Thursday, September 4, 2008

What exactly is an IUI???

Well, my Dr. called and I have our 1st appt this cycle for the IUI, it’s Monday, September 15th. Leading up to this IUI, I have had many friends and family ask…”Exactly what is an IUI?” Well, I have found some frequently asked questions with answers that might help you understand EXACTLY what we will be doing this month :o)

What is an IUI and how is it done?
An IUI -- intrauterine insemination -- is performed by threading a very thin flexible catheter through the cervix and injecting washed sperm directly into the uterus. The whole process doesn’t take very long— it usually only requires the insertion of a speculum and then the catheter, a process that maybe takes a couple of minutes (60-90 seconds to introduce the catheter, then sperm injection, and another 60 seconds or so to remove the catheter — going slowly helps reduce discomfort). Sometimes when the cervix is hard to reach a tenaculum is used to hold the cervix, which makes the process a bit more uncomfortable.

What is the success rate for IUI?
Searching through about a dozen medical journal articles and a number of web sites resulted in a rather wide range of statistics. Basically the odds of success are reported to be just under 6 percent and as high as 26 percent per cycle. The low statistics are with one follicle, while multiple follicles resulted in as high 26 percent success. Another influencing factor is sperm count. Higher sperm counts increase the odds of success; however, there was little difference between success with good-average counts and those with high counts. The overall success rate seems to be between 15-20 percent per cycle, judging from the articles which will be abstracted below. The rate of multiple gestation pregnancies is 23-30 percent

What does an IUI feel like?
Most women consider IUI to be fairly painless -- along the same lines as having a pap smear. There can be some cramping afterward, but often what is felt is ovulation-related rather than from the IUI. The catheter usually doesn't feel like much since the cervix is already slightly open for ovulation -- a poorly timed IUI might cause more discomfort at the cervix.

Do I need to take it easy after an IUI?
Most people don't need to, but if you had cramping or don't feel well afterward it makes sense to take it easy for awhile. Some people reduce their aerobic activity and heavy lifting during the luteal phase in hopes it will increase the chance of implantation. So you don’t have to take it easy, but it will only help.

At what size are follicles considered mature?
Many doctors monitor follicle development during IUI cycles. Most trigger when the dominant follicle is within a certain size range. While there is always some difference in doctor preference, the norms are unmedicated 20-24mm, clomiphene citrate 20-24mm, FSH-only meds 17 or 18mm minimum, and FSH+LH would be 16 or 17mm minimum. It is possible for slightly smaller follicles, 14-15mm, to contain a viable egg. Also, follicles continue to grow until they release, usually at a rate of about 1-2 mm per day. A woman may ovulate more than one follicle in a cycle, but the releases will occur within 24 hours. When hCG is not used, only follicles close in size are likely to release. The use of hCG induces ovulation in about 95 percent of women, and will get most mature follicles to rupture.

What are the risks involved in IUI?

The main risks are some discomfort such as cramping, minor injury to the cervix that leads to bleeding or spotting, or introduction of infection—There are also risks of hyperstimulation associated with the use of ovulation induction medications such as clomiphene citrate (low risk) and gonadotropin therapy (higher risk). Proper technique and adequate monitoring reduce risks.


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5 comments:

Gemma said...

Hey Tiffany~ I left you a message in iampregnant because I forgot my password on here. Anyways, I am so excited for you, keep me posted. Talk to you soon, Gem

Ape said...

I cant wait to see what the future holds for yall!! We ♥ you and are ALWAYS here for you every step of the way!

The Freas' said...

Thanks for the comment. It is so nice to know someone who is going through the same things. We will keep you and Zach in our prayers also. Beth gave me the link to your blog awhile ago, I check it often for updates. Good luck this month! By the way how do you get your page to look so nice? Mine is so plain. I will check soon for an update.

lots of love said...

YES! That's the same couple! I didn't know you guys went to that church too. When did yall start going there? We left in May & had been there for 3-4 yrs. Our sun school class from there has a blog linked on ours if you hadn't already seen it-Christian Living. They're an awesome group!
Well, I just really pray that you guys are able to be blessed with your own BUT if it does lead you guys to adoption then I pray that you guys have as smooth a ride as our friends did & it will lead you to the happiness you guys deserve! I think about yall every day seriously & just hope for the best for you guys! Talk to ya soon!

Amanda Warden said...

I don't know you, but I knew your husband all throughout school. I just want to say I pray for you, and I find a LOT of strength through you. You are such a strong woman, and I pray that you two get your miracle! Good luck today!





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