Taking Infertility Seriously
Tying for months to get pregnant without success? Then a trip to the doctor is not a bad idea. Several factors impact fertility including sperm and egg quality. If something is off, the odds of fertility drops. As infertility affects 1 in 8 couples, doctors can provide a host of solutions to the issue, including Intrauterine Insemination.
The what and why of IUI
An effective method doctors use to increase conception is artificial insemination. The technique applies sperm directly into the cervix or uterus. One type of artificial insemination is Intrauterine Insemination or IUI. IUI takes sperm, washes and prepares the best quality, then transplants the sperm into the uterus. There are specific scenarios where a doctor may suggest an IUI. Here are 3 reasons for an IUI.
1. It’s not you, it’s me: Male Factor Infertility
When the topic of infertility comes up, the female is often the focus. Yet, one-third of infertility problems are male related. Several factors determine a male factor infertility diagnosis. For instance, the shape of the sperm could be abnormal. Also, sperm production may be insufficient for successful fertilization. Another common factor is the inability of sperm to travel out of the testicles, due to blockage. Male factor infertility is a suitable candidate for ICI. Specialists extract and wash the best sperm. And as the sperm goes directly to the uterus, the chances of fertilization increases.
2. Cervical mucus problems
Can a lack of mucus impact fertility? Cervical mucus is a liquid created at the cervix with the help of estrogen. Cervical mucus creates the perfect conditions for sperm to reach the fallopian tubes. At the peak of ovulation, women create more cervical mucus, increasing the chances of becoming pregnant. Some women may not produce the mucus needed for sperm to travel safely to the egg. In other cases, cervical mucus may lack a healthy egg-white consistency. Once a doctor concludes cervical mucus as a problem, the next step may be ICI.
3. Explaining unexplained infertility
Imagine if a doctor provides a clean bill of health, yet the couple is still unable to get pregnant. This is a real scenario for as many as 30% of infertile couples. Unexplained infertility is the diagnosis, which is confusing to some. However, the term comes from a process of elimination rather than a space of knowledge. There may be a deeper issue, even unrelated to the male or female reproductive organs. At this stage, doctors will feel comfortable using IUI to increase the success of pregnancy.
Trusting the process
Couples can go through one or more of these scenarios. The key to improving the chance of a full term pregnancy lies in the advice of medical practitioners. Doctors can assess the problem and choose the right treatment. With IUI, rest assured the chances of a bundle of joy improves.
