IUI in Iran

IUI Cost in Iran

The cost of an IUI in Iran varies from clinic to clinic and depends on many factors, including medications, whether sperm is provided by the partner or third-party donor, and the package of examination and post-operative care. The cost of an IUI in Iran starts from $ 2400.

What Is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment in which sperm are placed directly into a person’s uterus.

During a natural pregnancy, sperm has to travel from your vagina through your cervix, into your uterus, and to your fallopian tubes. Only five percent of sperm can reach your uterus from the vagina. When your ovary releases an egg, it travels to your fallopian tube. This is where the sperm and egg meet and fertilization occurs. In the IUI procedure, the sperm is collected, washed, and concentrated so that only high-quality sperm remain. This sperm is placed directly into your uterus with a catheter, bringing it close to your fallopian tubes. IUI makes it easier for the sperm to reach the egg because it reduces the time and distance it has to travel. This increases your chances of getting pregnant.

Why Is IUI Performed?

People choose IUI for many reasons, such as infertility issues, or as a fertility option for same-sex couples or women who want to have a baby without a partner, using a sperm donor. IUI may be used if the following conditions are present:

. Unexplained infertility. This is when doctors cannot find the cause of infertility.

. You’re using donor sperm. IUI is used when people use sperm from someone who is not the birth parent’s partner. This is called donor insemination (DI). Donor insemination (DI) is performed when one partner does not have sperm or the sperm quality is too low to be used. Single women or same-sex female couples who want to conceive can also use donor sperm.

. Cervical mucus problems or other problems with your cervix. Your cervix separates your vagina and uterus. The mucus produced by the cervix helps sperm move from the vagina, through the uterus, and to your fallopian tubes. Thick mucus can make it difficult for sperm to swim. In the IUI procedure, the sperm bypasses your cervix and enters your uterus directly.

. Low sperm count or other sperm impairments. Semen analysis is part of infertility treatment. It may indicate that your partner’s sperm are weak, small, slow, or oddly shaped, or that your partner does not have a lot of sperm. IUI can help these problems because only high-quality sperm are selected and used in your treatment.

. Ejaculation or erection dysfunction. IUI can be used when one partner can’t get or sustain an erection or isn’t able to ejaculate.

. Semen allergy. In rare cases, people are allergic to their partner’s semen. It can cause swelling, burning, and redness in the vagina. IUI can be effective because the proteins causing the allergy are removed during sperm washing.

Who Is a Good Candidate for IUI?

IUI is a type of fertility treatment that can help many women get pregnant, but it is not an option for everyone.

Who Are Good Candidates for IUI?

A woman undergoing IUI cannot have two blocked fallopian tubes, at least one must be open. She usually needs to have a normal supply of healthy eggs. She may also have one or more of the following conditions:

. Unexplained infertility

. Abnormal ovulation

. Mild endometriosis

. Problems with the cervical mucus, which can prevent sperm from moving to the egg.

. Sexual dysfunction or sexual disorders. An example would be erectile dysfunction in a male partner or an allergy to sperm.

. A partner with mild male factor infertility, such as low sperm motility or low sperm count.

. Women who want to use a non-partner sperm donor

Who Are not Good Candidates for IUI?

Certain conditions make IUI a less ideal procedure. If a woman meets any of the following criteria, she may be advised to try another type of fertility treatment, such as IVF.

. Blocked fallopian tubes

. Over 40 years old

. Severe endometriosis

. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

. Low ovarian reserve, or poor egg quality

. Have tried IUI several times before

IUI is not for everyone and only you and your doctor can decide if IUI is a good option for you. But if you’re struggling with infertility, it’s a good option to consider, so talk to your doctor if you think it might help.

How to Prepare for IUI

IUI is a type of fertility treatment that can help couples conceive. This involves placing sperm directly into the uterus, increasing the chances of conception. If you and your partner are considering IUI, it is important to prepare for the procedure. Here are some tips on how to prepare for IUI:

1. Schedule a Consultation with a Fertility Specialist: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a fertility specialist. During the consultation, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam and the necessary tests to determine if you are a good candidate for IUI.
2. Understand the Process: It is important to understand the process of IUI and what it entails. Your doctor will explain the process to you and answer any questions you may have. The IUI procedure involves monitoring the menstrual cycle, tracking ovulation, and preparing a sperm sample before directly inserting it into the uterus.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes can also increase the chances of IUI success. It is important to maintain a healthy diet, avoid alcohol and smoking, and exercise regularly.
4. Medications: Your doctor may recommend medications to stimulate ovulation and improve the quality of your sperm sample. It is very important to follow the medication schedule as instructed.
5. Plan for Time Off: You may need time off for the IUI procedure and follow-up appointments depending on your work schedule.
6. Emotional Support: Undergoing fertility treatment can be emotionally challenging. It is very important to have a strong support system that includes your partner, friends, and family. You may also want to join a support group or seek professional counseling.
7. Finances: It is important to consider the cost of IUI.
8. Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive outlook can greatly impact your overall IUI experience. Remember that IUI may not work the first time, but persistence and a positive attitude can increase your chances of success in the long run.

IUI Preparation Tips

Before the IUI procedure, the doctor examines the condition of the uterus and ovarian follicles and then determines the optimal time to inject the gonadotropin hormone. The measures that the patient should take are as follows:

. Performing examinations, hormone tests, routine tests, and taking pictures of the uterus to make sure that the fallopian tubes are not blocked.

. Doing sonography on the second or third day of menstruation to check the condition of the ovaries and uterus.

. Taking the medications prescribed by a fertility specialist to improve ovulation.

. Performing sonography tests on different days after taking the drug to check the condition of the ovarian follicles.

. HCG injection when the follicles are large enough (usually around 18-25mm) to release the egg.

. Taking semen samples in the laboratory and then separating the sperm.

. Washing the semen and injecting it into the uterus about 36-40 hours after ovulation or injecting hormones through an easy and painless procedure.

What Do You Need to Do Before Starting IUI Treatment?

Before starting IUI treatment, you will need a complete medical examination and fertility tests. Your partner will also be examined and tested. This can include the following:

. Examination of the uterus.

. Ultrasound of your uterus.

. Semen analysis.

. Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other infectious diseases.

. Blood tests.

Your doctor may recommend taking folic acid (found in most prenatal vitamins) for at least three months before conception (or IUI treatment).

Precautions Before IUI

Before doing IUI, it is necessary to consider the following points.

For Male:

. Do not use lotions, lubricants, or saliva when collecting semen samples.

. Do not use hot tub and sauna one week before IUI.

. Avoid alcoholic beverages three days before IUI.

. Stop smoking.

. Keep your body temperature moderate.

. Avoid sexual intercourse or ejaculation for three days before IUI.

. Avoid vigorous activities but exercise regularly to increase sperm count.

. Take your semen sample to the lab 15 hours before IUI.

For Female:

. Use ovulation stimulation drugs as well as other hormonal drugs.

. Perform laboratory tests to determine HIV as well as hepatitis B and C antibodies, rubella, etc.

. Reduce your stress and anxiety.

. Have a healthy diet.

. Do an ultrasound of the mammary glands.

. Check your ovulation cycle regularly.

. Take the recommended folic acid and supplements.

. Perform a transvaginal ultrasound to check the condition of your uterus and ovaries.

. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

What Are the Steps of IUI Treatment?

The IUI process usually includes the following:

. Ovulation

. Your doctor needs to know exactly when you ovulate. The timing of ovulation is very important to ensure that the sperm is injected at the right time.

. Ovulation timing can be done using an at-home ovulation prediction kit that detects luteinizing hormone (LH). Your doctor can also detect LH in blood tests. They may also use a transvaginal ultrasound to look for signs of mature eggs. Sometimes, you will be given an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or other fertility drugs to ovulate one or more eggs. Ovulation usually occurs about 10 to 16 days after the first day of your period.

. Insemination (insertion of sperm into the uterus) usually occurs within 24 to 36 hours after detection of LH (in blood or urine) or after injection of hCG.

. Semen sample preparation

. Your partner will provide a fresh sperm sample on the day of the IUI procedure. Your partner can prepare the sample in advance, and your doctor can freeze it until it is used. If you are using a sperm donor, the sample will be thawed and prepared.

. Sperm is prepared for insemination through a process called “sperm washing” that pulls out a concentrated amount of healthy sperm. If you use donor sperm, the sperm bank will usually send sperm that has already been washed.

. Insemination

. The insemination procedure is simple and takes only a few minutes. You will lie on the exam table. Your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina. A catheter is then inserted into your uterus through the cervix. Finally, your doctor will inject the washed sperm sample into your uterus.

. You may be asked to lie down for 10 to 30 minutes after insemination. Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg and the fertilized egg implants in the lining of your uterus.

. You may be given progesterone after IUI. Progesterone helps maintain the lining of the uterus and can increase the chances of implantation.

. You can take a pregnancy test approximately two weeks after IUI.

Please consult with your doctor to get the best understanding of the IUI procedure and what to expect.

How Long Does the IUI Process Take from Start to Finish?

The timeline for the IUI procedure is approximately four weeks (about 28 days) from start to finish. Its duration is almost the same as a regular menstrual cycle.

. Before starting the IUI process, you and your partner will undergo a thorough examination, including blood tests, semen analysis, ultrasound, and other tests.

. Some people are given oral fertility drugs for five days or injectable medications for up to two weeks. This increases the likelihood of ovulation and the release of multiple eggs. Not all people need these medications.

. Insemination is a fast process. It takes a few minutes to insert the sperm. Your doctor may ask you to lie down for about 15 minutes afterward.

. You can take a pregnancy test two weeks after insemination.

What Are the Risks of IUI?

IUI is low risk compared to other fertility treatments such as IVF. Some of the IUI risks include:

. Spotting: The procedure can cause a little vaginal bleeding.

. Multiple births: If you take fertility drugs, you may release more than one egg. This increases your chances of conceiving twins, triplets or more. Multiple pregnancy carries the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): A rare side effect caused by taking too much fertility medication. OHSS causes your ovaries to become painful and swollen.

. Infection: This is rare.

What Are the Precautions After IUI?

After an IUI procedure, it is very important to take precautions to increase your chances of success. Here are some things you can do to help you have a healthy pregnancy:

. Avoid vigorous exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for the first few days after IUI. Gentle exercises like yoga or walking can be helpful, but listen to your body and don’t overdo it.

. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help reduce discomfort and support healthy fertility.

. Rest: Resting after IUI can help reduce the risk of cramping or other discomfort. Take it easy for the first day or two after the procedure.

. Take Medications as Prescribed: Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications prescribed after IUI. This may include progesterone or other supplements to support a healthy pregnancy.

. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both smoking and alcohol can negatively affect your chances of success with IUI. It is better to avoid both in the weeks leading up to and following your IUI.

What is the Success Rate of IUI?

The success rate of intrauterine insemination depends on various factors, including age and underlying fertility challenges. Let us examine the success rate of IUI in these two areas.

The age of the intended mother

As a woman ages, the fertility rate decreases due to the quality of the eggs. For this reason, IUI is generally not recommended for mothers over 40.

. For women in their early 30s or younger, the success rate is about 20 to 25 percent.

. For women aged 30 to 35, the success rate of intrauterine insemination is usually between 15 and 20 percent.

. 10% of women aged 35 to 40 get pregnant after IUI. In the early 40s, the success rate drops to about 5 percent.

Underlying fertility issues

Women who have irregular menstrual cycles or do not ovulate need medication to get pregnant. Through diagnosis, your doctor may identify problems that can affect your success rate.

. If you are experiencing unexplained fertility with healthy eggs and two fallopian tubes, the success rate of IUI is about 7-10% per cycle. If you use intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment in combination with fertility drugs, your success rate increases between 15 and 25 percent.

. A single open fallopian tube means that one of the fallopian tubes is blocked. Pregnancy can occur but the success rate depends on the location of the blockage. If the blockage is near the ovary, the IUI success rate is 11.7%. If it is close to the uterus, the probability of success is about 38.1%.

. If the intended father has male factor infertility, the success rate of IUI is about 16.9%.

 

 

 

FAQ:

1. Is IUI Worth It?

IUI can be very effective, especially when fertility drugs are used. Pregnancy rates for IUI can be as high as 20% when fertility drugs are used. The effectiveness of IUI mostly depends on the main cause of infertility and the age of the birth parent. The fertility rate of IUI is almost the same as that of natural fertility (about 20%), which means that IUI helps bring people’s chances up to a more typical success rate.

2. Is IUI Painful?

In general, IUI is considered less painful than IVF. During IUI, a thin catheter is inserted into the uterus to place sperm directly into the uterus. Many women describe this discomfort as similar to a mild menstrual cramp. This procedure is relatively quick and usually does not require anesthesia. Some women may experience minimal discomfort, while others may experience more severe cramping. However, the discomfort usually subsides shortly after the procedure.

3. Can IUI Cause Twins?

While the IUI procedure itself does not increase your chances of having twins, certain medications associated with it may. Letrozole (Femara) and Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) are ovulation-stimulating medications. Both of these drugs are often given in IUI cycles and may help the body produce multiple eggs that may be released at the same time. If two (or more) are fertilized and implanted, there is a chance of twins.

In a 2014 study, the rate of twins with Clomid was 7.4%. Femara had a lower rate of just 3.4%. These numbers may not seem high, but they are still slightly higher than the chance of having natural twins.

4. How Much Sperm is Needed for IUI?

Because IUI relies on the sperm’s ability to swim and locate the egg, high sperm count and motility are critical to a successful IUI procedure. In general, the number of motile sperm after processing the sperm sample should be approximately 5 million or more for the IUI to be successful. The success rate is much lower in a sample with 1 to 5 million motile cells, and processed sperm samples containing less than 1 million motile sperm cells are unlikely to result in successful fertilization. Therefore, for men with low sperm counts, in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is recommended instead of IUI.

5. What If IUI Doesn’t Work?

Sometimes the initial test is positive and a few days later it is negative. This usually means you had a very early miscarriage. While miscarriage can be painful, it is usually due to a chromosomal abnormality—not something you did wrong. It’s not your fault and most women who miscarry will have healthy and happy pregnancies. In many cases, the best choice is another cycle of IUI.

If the first IUI procedure is unsuccessful, you will meet with your doctor to discuss your future options. It’s important to know that an unsuccessful IUI procedure usually doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant again. So, if all goes well and you’re still a good candidate for IUI, your doctor may recommend trying another cycle of IUI. If you choose not to use fertility drugs for your first IUI cycle, your doctor may recommend using them for the second cycle. Your doctor may also do blood tests to make sure other issues, such as low progesterone, aren’t interfering with the success of IUI.

6. What Is the Next Step After Several Failed IUI Cycles?

If a woman has a history of 3-4 unsuccessful IUI cycles, is over 35 years old, and has a low ovarian reserve, the next step can be IVF treatment. It has been proven through various studies that IVF and, in the case of severe male factor infertility, ICSI can significantly increase the chances of pregnancy and overcome the failure of IUI.

In addition, gonadotropins, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), stimulate the growth of egg follicles. These injectable medications are also often used in IUI and other fertility treatments, and the rate of twins when using these drugs is 30%.

7. What Is a Good Endometrial Thickness for IUI?

The thickness of this layer varies from person to person. However, in general, the thickness of the endometrium for pregnancy is about 8 mm, which should reach about 15 mm by the time of implantation to keep the fertilized egg safe. With implantation and the occurrence of the decidual reaction, the thickness of the endometrium begins to increase in early pregnancy to provide a suitable platform for the growth of the fetus. The percentage of pregnancy success is very small in the endometrium with a thickness of 5 to 6 mm. In this situation, ovulation induction with progesterone supplementation is required.

8. What Factors Can Affect the Success Rate of IUI?

Several factors can affect the success rate of IUI, including:

. Cause of Infertility: The main cause of infertility can affect the chances of a successful IUI.  Couples with unexplained infertility, cervical mucus problems, or mild male factor infertility have a higher success rate.

. Age: A woman’s age plays an important role in the success of IUI, as fertility decreases with age. Women under 35 usually have a higher success rate than women over 35.

. Sperm Quality: The quality of the male partner’s sperm, including count, motility, and morphology, can significantly affect the success rate of IUI. Ensuring the health of the sperm is very important for an optimal outcome.

. Endometrial Thickness: A healthy endometrial lining is essential for successful implantation of the fertilized egg. An endometrial lining that is too thick or too thin can reduce the chances of IUI success.

. Timing of Insemination: The timing of the IUI procedure is very important because it must be done during the woman’s fertile window and when the egg is released. Close monitoring of ovulation is important to ensure optimal timing.

. Ovarian Response: A woman’s response to ovulation induction drugs, if used, can affect the chance of success. A favorable response, which results in the creation of one or more mature eggs, increases the likelihood of successful IUI.

. Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, and obesity, can negatively affect fertility and reduce the chances of a successful IUI.

9. How to Improve the Success Rate of IUI?

Fertility treatments aren’t 100% successful, several factors can help increase the success rate. Here are some helpful tips that couples can use for success.

. Avoid Ejaculation Before IUI- Doctors recommend that you avoid ejaculation for at least three days before the day of treatment. Since the volume and quality of semen play an important role in the artificial insemination method, it is better to avoid any discharge. Sperm can live for up to five days, so it is ideal to avoid ejaculation for three days before the IUI treatment.

. Avoid Anxiety & Stress- When it comes to fertility, stress and anxiety have a huge impact. Although it is normal for couples to stress over their treatments, sometimes it can harm their health and change the entire process of egg fertilization. Experts recommend that women remain calm and have realistic expectations of the results.

. Hormone stimulation- Fertility specialists often induce ovulation-stimulating hormones for viable eggs before IUI. It helps to increase the success rate. However, not every patient needs hormonal stimulation for IUI treatment.

. Regular exercises- It is very important to be in good shape and lead an active life when choosing fertility treatment. Regular exercise such as walking, hiking, or yoga is best to try during IUI treatment. This will help increase your IUI success rate.

. Healthy diet- One of the important criteria for treating infertility is having a healthy diet. Eating healthy can make a big difference in the results of your treatment. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, whole grain fiber and enough water can help you have a successful and healthy pregnancy.

. Have sex after the treatment- Some couples think that having sex right after treatment may hinder their chances. However, doctors suggest that it is great to have sex after IUI treatment. As the uterus begins to contract, it pushes against the fallopian tubes and helps the sperm reach the egg.

 

Source:

. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22456-iui-intrauterine-insemination