm count to be adequate.

How does it work?

Sperm Collection

The sperm sample needed can be collected in the following ways:

• At the Clinic: Where the man would be required to ejaculate into a plastic cup
• At Home: Where the sperm could be collected during sex, wearing a special condom.
• In the case of retrograde ejaculation, sperm can be retrieved in the lab from a urine sample.
• An abstinence period of 3-4 days is advisable prior to IUI.

The Process at the best IUI center in Dubai

Step 1 - Ovarian Stimulation

While IUI can be conducted in a natural cycle, it can also be done in conjunction with ovarian hyper-stimulation. Where medication is provided to increase the growth of follicles so that they can grow into eggs.

Step 2 - Follicular Growth Monitoring

At regular intervals, follicular growth is monitored through ultrasound to check if the follicles have reached the required size.

Step 3 - Semen Collection

Sperm is collected from the male partner and ‘washed’ in a laboratory to get rid of the seminal fluid, which can cause severe cramping in women.

Step 4 - IUI

IUI is done around the time of ovulation for best results. The whole process takes about 90 minutes to complete, but the process of insemination itself is a few minutes long. Using a soft narrow silicone catheter, the washed semen is placed in the uterine cavity, improving the chances of fertilization.

What to expect during the IUI procedure?

Intrauterine insemination usually takes 15 to 20 minutes and takes place at our medically-equipped MMC IVF clinic facility. The IUI procedure does not require any medications or painkillers. Our specially trained IVF doctors and nurses carry out the insemination procedure with utmost precision and safety.

Success Rate

The likelihood of success varies depending on the underlying cause of infertility. IUI is most effective in patients with unexplained infertility, women with a cervix that prevents sperm from passing through, and men who can't ejaculate effectively.

Overall, success rates can be improved if inseminations are performed every month with fresh or frozen sperms. However, the success rates vary depending on whether fertility medications are used, the woman's age, and infertility diagnosis, among other factors. Moreover, MMC IVF being the best IUI center in Dubai, we ensure that you derive optimal results from this procedure.

Are there any risks involved?

You might be relieved to know that IUI does not elevate the risk of congenital disabilities. Whether conceived naturally or through IUI, all children have a 2% to 4% chance of having birth defects. And besides, after undergoing an IUI treatment, the chances of getting an infection are negligible to none.
MMC IVF is the best IUI center in Dubai, led by our reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Gautam Allahabadia, a well-known IVF specialist who has a proven track record in this field. Thus, he and his team of experts promise a fruitful experience for couples struggling with infertility. MMC IVF abides by the pillars of expertise, experience, and world-class infrastructure. We offer a cutting-edge facility with an Assisted Reproduction Technology Program (ART) that meets international standards, making your journey of IUI treatment pleasant and ethical.