yasmin,hopeformiracle,
no prob.. I try to share what I know .. do correct me if I am wrong hor
yup IUI is called intra-uterine insemination. Sperm are collected and washed so that debris and impurities are removed before they are placed directly into the uterus past the cervix. If these sperm are not washed, severe infection will occur cos normally when we BD, impurities and debris in the semen do not enter our uterus as they are already filtered at the cervix.
The diff between SO-IUI and IUI is only the stimulation phase where follicles are stimulated.
In normal IUI, either you managed to produce enough FSH on your own to stimulate your ovaries to produce 1 egg (as natural selection set in such that the biggest follicle will get to ovulate only) OR clomid is given to help you produce FSH to produce the desired egg. Optionally, a trigger shot is given to induce ovulation and then the next day, IUI is performed. Or you monitor your ovulation by opk.
In SO-IUI cycles, the major difference is the administration of injectibles. Directly injecting FSH (common brands used are puregon/follistim, gonal-f, metrodin) into your body daily to stimulate your follicles. This time, the aim is superovulation ie. To produce more than 1 egg. The target is normally more than 1 and lesser than or equal to 3. Alternate days vaginal u/s scan is performed to make sure you respond as expected to the injections, if not, then dosage will be adjusted. Once the follicles reached a mature size, hcg trigger shot will be given to ovulate those eggs. Similar to normal IUI, washed sperm will be placed into the uterus the next day. Most programs will include luteal phase progesterone support to help you with any resulting pregnancy.
In the superovulation/stimulation phase, if too many mature follicles are stimulated, you may be offered to convert to IVF instead. Else the cycle will be cancelled cos it will result in higher order multiple pregnancies ..
But rest assured, u will be closely monitored throughout the cycle.
btw, no need to worry abt the injections, its painless... cos those needles are sooooo tiny and whats more you are injecting on your tummy area where there's enough fat to cushion any pain. Its unlike normal intramuscular injection administered by doctors where it is more painful.
btw, SO-IUI has a higher success rate than normal IUI. Also, there is a slightly higher risk of multiple pregnancy (commonly twins).
