Many women are facing recurrent failure attempts in the artificial insemination process without knowing the failure reasons. It is an intensive process, specifically designed for pairs who are unable to conceive naturally. This treatment benefits many pairs to achieve their dream of parenting.
The healthcare provider may directly inject healthy sperm into the woman’s uterus, reducing the time it takes for the sperm to reach the egg. The success rate of this artificial fertilization procedure is high for persons who are suffering from sperm-related problems. However, some criteria may make this process a failure. In this article, we will discuss the common factors and techniques that lead to the failure of this IUI treatment.
Common Reasons for IUI Failure
There are several reasons influencing the failure of IUI treatment as follows:
Female Factors
- Age: The most common factor involved in the process of IUI is the age of the woman. Age is the crucial thing that determines the quality of the egg. If the egg into which we are going to insert the healthy sperm is not good enough, then it fails the IUI treatment.
- Oocyte quantity: This term refers to the count of best-quality oocytes that are present in the ovaries of a woman. As the age declines, the quality of the oocytes begins to decline. Women between the ages of 18 to 30 can be more fertile and have a decent count of eggs.
- The common cause of infertility: Sometimes, infertility is associated with ovulation problems. Due to irregular periods, the ovulation time cannot be detected and prevents pregnancy.
Male Factors
- Sperm quality: Like oocytes, the quality of sperm is also vital for the IUI process. Conditions like teratozoospermia, where sperm have abnormal shapes, can affect fertility and the success of treatments like IUI. Maintaining sperm quality and mobility involves several factors, including good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
- Medications taken for depression, immunosuppressants, and some other drugs may disrupt the ovulation process and cause infertility.
Timing and Technique
- Timing is important during IUI treatment. If you have irregular periods, you must inform your physician to support your fertility treatment. Because IUI treatment must be undergone for 1 to 2 days after signs of ovulation occur in the test. After this sperm is injected into the uterus through a sharp catheter. This procedure is simple and consumes less time to complete.
Unexplained Infertility
- This term refers to the lack of ability of fertility tests to identify the reason that causes infertility. In this condition, you do not get an answer for your infertility even through medical tests.
Lifestyle Factors Affecting IUI Success
The lifestyle factors of both men and women can affect the IUI success rate. Lifestyle changes in males directly affect sperm quality and sperm count. Men must avoid wearing tight fits, having hot baths, unhealthy foods, alcohol consumption, and smoking for the sperm retrieving process.
Women also restrict their intake of unhealthy foods and diets. Physicians may recommend some lifestyle changes for women to undergo IUI treatment. They include following a regular food diet with high nutrients. Adequate intake of water and exercises may reduce stress and anxiety in your body and prepare you for the IUI treatment.
When to Consider Other Options
What Happens After a Failed IUI?
After a failed IUI treatment, your body may get ready to start your menstrual cycle and allow your period to shed. In some situations, an abnormal sperm or egg may lead to abortions. Speak with your healthcare provider about the implications of this IUI failure. If you’re trying to conceive, be sure to pay attention to any changes in your reproductive health. To recover from your disappointment of repeated fertility failures. Track your menstrual cycle and changes found in your reproductive organs.
How Doctors Help Someone with a Failed IUI?
IVF doctors can provide guidelines for patients who have failed their IUI treatment frequently. They are as follows:
- Provide full guidance and evaluation of your IUI treatment.
- Convince you about the underlying causes of infertility.
- Will respond to all your questions related to infertility.
- Again, guides you with an organized treatment plan.
- Advise you for further IVF procedures that suit your reproductive health.
Improve Chances of Success in Future Cycles
When it comes to fertility treatment, timing, egg quality, and sperm quality are decisive factors in the IUI process. The medications provided in the IUI treatment increase the number of eggs. Most physicians suggest remaining flat on your back after your insemination treatment. Research says that women who lie down at their backs for fifteen minutes of the insemination cycle may have a 10% more chance to get conceiving.
The following methods can increase the chances of the IUI cycle:
- Eat some healthy foods and follow a superfood diet that supports your body with all the required nutrients.
- Add supplements to enhance the quality of your egg or sperm. This can also increase the implantation process, which overcomes the odds of IUI treatment.
- Don’t stress yourself by doing intensive exercises. Focus on doing moderate exercises like walking and swimming. In addition to that, do meditation and yoga practices to eliminate your stress and anxiety.
- Have good sleeping habits to ensure balanced hormones in your body.
Conclusion
Artificial insemination is the foundational treatment for understanding the cause of your infertility issues. It can be considered an affordable fertility treatment that requires a prolonged process. In the beginning phase itself, you know the consequences of your infertility problem. You are advised to follow the guidance of your physician to get better results.
FAQs
It is the second chance you are getting to correct your mistakes. Necessary modifications are to be made to get optimistic results. The double-time process may increase your chances of success.
Age and poor-quality eggs are the major reasons for unsuccessful IUI.
One or two follicles are ideal for IUI treatment.
Yes. It is possible to get pregnant naturally after a failed IUI treatment.