Among the first treatments offered to couples experiencing fertility challenges is intrauterine insemination, called IUI for short, and sometimes also referred to as artificial insemination. This is because of its effectiveness in treating a range of fertility problems, as well as its simplicity and affordability.

The IUI treatment process

During an intrauterine insemination or IUI procedure, warned and washed sperm are introduced into the woman’s uterus using a thin flexible plastic tube, which is passed through the cervix.

To ensure the best chance of conception, the procedure is done around the time of ovulation. It is done in two ways at Medfem Fertility Clinic: in a natural ovulation cycle without fertility drugs or in a stimulated cycle with fertility drugs.

The procedure is usually painless and requires only a few minutes. A few women will experience temporary menstrual-like cramping. All normal activities can be resumed after the procedure.

IUI can be performed with sperm from a male partner or from a sperm donor. At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we have a professional donor program and donors are screened for sexually transmittable agents (including HIV) and genetically inherited diseases. We have assisted single women and lesbian couples in building their families for many years.

Success rates and risks of IUI

During normal intercourse, only a small amount of sperm makes it to the woman’s uterus and into the fallopian tubes where fertilisation takes place.

Significantly increasing the chance of fertilisation, during IUI large amounts of the best performing sperm are inserted directly into a woman’s uterus.

Success rates vary among patient groups but in general, a healthy woman under the age of 35 can expect a pregnancy rate of between 9% and 15% per cycle. It is common for a woman to undertake multiple IUI procedures.

The success rate depends on the woman’s age and egg quality, the health of her tubes and on the male partner’s sperm count. Where there is a problem with sperm quality, the success rate drops to approximately 10% per cycle, even if IUI is performed following ovarian stimulation.

Fertility specialists usually recommend three cycles of IUI, and if these are not successful, suggest more advanced methods such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

IUI is a low-risk fertility treatment. However, all medical procedures entail risk, and in the case of IUI, the medications that may be required entail a low risk of multiple pregnancies and of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

For those having trouble conceiving, having twins may seem like a blessing, but complications such as miscarriage and low birth weight are much more common in twins than in single pregnancies. The risk of multiple pregnancies is increased as fertility medications used during IUI can cause more than one follicle to develop. At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we manage the risk by closely monitor patients taking the medication. If a fertility specialist notices more than three maturing follicles on ultrasound prior to the procedure, the IUI procedure may be cancelled for that treatment cycle.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening medical condition which may occur when ovaries have been overly stimulated by fertility medications. The ovaries may increase in size and produce large amounts of fluid, causing pain and bloating in the abdomen. If severe, it can cause problems with breathing or urinating. At Medfem Fertility Clinic, our fertility specialists closely monitor each patient while they are taking fertility medication.

Who benefits most from IUI?

In addition to being the most commonly used fertility treatment for lesbian and single women, IUI is mainly used when timed intercourse or hormonal medications have not worked, or if there are mild problems with the sperm such as a mild sperm abnormality, anti-sperm antibodies or poor motility.

In addition, IUI can be used to overcome infertility due to physical problems with sexual intercourse, such as vaginismus which may prevent some women from having frequent intercourse. IUI can also address ovulation problems, including irregular or absent ovulation often caused by a controlling hormone deficiency, as well as mucus hostility, which may arise as a result of a vaginal infection or the presence of antisperm antibodies in the mucus; and mild endometriosis, which occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of a woman’s uterus grows in other places, such as on the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

In the male partners, IUI can provide a solution to low sperm count, because even if the sperm count is low, it can still be used due to the treatment received in the laboratory. It will also address ejaculation problems due to impotence or paraplegia; and retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when the semen goes backwards into the bladder instead of coming out of the penis.

What does IUI cost?

When it comes to the cost of IUI, it is not possible to provide a one-size-fits-all number, because each couple is different. However, IUI is a more affordable fertility treatment option compared to, for example, IVF (in vitro fertilisation).

The cost of a single IUI procedure will vary from couple to couple based on numerous variables, such as whether fertility medications will be taken or if donor sperm is required. In addition, more than one treatment cycle may be necessary.

It is important to understand that this procedure and its costs are part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The best way to understand the costs involved is to ask your fertility specialist for a comprehensive breakdown of the treatment options and the costs for each.

Fertility clinics that offer IUI

IUI treatment is widely available at fertility clinics throughout South Africa, but it is important to make the right choice when deciding at which fertility clinic you will receive IUI treatment.

The road to becoming a parent when you are facing fertility issues can be a tough challenge, not just medically, but also emotionally and financially. For this reason, you want to ensure you are choosing the right team with the right equipment, experience and technology to help you achieve the pregnancy you dream of.

At Medfem we believe in helping you reach your family dream through:

.: World-Class Fertility for Everyone – we believe in making world-class fertility treatments available for everyone
.: A Positive Fertility Journey – It is our joy and commitment to give you a positive outcome to your fertility journey
.: Delivered With Empathy & Caring – So you may have a fond memory, of a feeling of empathy, caring and being part of the Medfem Fertility Clinic family

If you would like to meet one of our fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic, simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.

Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with You During a Virtual Consultation Via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.

We look forward to meeting you at Medfem Fertility Clinic!