Is IUI Worth it?

The Fertility Podcast

In this week’s episode, we talk to fertility consultant Rami Wakim. Rami, among other areas of expertise, specializes in Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

We wanted to chat with Rami to find out if these days IUI is really worth it or should you go straight to IVF. Kate mentioned that, in her opinion, she has seen fewer and fewer IUI procedures performed over recent years. Is IUI on the decline?

Rami starts off by giving us a really interesting insight into the history of IUI. Did you know that the first successful IUI took place in 1953? It then became more popular as a fertility treatment in the ’70s and ’80s. However, only 35 countries consider IUI as a method of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and only 30 consider it an appropriate treatment for single women.

So, is it worth it or is it just sex in a clinical room?

Rami spoke about how there isn’t any data about the success of IUI in the Middle East, Canada, and Australia and how

Europe only started offering data in 2002. There is currently not enough studies of IUI

Did you know that only 35 countries consider IUI as an ART technique?

When it comes to the NICE Guidelines, the suggestion for people who have not conceived after 6 cycles of donor sperm, should be offered a further 6 cycles ( 2013). You can read more here

In 2016 patients with unexplained or mild endometriosis or mild male factor should NOT be offered routine IUI, but should be advised to try naturally for 2 years before IVF considered

Rami highlighted the parameters for success with IUI are:

1. Good sperm quality
2. Treatment has to be well-timed with the cycle, either using ovulation induction or based on the LH surge.
3. Double insemination seems more effective for the malefactor

As some people are very scared of IVF, IUI is more accessible especially in communities where there is a lot of stigma around ART. People have the conviction to go for IVF after they have tried IUI, if they have been scared about the idea of it, at least they tried it.

You may be offered IUI if:

1. you're unable to have vaginal sex – for example, because of a physical disability or psychosexual problem

2. you have a condition that means you need specific help to conceive. For example, if 1 of you has HIV and it's not safe to have unprotected sex

3. you're in a same-sex relationship and have not become pregnant after up to 6 cycles of IUI using donor sperm from a licensed fertility unit (the Stonewall website has more information about IUI for same-sex couples)

Bear in mind that the waiting list for IUI treatment on the NHS can be very long in some areas.

Costs range from about £700 to £1,600 for each cycle of IUI treatment.

Source NHS

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