Reasons for IUI failures depend on various factors. Being unable to get pregnant despite numerous attempts can be very frustrating for many couples. Intrauterine insemination (IUI), is one of the primary treatments for infertility. It is commonly recommended after unsuccessful attempts at natural conception.
IUI is a simple and safe treatment. The process takes a few minutes only. Moreover, it is cheap and used as first-line treatment in most cases of subfertility including male subfertility. IUI can be done if at least open and present.
IUI AND THE SUCCESS:
Couples who wish to conceive at an affordable price prefer IUI. Correspondingly IUI gets successful for some women in their first attempt itself. While for some it may take repeated cycles.
The probability of a successful IUI method for women under 35 is 10–20% per cycle. At ages 35 to 40, the success rate is approximately 8% to 10% . Subsequently, at ages 40 and above, it ranges from 2 to 5%. Although there may be many reasons for IUI failures, statistically the success rate of IUI is lower than IVF treatment.
WHY ONE NEEDS TO SWITCH FROM IUI TO ANOTHER TREATMENT:
Having multiple IUI cycles will make your mind and body give up on trying to conceive. Hence it’s better to switch to the next higher treatment for a better outcome. The reasons for switching from IUI may be any of the following:
*An average total motile sperm count (TMSC) of 10×106 /ml is good for IUI. If there is no pregnancy in 3-6 meticulously done IUI cycles with normal semen parameters, then the cause of infertility is something other than the gametes. These couples need further evaluation or advanced treatment such as IVF.
*Fertilization problem could be a reason for repeated IUI failures in unexplained infertility. Here Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is preferred over IVF.
*The cycle fecundability in the first three cycles of COH/IUI is higher than 4-6 cycles. So, one needs to wisely reconsider the decision regarding further treatment after 3 trials of IUI.
*There is no specific symptom of IUI failure. The failed IUI treatment will result in you in normal periods.
TO CONCLUDE:
Thus if you face repeated IUI failures speak with your fertility specialist and find the best alternative way to success. Primarily find the reasons for IUI failures and go for a better solution preferred by the fertility specialist. The cost of IUI keeps increasing along with the number of treatments and attempts making it expensive. At any instant don’t lose hope and stay strong with a positive mind.
