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Everybody wants children at some point in life, but conceiving a child can be just a dream for some couples. When a woman can’t conceive naturally, it becomes an emotional struggle for the family. However, there is hope. With advancements in medical sciences, various methods of conception are now available. One of them is IUI, Intrauterine Insemination, which we shall discuss a little in-depth.
How Does IUI Work?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves transferring semen from the male partner into the female partner’s uterus. The goal is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and, in turn, increase the chances of fertilisation.
First, the female partner’s eggs are closely monitored. Ovulation-stimulating medicines may also be administered. When ovulation is near, the IUI procedure is performed. The semen is separated from the seminal fluid and, with the use of a catheter, inserted into the uterus. It takes just a few minutes.
Who Can Opt for IUI?
IUI can be opted for by:
- Women who have abnormalities in their cervical muscles and patent fallopian tubes
- Men who suffer from ejaculation dysfunction, and
- Lesbian couples.
IUI works for some and doesn’t for others because it depends on the individual’s biological condition. So, it’s best to reach out to an expert to get an idea about your odds.
Who Shouldn’t Opt for IUI?
IUI is not recommended in the following cases:
- Your fallopian tubes are severely affected.
- You have a medical history of pelvic infections.
- You suffer from moderate or severe endometriosis.
The success rates of IUI are 10% – 30%. If you’ve decided to go ahead with IUI, here are some useful tips and suggestions to improve your IUI success rate.
Tips and Suggestions to Make IUI Successful
Not every artificial insemination technique works on every woman who wants to have a baby. Some factors like age, health condition and stress levels play an important role in the success of IUI. Here are some tips you can follow to make your IUI pregnancy successful:
1. Meet a Fertility Expert
The IUI process is governed by a reproductive endocrinologist who can even cancel cycles if too many eggs are produced. Sometimes, experts suggest other ways of conception, so make sure you’re reaching out to the right person for treatment.
2. Do Your Research
If you’ve chosen IUI because of infertility, then you should go for easy-on-the-pocket options such as IVF. For women above 40 years of age, IVF is more effective than IUI.
3. Eat Healthily
Your diet influences the success rate of IUI. Add more protein-rich foods to your plate and cut down on carbs. In fact, even if you’re struggling with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), switching to a healthier diet can increase the chances of conception. A good diet always makes way for a better pregnancy.
4. Start Exercising
Moderate exercise is also good after IUI. However, rigorously working out isn’t recommended by experts. You just need to be active and not sit in a stationary position for long.
5. Avoid Smoking
As per research, women who smoke need more gonadotropin doses for ovarian stimulation. This negatively affects the IUI success rate. Hence, quit smoking.
6. De-stress and Control Anxiety
Don’t stress yourself out. Going through IUI may lead to an emotional upheaval, but learn to relax and have realistic expectations. This will make your body react positively to IUI.
7. Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture practitioners/ authorities recommend acupuncture therapies to increases the flow of blood and eventually improve the quality of the egg. Although allopathy doesn’t recommend it, acupuncture authorities state the therapy could increase chances of getting pregnant.
8. Take Prescribed Supplements
Coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) and DHEA are supplements that are quite helpful as they improve fertility, and indirectly improve IUI. Bear in mind that these medicines must be prescribed by your doctor.
9. Have Sex After IUI
Doctors say that having sex after IUI actually helps. This is because, during sex, the uterus begins to contract, and pushes the sperm towards the fallopian tubes, making the process more efficient.
10. Be Happy
Do things that make you feel happy and content. Those who believe in the Law of Attraction say that you attract what you imagine. So, when you want to get pregnant, your life must reflect the joy of having a baby.
What Are the Risks of IUI?
IUI has its downsides as well. These are:
- If fertility medication is taken during IUI, you may become pregnant with multiples.
- There is a risk of infection after the procedure.
There are couples who can’t conceive naturally. Earlier, women who couldn’t give birth were rejected and shunned. However, over the years, things have changed. Thanks to science and technology, it’s now possible for couples to conceive and have a baby despite all the roadblocks that may come their way.
