Reasons Why IUI Fails

• 13 Apr, 2023
• IVF and Infertility
• infertility
• Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Nishi Singh
• Author: Prime IVF Centre

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a medical procedure that aims to help couples struggling with infertility. It involves the insertion of washed sperm directly into a woman’s uterus during ovulation. While IUI can be an effective method of assisted reproduction for some couples, it’s not a guaranteed solution for everyone. 

In this blog post, we’ll look into some possible reasons IUI may not lead to a successful pregnancy.

Symptoms of a failed IUI

If the IUI treatment doesn’t succeed, you may experience an abortion or have your period. If there are abnormalities in the quality of the egg and sperm, it could lead to chromosomal abnormalities and, eventually, spontaneous abortion. While there aren’t any particular symptoms to watch out for, if you experience unusual vaginal discharge or severe cramping or discomfort, you must seek medical advice immediately. 

Why Does IUI Treatment Fail?

There are several reasons why IUI may not result in a successful pregnancy. 

Ovarian Reserve

The ovarian reserve refers to the number of eggs a woman has left in her ovaries. If the ovarian reserve is low, it can reduce the chances of success in IUI treatment. Doctors may perform tests like ultrasound monitoring or ovarian reserve testing to determine the woman's ovarian reserve before recommending IUI.

Age

Women over 40 are less likely to be recommended for the procedure due to a decline in fertility and an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. IUI treatment may also be less effective for women in their late 30s or 40s. Therefore, doctors may suggest other fertility treatments or options for older women before recommending IUI.

Poor Quality Eggs

If the eggs are not healthy or of good quality, it can result in abnormal embryo development and increase the risk of miscarriage or congenital disabilities. Therefore, before recommending the IUI procedure, doctors may evaluate the quality of eggs through tests like ovarian reserve testing or ultrasound monitoring.

Poor Sperm Quality

Poor sperm quality can lead to a failed IUI procedure as it affects embryo development. Therefore, before proceeding with IUI, doctors may conduct a semen analysis to evaluate the quality and quantity of sperm. In cases of low sperm count or poor quality, doctors may suggest alternative fertility treatments.

Timing

The sperm must be introduced into the uterus within 24 hours of ovulation to increase the chances of fertilization. Doctors may track ovulation through ultrasound monitoring or ovulation predictor kits to ensure the IUI procedure is timed correctly.

Abnormal Endometrial Lining

If the endometrial lining is inadequate or faulty, it can lead to implantation failure or miscarriage. Therefore, before recommending IUI, doctors may evaluate the thickness and quality of the endometrial lining through ultrasound or hysteroscopy.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a hormone necessary for the maintenance of pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone can result in a failed IUI procedure or miscarriage. Therefore, doctors may monitor progesterone levels during the IUI treatment cycle and provide supplemental progesterone if necessary.

Severe Cases of Infertility

In some cases of infertility, IUI may not be recommended. Women with tubal blockage, endometriosis, or a previous history of pelvic infections may not be good candidates for IUI. Doctors may suggest alternative fertility treatments or procedures in such cases.

Unexplained Infertility

In some cases, the cause of infertility may be unknown, making it difficult to determine the best course of treatment. In these cases, IUI may not be effective, and other fertility treatments may need to be considered.

What Happens After a Failed IUI?

When IUI treatment fails, it may not always cause noticeable symptoms. If the treatment is unsuccessful, the next step may involve undergoing an abortion to induce a menstrual cycle and allow for periods to occur.

In some cases, if there are chromosomal defects or abnormalities in the quality of the eggs or sperm, this may result in a spontaneous abortion. Working with your healthcare provider to understand the potential outcomes and develop a plan for moving forward is essential.

It’s crucial not to ignore any symptoms or changes in your reproductive health if you’re trying to conceive. To avoid disappointment from recurrent failed attempts at conception, it’s essential to track your periods regularly and consult a gynecologist if you experience any unusual vaginal discharge or discomfort in your reproductive organs. Taking proactive steps and seeking professional medical advice can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.

What’s the Next Step After Multiple Failed IUI Cycles?

If a woman has a history of 3-4 failed IUI cycles, is above 35, and has a low ovarian reserve. As the next step after failing IUI, she should consider IVF a significant treatment. It has been proved through various research and studies that IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) and, in case of severe male factor infertility, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) can considerably increase the chances of conception and overcome IUI Failure.

It must also be remembered that IUI might be less expensive than IVF, but it’s not inexpensive by any means. The cost of the number of tries and medications keeps increasing, along with the impact of IUI failure on infertility. Moreover, pregnancy symptoms after failed IUI also have a low success rate compared to other ART procedures. 

Therefore, it is highly recommended that after 3-4 failed attempts, a couple should not keep continuing trying for their babies naturally after IUI pregnancy symptoms if nil, rather should consult an IVF Specialist.

Contact the Best Fertility Center

It is essential to seek professional advice before deciding on fertility treatments. You should consult with fertility experts at a reputable IVF center like Prime IVF Centre. These experts can guide you on whether IUI, IVF, or ICSI would be the best option for a healthy conception. They can also inform you about the success rates, risks, and costs associated with each procedure to help you make an informed decision. So, if you are facing fertility issues, do not hesitate to contact the experts at Prime IVF Centre for guidance and support.