What are the different types of IUI cycles?
An IUI can be conducted during a natural cycle of menstruation or can be done with fertility medications. This is incumbent upon a wide range of factors such as history, preference, and diagnostic testing. In most cases, the patient will be put on medication for the stimulation of egg growth and help time ovulation with insemination.
Some of the common types of IUI cycles include:
The Natural Cycle:
This is where the female is not required to or not put on any drugs, and she will release an egg as per the natural cycle wherein the fertility expert will try to get the sperms as close to the release egg as possible at just the right time.
The Trigger Cycle
As the name suggests, this type of IUI cycle involves the use of hormonal medication to trigger ovulation, and then the fertility expert times the insemination accordingly. IUI is undertaken typically around 12 to 36 hours after the trigger medication is administered.
Oral Med Cycle
In an oral med cycle, the medication administered for the triggering of ovulation is done orally. This stimulates the release of FSH and LH. Oral med cycles have the advantage of increasing conception and live birth rates.
Injectable Med cycle
In an injectable med cycle, the female is injected with a dose of gonadotropin medications and this method is preferred only after a previous failure. Also, this increases the possibilities of multiple births per IUI cycle.
Ultrasound and blood monitoring
During the course of the IUI cycle, the doctors will require the patient to be ascertained with the help of ultrasound scans and blood work. This is done for checking uterine lining, follicles, eggs, and understand how hormone levels are progressing during the IUI process. This helps mitigate risk, identify potential problems, and ensures a safe & success IUI cycle.
No monitoring + OPK
In case of patients opting for a natural IUI cycle, the requirements of ultrasound scans and blood work is relatively less. They can also use an Ovulatory Predictor Kit that helps them ascertain the time of ovulation.
