IUI Treatment in Lahore

In IUI, a semen sample is washed and concentrated in the laboratory so that the most active sperm are separated from the rest of the fluid. A thin, soft catheter then places these sperm into the uterus, close to the fallopian tubes, at the time an egg is released.

Because fertilization takes place naturally, IUI is less invasive and less costly than IVF. It is also less powerful, which is why selecting the right patients matters.

IUI may be considered for:

• Mild male-factor infertility, such as slightly reduced count or motility
• Ovulation problems, once ovulation has been restored with medication
• Unexplained infertility, in selected cases
• Cervical mucus problems or ejaculatory and sexual difficulties
• Use of donor or frozen sperm, where appropriate

IUI is generally not suitable when both tubes are blocked, when sperm quality is severely reduced, when there is advanced endometriosis, or when a woman's age or ovarian reserve makes time the main issue. In those cases, going straight to IVF or ICSI is more sensible than repeating cycles that are unlikely to work.

• Semen analysis, to confirm there will be enough motile sperm after preparation
• A tubal check, such as HSG or sonohysterogram, to confirm at least one tube is open
• Evidence of ovulation, with hormone tests and ultrasound as needed
• Thyroid and prolactin levels, where cycles are irregular

If you already have these reports, bring them. If not, our Assessment & Diagnosis service covers them.

1. Cycle monitoring

A baseline scan early in your cycle. In a natural cycle, ovulation is tracked by ultrasound and sometimes hormone tests. In a stimulated cycle, tablets or injections encourage one to three follicles to develop.

2. Trigger injection (if used)

When a follicle is mature, a trigger injection may be given to time ovulation precisely.

3. Sperm preparation

On the day of insemination, a fresh semen sample is washed and concentrated in the laboratory.

4. Insemination

Usually 24 to 36 hours after the trigger, prepared sperm is placed in the uterus with a catheter. It takes a few minutes, needs no anesthesia, and feels like a cervical smear. Mild cramping can occur.

5. After the procedure

You can resume normal activities. Progesterone may be prescribed to support the uterine lining. A pregnancy test is done about 14 days after IUI.

Many IUI cycles use letrozole or clomiphene tablets, and some use low-dose FSH injections. The goal is a small number of mature follicles, not many.

The main risk of stimulation is multiple pregnancy, which is why ultrasound monitoring is essential. If too many follicles develop, the cycle may be cancelled or converted to avoid a high-order multiple pregnancy.

For patients with irregular cycles, restoring ovulation first is a separate step; see ovulation induction and PCOS treatment.

IUI is usually offered for a limited number of cycles, often three to four, with a review after each. If pregnancy does not occur, repeating the same treatment indefinitely is rarely helpful.

The factors that most affect results:

• The woman's age, the strongest factor
• The cause of infertility
• Post-wash motile sperm count
• Whether ovulation is well timed
• How long you have been trying

Dr. Kamran will give you an honest estimate based on your own results, and will recommend moving to IVF or ICSI when further IUI is unlikely to be worthwhile.

• Mild cramping or light spotting after insemination
• Multiple pregnancy, mainly with ovulation medication
• A small risk of pelvic infection
• Ovarian hyperstimulation, rare with mild stimulation
• Ectopic pregnancy, as in any pregnancy
• Emotional strain from waiting and repeated cycles

Contact the clinic or seek urgent care for severe pain, heavy bleeding or fever after insemination.

• IUI suits open tubes, adequate sperm and a woman whose age allows a few cycles to be tried.
• IVF suits blocked tubes, severe male factor, advanced age, endometriosis, or failed IUI, and allows embryo selection and freezing.

Our guide to IVF vs IUI explains the decision in more detail.

Typical cost components are:

• Consultation and baseline tests
• Medication
• Monitoring scans
• Sperm preparation and insemination
• The number of cycles needed

Dr. Kamran will give you an itemized estimate per cycle, and a realistic view of how many cycles are worth trying.