‘Turkey Baster’ can up chances of conceiving

The Turkey Baster method of artificial insemination, which is also known as Intrauterine Insemination, has been proven to increase the possibility of live birth by 22 per cent. In this technique, the sperm is placed past the woman's cervix, within the uterus.

Fertility experts say that this helps ensure that the sperm and the uterus are in direct contact, thus increasing the chances of conception.

Dr Manjula Anagani, a fertility expert, says, “We normally recommend IUI to patients who can’t conceive. Factors such as infections which cause sperm to die before bypassing the cervix, tubal factors, and inadequate semen can affect the chances of achieving pregnancy. IUI is a simple act of insemination that is done on the day of ovulation. We recommend in vitro fertilisation only after the failure of at least six IUI sessions. We do see a good success rate with IUI.”

She says that age and time constraints are others reasons because of which couples opt for pregnancy through IUI. “We see young couples who want to get pregnant, by hook or by crook. They do not seem to have much time together, because of their busy job schedules, and hence they opt for IUI,” says Dr Anagani.

One of the major side effects of this method of insemination is severe abdominal cramps. The cramps are caused if semen is not processed properly, said Dr M. Prasad, an embryologist.

“The sperm contains bacteria and unwanted protein. If these are not processed by the uterus, they can cause cramps. Therefore, we often use a universal gradient to separate the healthy sperm and place only those in the uterus. We also need to ensure that there is no blockage in the Fallopian tubes,” Dr Prasad said. He put the success rate of IUI 40 to 50 per cent with continuous cycles.

Patients who suffer from mild cases of infertility are generally advised to try IUI before opting for IVF because it mimics the natural method of insemination more closely.

Dr Suma Prasad, a senior gynaecologist, says, “IUI is like natural conception. The timing is the only thing that is decided by the doctors. For youngsters, the success rate of IUI can be up to 60 per cent.”