From ancient times, conceiving naturally has always been an important aspect in a bid to experience the joy of parenthood. However, owing to the transforming eating habits, lifestyle, and widespread awareness, various prospects in the healthcare industry have witnessed a transition.
In this context, technological advancements have paved the way for assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), surrogacy, embryo transfer, and so on, to aid in achieving pregnancy conception in individuals who have been failing due infertility.`In an interaction with OnlyMyHealth, Dr Shiwali Tripathi, Apollo Fertility, Varanasi. Senior Consultant- Fertility & IVF. the advancements and benefits of Intrauterine Insemination.
Advancements In IUI
Refinements in Preparation
The preparation of sperm for insemination is the cornerstone of a successful IUI. The sperm sample is meticulously processed prior to treatment to remove impurities and non-motile sperm, concentrating the healthy and motile sperm for insemination. As a result, innovative techniques such as density gradient centrifugation and swim-up techniques have been developed to isolate high-quality sperm with excellent pregnancy rates.
Induction and Monitoring
It is not an overstatement to say that precise timing of insemination has always been necessary for the success of IUI. Previously, this element created difficulties because natural ovulation timing could be unpredictable or erratic. On the other hand, the development of ovulation induction and monitoring techniques has solved this issue. This is where advances in ultrasonography and hormonal assessments come into the limelight, ensuring IUI is administered during the woman's most fertile menstrual cycle, maximising the odds of successful conception.
Also read: Intrauterine Insemination: Expert Explains How This Artificial Insemination Can Treat Infertility
Benefits Of IUI
Less-Invasive and Disruptive
One of the major advantages of IUI over more invasive fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is its non-invasive and uncomplicated method. It does not necessitate any surgical procedures or the extraction of eggs from the ovaries. IUI is a minimally invasive procedure in which a catheter is gently placed into the uterus to deposit the prepared sperm. The procedure's simplicity contributes to its accessibility and affordability for couples seeking reproductive treatment.
Cost Effective
IUI is one of the most effective and safest female infertility therapies, with cost-effectiveness being the noticeable advantage. According to fertility experts, IUI fertility treatment is less expensive than IVF. This is because IUI does not involve any fertility medications, it works naturally. However, the cost of pursuing IUI varies depending on geography as well as individual demands.
IUI: Successful and Low-Risk Treatment
There is no denying the fact that technological advancements have led to a significant rise in intrauterine insemination (IUI). Furthermore, due to its growing popularity as a fertility treatment, it also offers a wide range of advantages. As a result, the IUI market saw tremendous growth. According to Future Market Insight, the IUI devices market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.6% to reach a valuation of $57.5 million by 2033.
Also read: IVF Explained: Different In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Techniques That Couples Should Know
It is true that ART alleviates the burden of infertility. In fact, monitoring the outcomes of technologies has gathered specific traction within new-age individuals. Thus, it is recommended to consult a fertility expert before opting for any treatment. Among various ART, IUI, a fertility treatment where sperms are placed directly into a woman's uterus, has gained significant attention due to its multiple benefits and advancements compared to others. As a result, it became a popular method to raise the chances of conception in some couples who have had trouble becoming pregnant.
In addition, individual variables, such as age, overall health, and the cause of infertility, influence IUI suitability and success rates. As a result, consultation with fertility specialists is critical to determining the best treatment option and thoroughly discussing the possible advantages and risks of IUI.