Deciding to have children is one of the most gorgeous things a couple could do. When it doesn’t happen naturally, it can be lonely and confusing. You’re not the only one who has been recommended for an IUI procedure by your doctor: you’ve come to the right place.
Receive compassionate, personalised IUI treatment from a trusted fertility doctor in Siliguri with expert care and support throughout your parenthood journey.
What is IUI Procedure?
IUI is also known as Intrauterine Insemination. A fertility procedure in which the prepared sperm is introduced into the uterus. This happens around the time of ovulation.
The idea is simple. The breeding sperm is capable of a shorter journey. So, the odds of getting to the egg -and fertilizing it -improve. It is one of the most commonly used methods of artificial insemination, and a pleasant introduction to assisted reproduction.
Who is suitable for IUI?
This fertility treatment may be recommended if:
- The male partner’s sperm count is low, or sperm motility is poor.
- You have been trying to conceive for more than a year but have not been successful.
- There is fertility that isn’t explained.
- The sperm cannot enter due to the cervical mucus.
- You are using the sperm of a donor
- You have mild endometriosis
IUI is not as invasive as IVF. It’s also less expensive. Many couples attempt it first, prior to looking into different choices.
Before the IUI Procedure -What to Expect
Many people don’t realise how important it is to prepare. This is what occurs before your insemination process starts.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your doctor will get details of your medical history. At this point, blood tests, ultrasound and evaluation of fallopian tubes are typically performed.
Step 2: Ovulation Monitoring
This is the most important. Ultrasounds and hormone tests will help your doctor monitor you closely during your cycle. Seeing the procedure at the correct time is made possible by accurate monitoring of the ovulation.
Step 3: Fertility Medications (if required)
If necessary, some women will use medications to stimulate the ovaries, such as Clomid. This is to create one or more healthy eggs. This step may not be necessary for everyone.
On the day of the procedure, a semen specimen is drawn and delivered to the lab for sperm prep. It is “washed” to isolate the healthiest and most active sperm. This is the rich sample that is utilised for insemination.
What you can do to prepare:
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol for at least 3 months prior to
- Consume folic acid every day.
- Avoid overweight and obesity.
- Get plenty of rest and reduce your stress.
Keeping doctor visits for ovulatory monitoring is critical, don’t miss them!
During the IUI Procedure -What Happens in the Clinic
The procedure itself is short. The majority of couples will be amazed how easy it will be.
The exam table is the bed where you lie for the examination. The doctor passes a soft, thin tube (catheter) through a hole in the cervix and into the woman’s uterus. The sperm is gently deposited into this tube. It should only take about 10 to 20 minutes.
There is a possibility that you experience some mild cramping which is like the cramping during your period. Most women report that it is not painful but rather uncomfortable. No painkiller is required. There is no in-hospital treatment.
Your partner can be brought to the room. Rest for a few minutes, and then you’re headed home. On the same day most people return to regular activity.
The Two Week Wait After the IUI Procedure
The next two weeks are the difficult ones. The interval of time between when you get sexually intimate and when you take a pregnancy test.
During this time, here are some tips for taking care of yourself:
- Take it easy on the day of the procedure
- Stay away from heavy exercise and lifting for 48 hours
- If your doctor prescribes progesterone supplements, consider taking those as well.
- Avoid taking a pregnancy test within 14 days -results can be inaccurate
- If you have any fever, bleeding or serious pain, contact your clinic
Don’t get swept up in stress -it doesn’t matter if you become stressed or not, but it does matter to you
When will you find out?
A home pregnancy test can be taken after 2 weeks of the IUI. Your doctor also might perform a blood test, called a beta-hCG test. This is a more correct one and verifies the result.
If it doesn’t go, then don’t let up. The general rule of doctors is that they would suggest going through a maximum of 3 to 6 cycles. The chances of success increase with each try.
Factors Influencing the Success of IUI?
The chances of IUI procedure success range from 10 % to 20 % per cycle. That being said, there are multiple reasons:
Age: younger women (less than 35 years) have better outcomes.
Sperm quality: Sperm motility and counts are higher, which makes for better results.
Ovulation monitoring: it’s all about timing!
Cause of infertility: unexplained infertility responds well to IUI
Number of cycles: more attempts increase the overall chance of success
Why Choose Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar for Your IUI Procedure?
The selection of the right fertility doctor is as crucial as the selection of the right treatment. You need someone who hears, is clear and has a genuine interest in your journey. Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar provides just that.
Focused Experience: Dr. Sharmistha Sarkar has years of hands-on experience in fertility treatments such as IUI, ovulation monitoring and assisted reproduction. She has assisted hundreds of couples based in and around Siliguri to begin their families. Her achievements are not only due to her skills but also the attention she pays to each patient individually.
She Speaks Your Language: Medical terms can be confusing. Dr. Sharmistha will explain every IUI procedure in simple and straightforward language. You will always know what’s going on, why it is going on and what is next. No confusion. No unnecessary fear.
Personalised Treatment: Every couple has its own unique needs and requirements, and this is a treatment that is tailored to those needs. There are no two couples alike. Dr. Sharmistha is dedicated to understanding your situation before suggesting any fertility procedure. Your treatment plan is customized for your body, your history and your goals -and not a standard plan.
Safe and Comfortable Environment: A visit to a fertility clinic can be daunting. From the initial consultation, Dr. Sharmistha and her team provide a warm and non-judgmental environment, making her clients feel respected and supported.
Trusted by Many: Dr. Sharmistha receives patients from all over North Bengal and Sikkim. Many are from people who have tried their luck at other places and failed. Her patient-first philosophy and the fact that she’s successful every time make her one of the most trusted names in the fertility treatment world in this area.
Clear and honest advice: Dr. Sharmistha strives to provide you with everything you need. If the IUI procedure may be the recommended treatment for you, she will inform you. She will also say if another treatment is more appropriate for you. There’s no pressure to make any decision whatsoever.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is IUI painful?
Q2. What are good numbers to use?
Q3. Can I go to work after the IUI?
Q4. Is a first time IUI success?
You Deserve Support, Every Step of the Way!
Every journey to parenthood is individual. Some couples get pregnant in a matter of time. But others require a little assistance. Nonsense, it’s not shameful, it’s strong.
Don’t delay if you have questions about the IUI procedure or if you are ready to take the next step. The sooner you come asking for help, the more choices you’ll have.