Frequently Asked Questions

What is IUI and its indications?

IUI is a medical procedure that treats infertility problems and helps for fertilization. This procedure helps the sperm to reach the uterus. Some medications like progesterone, estrogen, etc may be used. The IUI is coordinated with the menstrual cycle and few fertility medications.

IUI is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Infertility due to unexplained reasons
2. Failure of medical fertility treatment
3. The inability of the sperm to reach the uterus
4. Male infertility
5. Cervical mucus problems
6. Ejaculation dysfunction

What can be the advantages of IUI?

Some of the advantages of IUI are:

1. Helps for fertilization by increasing the sperm count
2. Less expensive and invasive procedure when compared to other treatments
3. Doesn't cause vaginal irritation
4. Can be performed in the doctor office

What is the required preparation for IUI?

1. Sample of semen will be collected from the male partner or from a donor on the procedure day.
2. Inform the doctor regarding present and past medical and medication history.
3. Health status of the patient may be evaluated before undergoing this procedure.
4. Discuss with the doctor about risks, complications, and benefits associated with IUI.
5. A few lab tests or other examinations may be recommended by the doctor to the patient.
6. Follow the diet as instructed by the dietician.

What are the steps included in the IUI?

IUI includes the following steps:

1. The doctor will check the cervix with the help of a speculum.
2. Then, the washed sperm sample will be injected into the uterus. 
3. After completion of the procedure, progesterone medications may be prescribed.
4. A pregnancy test will be taken after two weeks of the procedure.  

What is the care taken after IUI?

The patient must follow a few pieces of advice suggested by the doctor after IUI and they are:

1. Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 48 hours after completion of IUI.
2. Consult the doctor before taking any painkillers.
3. To understand the effectiveness of the IUI, make follow up appointments with the doctor.

Who is the right specialist to perform IUI?

A well qualified and experienced Gynecologist can perform IUI.

What is the cost of IUI in Mumbai?

Some factors may affect the cost of IUI in Mumbai and they are:

1. Treatment cycles planned to be performed
2. Post-surgical complications that are involved
3. Health condition of the patient
4. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc
5. Patient age
6. Type of hospital
7. Doctor fee
8. Admission fee
9. The admission room that you opted for

Minimum charges in Mumbai starts from Rs.5,500

The average cost in Mumbai is approximately Rs.7,700

Maximum price in Mumbai may rise up to Rs. 11,000

What type of people can choose IUI?

People with the following conditions can choose IUI:

1. Single women's who like to get pregnant.
2. Same-sex couples who want to conceive.
3. Females with good condition of reproductive organs but failed to conceive.
4. Couples who failed to conceive even after having unprotected sexual intercourse for one to two years.

What type of people cannot choose IUI?

People with the following conditions cannot choose IUI:

1. Severe endometriosis
2. Blocked fallopian tubes
3. Failed history of IUI 
4. Severe endometriosis
5. Male partner infertility
6. Pelvic infections
7. Tubal disease

What are the risks and complications of IUI?

IUI has the following risks and complications:

1. Chance of multiple pregnancies
2. Hot flashes
3. Abdominal pain
4. Mood swings
5. Vaginal bleeding
6. Ovarian cysts
7. Low birth weight
8. Swelling and rashes at and around the site of injection

What is the success rate of IUI?

IUI success rate depends on the following factors:

1. Health condition of the patient
2. Patient age
3. Experience of the surgeon
4. Sperm motility
5. The condition of the female reproductive organs
6. Ovulation period

However, if the IUI is done once per month for 4-5 months, then the success rate increases by 20% per each cycle.

Does IUI cause any kind of pain to the patient?

Mild to moderate pain may occur during the IUI procedure and that can be tolerable.

What are the long-term goals of IUI?

Chances to get conceived is the long-term goal of IUI.

What are the options to look after the failure of IUI?

In case of a failed IUI even after 3-5 cycles of treatment, the following are the options to look:

1. Medical treatment that helps in increasing motility of the sperm
2. Drugs to stimulate ovulation
3. IVF

What are the alternative methods or procedures for IUI?

Alternatives for IUI are the following:

1. Donor embryos
2. In vitro fertilization [IVF]
3. Donor sperm
4. Surrogacy
5. Reproductive surgery
6. Gamete intrafallopian transfer [GIFT]
7. Fertility drugs
8. Donor eggs
9. Zygote intrafallopian transfer [ZIFT]