How IUI Can Help with PCOS
There are many ways to treat women who have PCOS and want to become pregnant. If fertility drugs such as Clomid don't work, there are a number of other interventions that can be explored. One such intervention is IUI.
What Is IUI?
IUI stands for intrauterine insemination, and it is a medical procedure whereby the partner's sperm is placed directly into the woman's uterus. The sperm is first put through a centrifuge and is then injected into the uterus using a catheter. This procedure is done during the ovulation time in the woman's cycle with the hope that it will induce pregnancy.
How Is This Procedure Done?
First, the sperm will be put through a centrifuge and prepared. You will be asked to identify that sperm to make sure that it is the correct one. The physician will then put a speculum into the vagina to have the cervix in view. A small amount of sperm will be put into a syringe with a tiny catheter attached. The catheter is then placed through the cervix and the sperm is injected directly into the uterus. The catheter and speculum are then removed and you'll need to rest for a short period of time before being able to go home.
What are the Advantages?
The advantages of using IUI, particularly for someone with PCOS, are many. This procedure puts a large number of sperm into the uterus at one time. This amount is a significantly larger amount than would be placed there with normal intercourse. This raises the chances of becoming pregnant, and most of the time the success rate for a woman who is ovulating is 15%. The procedure is relatively painless and is done as an outpatient procedure.
What are the Disadvantages?
For women with PCOS, IUI may not be an option for everyone. One of the problems that PCOS causes is a lack of ovulation. Since this procedure needs to be timed with the time in the month when you ovulate, this can obviously be a problem. The woman will need to be on medication for ovulation before trying out IUI, or she needs to be someone who already ovulates regularly.
If you have PCOS and want to become pregnant, it is certainly worthwhile talking to your doctor about IUI. He will discuss this option, and many others, with you and will, hopefully, help you to try to become pregnant. Keep your hopes up and educate yourself about all of your options for the best possible outcome!
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