When grappling with infertility, the primary solution that may come to mind for you and your partner is in-vitro fertilization (IVF). However, there's a more cost-effective method that yields quicker results namely artificial insemination (IUI).

Take the first step towards parenthood! Dive into the intricacies of artificial insemination procedures and book a personalized consultation to explore how this medical intervention can enhance your chances of conception.

What is Artificial Insemination?

Artificial insemination (IUI) is a medical procedure used to enhance the chances of pregnancy when couples experience fertility issues. 

In this procedure, the doctor shortens the time and distance the sperm needs to travel to reach the egg, making fertilization more achievable. This is done by placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus when the ovaries release an egg.

To introduce sperm directly into the uterus, the doctor first locates the cervix (the neck of the uterus) using a special instrument called a speculum. Once the cervix is found, a catheter (small tube) is inserted into the uterus to inject the sperm.

Using this method, it is expected that sperm and egg can meet in the fallopian tube (the tube connecting the ovaries and the uterus). If they successfully meet in the fallopian tube, fertilization occurs. Indicating a successful pregnancy for you and your partner.

According to a study titled "Predicting Success of Intrauterine Insemination Using A Clinically Based Scoring System," the IUI procedure itself has a success rate of up to 11% per month (each fertile cycle). To increase the success rate by 45%, it is recommended to undergo the procedure up to 5 cycles.

Apart from artificial insemination, this medical procedure is also known as intrauterine insemination, donor insemination, and artificial insemination.

Who is Recommended for Artificial Insemination (IUI)?

The decision on which fertility program to pursue is not entirely yours to make. Your doctor will help to decide depending on your health condition, fertility level, and both your partner's age.

Your doctor might suggest IUI if you or your partner have:

1. Unexplained Fertility Issues

If the cause of infertility is unknown, you may be prescribed certain medications to help the ovaries produce more eggs. This increases the success rate of fertilization during IUI.

2. History of Endometriosis

Infertility issues due to endometriosis can be addressed through IUI. The doctor may recommend IUI while providing medications to maintain eggs' quality, resulting in a higher success rate.

3. Low Sperm Quality

Your partner may have mild fertility issues complicating pregnancy, such as:

• Low sperm production, making fertilization difficult.
• Abnormal sperm morphology, prompting the use of donor sperm for fertilization (though not all countries legalize donor sperm procedures).
• Poor sperm motility, hindering the journey to the egg.

IUI can address these mild infertility issues, as the doctor separates low-quality sperm from high-quality sperm in the laboratory before insertion into the uterus.

4. Cervical Issues

Female cervical issues can lead to infertility. IUI can handle common cervical problems such as:

• Thick cervical mucus hindering sperm penetration.
• Scar from biopsies or other procedures causing wall thickening, making it difficult for sperm to traverse to the uterus.

5. Ovulation Problems

In some cases, women may experience ovulation disorders leading to infertility. Causes include a reduced number of eggs in the ovaries or a decrease in the number of mature eggs released into the fallopian tube.

6. Inability to Engage in Vaginal Intercourse

Certain conditions may prevent couples from engaging in vaginal intercourse, for example:

• Disabilities.
• Psychosexual disorders (e.g., erection issues, lack of sexual desire).
• Although quite rare, there are cases of women allergic to proteins in semen, causing swelling and burning sensations during intercourse. In such instances, natural entry of sperm into the uterus is not possible and requires assistance through IUI.

7. Conditions Requiring Assisted Pregnancy

If you or your partner has a condition that makes unprotected intercourse unsafe, like HIV, assistance is needed for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

In conclusion, IUI is a recommended option for those facing those specific fertility challenges, offering a tailored approach to address individual needs and increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

IUI Treatment Preparation

The intrauterine insemination procedure is typically conducted in a doctor's office, eliminating the need for an operating room. The procedure is also performed with the patient fully conscious as it does not induce pain.

If you are diagnosed with unexplained fertility issues, the doctor may prescribe medication to be taken for 10-12 days before the IUI. These drugs aim to increase the number of follicles in the ovaries (a kind of pouch where eggs grow and develop) and enhance the quantity of mature eggs ready for fertilization.

During this period, the doctor will continuously monitor the development of egg cells in the ovaries. This is crucial to ensure that IUI is performed precisely during your ovulation (the release of a mature egg from the ovaries to the fallopian tube for fertilization).

Different methods may be employed by the doctor to monitor ovulation, such as:

• Transvaginal ultrasound to directly observe the condition of the ovaries and the growth of eggs through two-dimensional black-and-white images.
• Providing a test kit for at-home ovulation prediction through urine examination. This test kit can detect the level of luteinizing hormone which influences egg release.
• When the urine ovulation test indicates a positive result, the doctor may administer a shot of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to further boost the number of mature eggs simultaneously. The IUI procedure is typically performed 1-2 days after a positive ovulation result.

Meanwhile, your partner will provide a sperm sample to be "washed." This washing process aims to separate low-quality sperm from high-quality sperm. Additionally, it helps remove substances in the sperm that could potentially cause discomfort when inserted into the uterus, such as severe abdominal cramps.

IUI Procedure

During the intrauterine insemination procedure, you will be asked to wear special clothing and lie on the gynecological table with both legs placed in stirrups. This position, with your legs elevated and open, facilitates the doctor and nurse in the IUI process.

As previously explained, your vaginal wall will be opened using a tool named speculum. Afterward, with the vaginal wall open and the cervix located, the doctor will:

• Insert one end of the catheter into the tube containing the selected sperm.
• Insert the other end of the catheter into the uterus through the now-open cervix.
• Once ready, the doctor will push the sperm from the tube into the uterus.
• After all the sperm is inserted, the doctor will remove the catheter and speculum.

Some women who have undergone the IUI procedure liken it to having a pap smear (a procedure to detect cervical cancer).

Recovery After the IUI Procedure

After the IUI procedure is completed, you will be asked to lie down for 15-30 minutes or as per the doctor's recommendation. Following this, you can change clothes and resume your daily activities as usual.

To see the results of the IUI procedure, you'll need to wait for two weeks. After that, you'll need to undergo a check-up and a blood test to definitively determine whether the result is a positive pregnancy.

If pregnancy is not achieved, you and your partner may need to undergo the IUI procedure again with the same therapy and treatment for 3-6 cycles. This is done to enhance the chances of success.

Risks of Artificial Insemination

In most cases, artificial insemination falls into the category of simple and safe medical procedures. However, there is a small group that may experience health disturbances or unexpected conditions during this pregnancy program, including:

1. Infections

The likelihood of experiencing an infection after IUI is very low. Typically, this condition is marked by symptoms like fever, body chills, pelvic pain, and unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge.

2. Spotting

Occasionally, the process of inserting the catheter into the uterus may cause light bleeding in the vagina, known as spotting. While this occurrence may seem alarming, there is no need for excessive worry. It is generally harmless, recovers on its own within a few days, and does not affect the success rate of IUI.

3. Multiple Pregnancy

When IUI is accompanied by the use of fertility-enhancing drugs, there is a small possibility of a multiple pregnancy. Meaning you will be carrying more than a baby in your belly.

What is the Cost of Artificial Insemination (IUI) in Indonesia?

The estimated cost of artificial insemination in Indonesia starts from IDR 9,000,000 per cycle. If you are planning to get pregnant, planning a pregnancy via IUI at the Alpha IVF clinic which will soon be opened at The Sanur is your best choice.

Alpha IVF Clinic not only provides the latest medical technology related to artificial insemination and IVF, but is also committed to providing world-class facilities and services starting from the preparation process, during the procedure, to the time waiting for the results.

The best technology, facilities and services are the main focus because we believe that holistic health is one of the essential things for the success of the artificial insemination procedure.