When a couple tries to conceive without success, it can result in mental and physical health. The couple cannot fulfill the dream of having children due to various reproductive system conditions such as infertility. Seeking professional medical care can help improve the chances of becoming parents. Consider visiting Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples and meet the specialist Nathalie Gutierrez-Prieto MD, who will examine and draft your treatment plan to fulfill your parenthood dream.
At Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples, a team of certified physicians with extensive experience and diverse specialties work tirelessly to give the best possible outcomes to their patients. The team understands the importance of discovering a cause to proceed with your plans to start a family. Visit the facility, and be guaranteed, to receive personalized attention and top-quality health care. The following is certain information you need to know about infertility:
Overview of Infertility
Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after repeated intercourse. Infertility can be experienced in either of the partners and can be caused by some of the following factors:
- Low sperm count.
- Sterilization.
- Ejaculation disorder.
- Medicines and drugs such as steroids.
- Fibroids.
- Cervical mucus problem.
- Endometriosis.
If a couple attempts to achieve pregnancy without success for a long time, both are evaluated to ascertain their fertility level.
What Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
IUI involves transferring semen to a woman’s uterus by use of a thin catheter. It is done during ovulation time and with the help of fertility drugs to maximize the likelihood of getting pregnant.
When Is IUI Recommended?
In the case of a woman, the doctor recommends an IUI if you have a condition like endometriosis, where small womb linings start growing in other places. Also, IUI can be carried out if you have unreceptive cervical mucus, blocking the sperm from entering your uterus. The IUI bypasses the cervical mucus and directly to the uterus. For the case of a man, the doctor recommends an IUI when the sperm count is low. The sperm produced cannot swim through the cervix into the uterus for fertilization to occur.
How Is IUI Performed?
An IUI can be performed using a donor’s sperm or egg, or couples may opt for their sperm and egg. The female will be subjected to fertility drugs before the IUI to increase the chances of conception. The male will be asked to take some breaks from sexual intercourse to increase the sperm count. After a few days, the doctor will collect a sample from the man and wash it to remove chemicals that may react with the uterus. Then the woman will lie down after the IUI to allow the sperm to reach the uterus and for fertilization to take effect.
What Are the Risks of an IUI?
The following factors may affect the success rate of the insemination. They include:
- The age of the woman.
- Severe endometriosis.
- Damaged fallopian tube.
- Blockage of the fallopian tube.
- Poor sperm or egg quality.
Specialists at the Women’s Healthcare Physicians of Naples are well trained and offer solutions to all fertility-related problems giving you the joy of having children. To access and learn more about their services, call or book online.
