Are IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) Babies Normal?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination to treat infertility where the sperm is directly placed in the uterus. The sperm is first washed, and concentrated sperm is inserted into the uterus when the ovary releases eggs for fertilization. There are chances of hope from the outcome of intrauterine insemination when the sperm travels into the fallopian tube and fertilizes an egg, resulting in pregnancy.

IUI procedure can be synchronized with the woman's normal cycle and the infertility medication based on the causes. The advantage of IUI procedure is that it makes it easier for the sperm to reach an egg faster, reducing travel time and increasing the chances of becoming pregnant. To treat infertility, healthcare providers mostly try IUI procedure before other invasive fertility treatments as they are less risky and economical.

What is an IUI Baby?

The IUI baby is born with the technique referred to as artificial insemination of sperm that have been washed, and concentrated sperm are placed directly inside the uterus during ovulation. It allows the sperm to come in close vicinity of the egg, and the probability of the pregnancy increases.

Why is IUI Procedure Done?

A couple's ability to conceive depends on several factors. IUI procedure is most commonly performed in these situations:

• unexplained infertility
• problem with the cervix or cervical mucus
• sperm count is low
• couples of same sex wishing to conceive
• a single woman trying to conceive
• sperm motility is low
• semen allergy
• dysfunctional erection or difficulty in ejaculation
• mild endometriosis

Risks of IUI Procedure

Intrauterine insemination is a relatively simple and safe procedure, and the risk of complications is comparatively low.

Risks include:

1. Infection

There are some chances of developing an infection during the procedure.

2. Spotting

At times during the procedure, you may experience a small amount of vaginal bleeding while placing the catheter in the uterus. But this does not affect your chances of getting pregnant.

3. Multiple pregnancies

Sometimes, you may release more than one egg if you take ovulation-inducing medications—your chances of becoming pregnant with twins, triplets, or more increase significantly.

IUI Procedure

The IUI procedure follows the below listed steps:

1. Semen Collection

If you use sperm from a donor, the sample will be frozen until it is used. Donor sperm will be thawed and prepared. If not, your partner will come to the clinic to give his semen sample on the same day as the IUI procedure.

2. Semen's Washing

The other debris is removed from the semen that can unlikely cause irritation in the uterus and may hamper fertilization. The sample will be washed to obtain a concentrated quantity of healthy sperm, so the chances of conceiving increase.

3. Monitoring for ovulation

The timing of IUI is vital, and it is challenging to monitor ovulation. To do this, you may use a home-based urine ovulation predictor kit to detect when your body will release luteinizing hormone (LH).

4. Insemination

The woman is expected to lay on an exam table and put her legs into stirrups. The healthcare provider will insert a speculum into the vagina, similar to what one experiences during a Pap test. During the procedure, the doctor or nurse will:

• place a catheter, a tiny thin tube in the cervix. Women might experience mild cramping, similar to what they experience during a Pap test.
• insert the catheter containing washed sperm into the vagina, through the cervical opening, and into the uterus.
• the sperm sample is pushed through the tube into the uterus.
• the catheter is then removed.

After the Procedure

After the IUI procedure, the ob-gyn may prescribe the woman progesterone. About a week after the procedure, the doctor may ask for a blood test to check the progesterone, estrogen, and hCG levels.

The doctor usually advises women to get a pregnancy test after two weeks of IUI treatment to determine if the treatment was successful. Taking good care of oneself is important during the IUI.

You may also like: What is Intra Uterine Insemination & how much does it cost?

IUI Babies Vs Normal Babies

The primary difference between an IUI and a normal pregnancy is how conception takes place. In a traditional pregnancy, intercourse is the stimulator for an egg to be fertilized by sperm. Sperm travels from the vagina through the cervix and into the uterus before continuing to the fallopian tubes. In an IUI pregnancy, the distance is reduced, and sperm is directly inserted into a woman's vagina. After conception, both pregnancies continue as normal. There are no distinguishable differences between normally conceived and IUI babies.

Summary

Intrauterine insemination is a comparatively low-risk treatment and an incredible option for women or couples trying to conceive. However, if you have difficulty conceiving, speak with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help you provide the best treatment to carry forward pregnancy, and IUI procedure may be an effective choice.

References

1. HFEA. Intrauterine insemination. www.hfea.gov.uk
2. ASRM. (2016). Intrauterine insemination. www.reproductivefacts.org