Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a procedure that is a kind of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). This infertility treatment method is used mostly in cases of male infertility, unexplained infertility, and cervical hostility.

IUI involves introducing the best quality sperm directly into the woman’s uterus for fertilisation. It is where the name intrauterine comes from, literally meaning “inside the uterus.” IUI treatment aims to inject the finest sperm into the uterus to make them as close to the egg as possible for fertilisation to take place.

Overall, IUI cost is largely dependent on the number of IUI cycles performed and the associated procedures and medications prescribed with it.

Here is a detailed list of IUI procedure step by step to understand the entire process and the subsequent cost:

Consultation

The initial consultation with the fertility of IVF specialist focuses on discussing the risks and benefits of the procedure and the medical history of the patient. At this appointment, the doctor will explain that the procedure does not guarantee 100% success.

Blood Tests and Scans

Detailed screening and testing of the patient are done to check hormone levels and any existing medical conditions that may be of concern.

Follow-up Consultation

A follow-up consultation is scheduled to discuss the lab results. Based on these results, the doctor decides the next course of treatment.

Hysterosalpingogram and Semen Analysis

The next step is a series of tests, including the Hysterosalpingogram and Semen Analysis. These tests will also carry their own cost. HSG test Price in India ranges from Rs 2000 to Rs 3400, while a semen analysis typically costs around Rs 400 to Rs 800.

Ovary stimulation

Following the baseline scan, a hormonal injection may be administered in women. This step will stimulate the ovaries to develop eggs for ovulation.

Monitoring

The patient is then evaluated and closely monitored to pinpoint when ovulation occurs.

Semen Sample

The semen sample is collected from the male partner or sperm donor.

Sperm wash

The next step of IUI treatment is to perform a Sperm wash and microfluidics. This will allow the doctors to select the best quality sperms and remove debris and seminal fluid.

Inseminate preparation

The specialists then prepare an inseminate with a determined concentration.

Speculum

Once ovulation occurs, a speculum is used to open the walls of the vagina and the cervix. Using a catheter, the doctors inject the inseminate into the uterus. The process aims to inject the sperm as close to the eggs as possible. The process barely takes 5-10 minutes. Women may be given a mild sedative and may experience mild cramping post-procedure.

Pregnancy test

Two weeks after the procedure, a beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (βhCG) test is taken to see if the woman has conceived.

The complete IUI Procedure Step by Step, discussed above, will incur different costs for the patient. This cost will be charged for one cycle of IUI. Most patients will require multiple cycles to increase the chances of pregnancy.

While the IUI cost for a single cycle may be around Rs 6000, the overall procedures and multiple cycles may cost around Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. To fit the entire process is one’s budget, the patients must discuss the overall cost of treatment beforehand. They can leave out some optional tests if they do not deem them necessary.

It is also recommended that patients are made aware of the overall cost from the beginning. This is so that they can choose a clinic that fits their budget.