What is IUI, and how does it differ from other fertility treatments? - Dr. Parul Agrawal (fertility Specialist, Noida)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing specially prepared sperm directly into a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. Dr. Parul Agrawal, a fertility specialist based in Noida, explains that IUI is a simpler and less invasive treatment compared to other assisted reproductive techniques like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
How Does IUI Work?
- Ovulation Monitoring: The woman’s ovulation cycle is tracked through ultrasounds and hormone testing.
- Sperm Preparation: A semen sample is collected, washed, and concentrated to select the most motile sperm.
- Insemination: The prepared sperm is inserted directly into the uterus using a thin catheter during the ovulation window.
- Fertilization and Implantation: The sperm moves toward the fallopian tubes, where fertilization may occur naturally.
How IUI Differs from Other Fertility Treatments
|
Feature |
IUI |
IVF |
ICSI |
|
Procedure |
Direct sperm placement in uterus |
Eggs are retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and embryos are transferred |
A single sperm is injected directly into an egg |
|
Invasiveness |
Minimally invasive |
More invasive (egg retrieval and embryo transfer) |
Most invasive |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
Higher |
|
Success Rate |
Lower |
Higher |
Higher |
|
Best For |
Mild male infertility, unexplained infertility, cervical issues |
Severe infertility, blocked tubes, failed IUI attempts |
Severe male infertility |
Who Can Benefit from IUI?
- Couples with mild male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility).
- Women with unexplained infertility.
- Those with cervical mucus issues that hinder sperm movement.
- Same-sex couples or single women using donor sperm.
Conclusion
Dr. Parul Agrawal highlights that IUI is a cost-effective and less invasive fertility treatment suitable for couples with mild fertility issues. However, for severe infertility cases, IVF or ICSI may be more appropriate.
Would you like guidance on the best fertility clinics offering IUI in Noida?