Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Procedure
What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a fertility procedure timed to a woman’s ovulation cycle to increase the chances of conception. This method is particularly advantageous for couples exploring fertility options, and IUI treatment is one of the many services available at the VFC Center in Bangkok. This technique increases the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes, thus improving the chance of fertilization.
IUI Procedure
IUI involves an appointment for sperm collection from the man on the day of the procedure that coincides with the woman’s ovulation cycle. With this method, sperm is collected from the man and then washed and analyzed. Highly motile sperm are selected over sluggish or non-motile sperm. The use of fewer but highly motile sperm increases the chances of achieving conception.
For the woman, depending on the reasons for infertility, ovulation medications may be prescribed by reproductive specialists for a period before the procedure. Transvaginal ultrasound imaging is also used to visualize the ovaries and monitor the development of the egg. An intrauterine insemination appointment will be made as soon as the doctor determines the optimal timing for ovulation.
When the woman ovulates, the IUI procedure is conducted, which involves directly inserting washed and concentrated sperm into a woman’s uterus. A vial of the healthy, motile sperm is attached to the end of a thin and flexible tube called a catheter. The catheter is inserted into the vagina, through the cervical opening, and further into the uterus. The sperm sample is deposited in the uterus, which enables the sperm to enter the fallopian tubes and fertilize the eggs present in the tubes.
Preparing for the IUI Procedure
Before undergoing the IUI procedure, both partners receive specific instructions to maximize their chances of success. The couple is instructed to refrain from sexual intercourse, and men are typically advised to abstain from ejaculation for 3-7 days before sperm collection to ensure optimal sperm quality. Women may be prescribed ovulation-inducing medications and undergo regular ultrasound monitoring to track egg development and determine the best timing for the procedure.
After the IUI Procedure
The IUI procedure bypasses the cervix and deposits the sperm directly into the uterus. This allows most of the viable sperm to easily reach the fallopian tubes and not be slowed or stopped in the lower areas of the reproductive tract.
To further increase the chances of successful conception, the process uses over 1 million highly motile sperm during each insemination. Studies have shown that using fewer than 1 million sperm during each insemination significantly reduces the chances of a successful procedure.
Expected Results
The success of IUI depends on various factors, including the reasons for infertility and the age of the woman. Patients typically wait two weeks post-procedure before taking a pregnancy test to determine if the IUI procedure has been successful.
Who Can Undergo IUI Treatment in Thailand?
- Couples with unexplained infertility
- Women with ovulation problems
- Men with impotence, premature ejaculation, or other sexual dysfunction issues
IUI is not suitable for women with tubal blockage or severe tubal damage, ovarian failure, or severe endometriosis. It is also not recommended for women aged 41 and above. It is not suitable for men with severe male factor infertility, a condition where no viable sperm is found in the male partner’s semen. In such cases, other fertility treatments are considered.
IUI Treatment Cost
A couple undergoing other fertility treatments may also have IUI recommended to them by their doctor if they are suitable candidates.
IUI treatment in Thailand is not prohibitively expensive. The IUI treatment cost is under 30,000 THB for uninsured patients at the VFC Center at Vejthani Hospital. It is generally one of the first procedures doctors recommend as it is inexpensive and offers high success rates for suitable candidates.
If you are a couple experiencing conception problems, make an appointment at Vejthani Hospital’s VFC Center and consult our fertility specialists to increase your chances of getting pregnant successfully through treatments like IUI.