Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) also called artificial insemination is an excellent choice for couples suffering from unexplained fertility issues, endometriosis, low sperm count, lower sperm motility rate, and so on.
IUI is less intensive and more affordable than the IVF (In vitro fertilization) process and can help address mild fertility issues.
IUI involves a series of steps that help in attaining pregnancy. One of these steps is insemination which takes place after the administration of the follicle rupturing injection.
So, IUI after follicle rupture is the right way of performing the procedure.
To understand this you must have a clear idea of the IUI procedure in general.
IUI Process: Insemination After Follicle Rupture
- IUI includes fertility assessment, ovulation monitoring, hCG injection to trigger egg release, and sperm placement in the uterus after follicle rupture.
First, the couple’s fertility levels will be examined, along with a review of their medical history relevant to fertility.
Then, the woman’s menstrual cycle will be monitored to note the ovulation window. The ovulation window is the optimal time to introduce the semen into the uterus to fertilize the ruptured egg with the sperm. So, the ovulation window is closely monitored using ultrasound scans.
Right before ovulation, when the follicles in the ovaries seem mature enough a follicle-rupturing injection, commonly the hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injection, is administered to induce ovulation under an observant environment.
After the injection is administered, it takes roughly 24 hours for the follicle to rupture and release the eggs.
Once the egg is about to get released the washed and screened sperm collected from the male donor is let into the uterus of the woman using a catheter. This is called the IUI procedure.
The IUI procedure thus is performed after the rupture of the follicles and not before its rupture.
The Importance of Timing Ovulation in IUI
- IUI timing is crucial, with ovulated eggs lasting 24 hours and sperm surviving up to five days; insemination typically follows an hCG injection to enhance pregnancy success
The ovulation phase is when the matured follicles in the ovaries release eggs during the cycle of menstruation.
The egg released during ovulation lives only up to 24 hours in the uterus. So, it is essential to time the day of ovulation and introduce the sperm to enhance the pregnancy rate.
A few days before ovulation and the day of ovulation are ideal for fertilization. It is called the fertility window and the sperm must be introduced around this period.
Sperm can live up to five days in the uterus. Thus, they can be introduced a few days before the rupture of the follicles or on the day of ovulation.
Generally in IUI, insemination is done after the administration of the hCG injection to rupture follicles to get a higher impregnation success rate.
Single IUI vs Double IUI
- Single IUI occurs after follicle rupture, while double IUI may be postponed if ovulation doesn't occur within 12-24 hours.
Single IUI refers to the IUI process that gets executed after the set period designated for the follicles to rupture after the administration of the follicle-rupturing injection. It usually takes around 12 to 24 hours.
If the follicles do not rupture between 12 to 24 hours after the follicle-rupturing injection administration, the insemination procedure will be postponed. The rupture of follicles is monitored for another 12 or 24 hours and when the ovulation process takes place the semen is then introduced into the uterus. This is called double IUI and it takes place in a single menstrual cycle.
Thus, calculating the timing of egg release or rupture of follicles is crucial in IUI and the insemination process or IUI is often executed after follicle rupture.
Purpose of Rupture Injections
The rupture injections as hCG injections are given to stimulate the mature follicles to release the egg. The rupture injections help fertility doctors to time the release of eggs and execute the IUI procedure under a monitored environment. This helps doctors to make much use of the fertility window and increase the chances of pregnancy.
To know about the symptoms of egg rupture after HCG Injection, check the linked article
Conclusion
The timing of the fertility window plays a key role in IUI and the insemination process is executed after the rupture of follicles.
Fertility doctors use ultrasound techniques, fertility-enhancing medications, and other scientific methods to make the IUI process a success. So, if you are undergoing IUI treatment, follow the advice of your fertility doctor to succeed in attaining pregnancy.
In case of any doubts regarding the IUI process, feel free to consult a fertility specialist.
FAQs
IUI is typically most effective when performed just before or during ovulation, as this timing ensures the sperm are present in the fallopian tubes when the egg is released, maximizing the chances of fertilization.
Before IUI, avoid heavy exercise, as it can cause stress on the body, and steer clear of alcohol, smoking, and caffeine, as these can affect fertility. Also, try to manage stress and avoid any over-the-counter medications without consulting your doctor, as they may interfere with the procedure’s effectiveness.