IUI Treatment Cost

IUI Treatment Cost: Procedure and Risks

Intrauterine insemination( IUI) is a standard procedure used to treat infertility. In this treatment process, sperm is placed inside the woman’s uterus to get pregnant naturally. IUI can also be used when a man has difficulty ejaculating or if a couple has unexplained infertility. Like other infertility treatments, if IUI treatment cost is compared it is less expensive and less invasive.

It is a popular infertility treatment option because of its high success rate and affordability. It can also be used in conjunction with other fertility treatments like IVF.

IUI Treatment Procedure

Before the Treatment Process

The IUI procedure is done during the time of ovulation, and if you have any problem with ovulation, your doctor will prescribe medicine to induce ovulation. And will also suggest some tests to ensure IUI is the proper treatment for you. These tests include:-

  • Blood test to see the presence of hormone and ovarian reserve. 
  • Genetic tests to find out whether you are suffering from any particular disease.
  • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is to see whether your fallopian tube allows the sperm to travel.

Procedure of IUI Treatment

The IUI process takes approximately 30 minutes and is done using artificial insemination as it permits the doctor to control how much and when to place the sperm into the uterus. The steps involved in the IUI procedure are as follows:-

1. Preparation of Semen

Firstly the doctor washes the semen to separate the highly active and normal sperm from the lower-quality sperm. And also the unwanted elements to avoid the reaction in the woman’s body that could affect fertilization. Then to enhance the chance of pregnancy, a highly concentrated sample of healthy sperm is used.

2. Monitoring of Ovulation

After that, ovulation is monitored because the time of IUI is significant. The doctor may also give injections of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) or medications to help you ovulate one or more eggs at the right time.

3. Optimal Timing

Most IUI treatments are done a day or two after detecting ovulation to enhance the chance of pregnancy.

4. Transfer of Sperm

The doctor transfers a healthy sperm through a long, thin, flexible tube (catheter) through the cervix into the uterus. Then remove the catheter, and the patient can go home after that pregnancy test is done after two weeks of IUI treatment.

IUI Treatment Cost

IUI is also known as artificial insemination. IUI treatment cost can range from $500 to $4000. However, your cost can vary widely. The components that determine its price are as follows:-

1. Medication

Medications are essential for the success of any treatment. It helps to ensure that ovulation occurs at the right time. Letrozole and clomid are the most commonly used, and this can cost $100 per cycle. And when a more robust response is required, gonadotropins are given, which can cost $2000 per cycle. Sometimes tigger shots are also necessary, costing between $50 to $250.

2. Monitoring and Blood Work

Monitoring and blood work are critical as they ensure that follicles containing eggs grow appropriately. And if it is not growing at an appropriate rate, it can lead to multiple births and be dangerous. This IUI treatment cost between $500 to $1000 per cycle.

3. Insemination

The insemination process can range from $150 to $ 400. In this process, sperm is injected into the uterus. The insemination cost can vary depending on whether you choose natural or stimulated IUI. The couple has not spent much if they decide on natural IUI.

IUI Treatment Cost in India

The following are the factors that affect the IUI treatment cost in India:-

1. Type of Infertility

If the cause of infertility is a male factor or unexplained, then IUI can be recommended And is also less expensive than IVF. IVF is generally recommended if IUI fails. 

2. Woman’s Age

Age plays a vital role in the success of infertility treatment. The higher the age, the lower the success rate. So women under 35 years have a higher chance of success with IUI.

3. Number of Cycles Required

The cost of treatment depends on the number of cycles required—the more cycles higher the cost of IUI treatment. The success and failure of the cycle decide the number of cycles needed for any patient.

4. Medicines

Medicines are essential for any fertility treatment. And its cost can vary depending on the type and brand of drugs prescribed. The price can go higher in the case of injections.

5. Follicle Monitoring

In IUI treatment, there is a need for thorough follicle monitoring. There can be additional expenses depending on the number of times you may have to go for follicle monitoring and the location of the clinics. 

Conclusion

IUI can help you achieve your dream of having a child. It is an affordable treatment option for couples facing fertility issues such as unexplained infertility, male factor infertility, and ovarian dysfunction. It is safe, effective, and also has a high success rate. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

No, the IUI procedure is not painful. Women may experience slight discomfort during the process. However, it is temporary and goes as the process completes.

IUI treatment cost is less expensive than IVF as IUI is less intensive and involves fewer medications.

There are no severe side effects with IUI treatment. One can have mild cramping and bloating due to the medication.

There is no serious risk involved. One can have spots due to a catheter or infection.

Before moving to IVF, 3 to 6 cycles of IUI are done.

The success rate of IUI treatment is 20 % for a healthy fertile couple. And couples under the age of 35 have a 10% success rate in the first cycle. However, depending on the medications used, it can go up to 20%.

IUI and IVF are infertility treatments but differ from each other. In IUI, male sperm is artificially introduced into the woman’s uterus. In IVF, the egg and sperm are fertilized in a lab—and then fertilized egg and sperm are called embryos transferred to the woman’s uterus.