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October . 2018
22
The Health
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INTRAUTERINE insemination ( IUI ), or more commonly known as artificial insemination ( AI ) is one of the first assisted reproductive technologies typically recommended by a doctor . It is a fairly simple and painless procedure , offered at a lower cost compared to other , more complex fertility treatments . IUI is commonly recommended to women with open and healthy fallopian tubes , when the male partner is experiencing low sperm count or decreased sperm motility , to help those suffering from unexplained infertility , mild to moderate endometriosis and cervical mucus issues .
In addition , IUI may be recommended if treatment with fertility drugs alone is unsuccessful , if a sperm donor is being used or when sexual pain makes intercourse impossible .
However , it is not recommended for those with blocked fallopian tubes , severe endometriosis or previous pelvic infection .
THE PROCEDURE
Jesselton Medical Centre ( JMC ) Obstetrician & Gynaecologist Dr Sutha Chelliah explained that during the procedure , the husband ’ s sperm is processed and the healthiest are concentrated . After which it is directly transferred into the wife ’ s uterus with a special catheter .
“ The procedure in IUI would be that the wife takes fertility treatment like clomifene citrate to stimulate the follicular growth . Once the ovarian follicles reach a size of 16 to 18mm , the patient is given an injection to mature and rupture the follicle . During the expected time when the follicle ruptures , the IUI procedure is performed with the sperm which has been prepared ,” explainsed Sutha .
HOW LONG DOES AN IUI TREATMENT TAKE ?
The insemination itself is straightforward and takes only a few minutes . If one is having a stimulated cycle , then she might need to take fertility medication before ovulating .
SUCCESS RATE
The success rate for IUI is in the range of 10 to 20 per cent . For most women , it takes three to six cycles of IUI before pregnancy occurs . With more cycles of IUI , the chances of a pregnancy is higher .
Sutha pointed out that the technology involved in IUI is a specialised medium to
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The state of the art centre was established in 2009 to be a one stop tertiary medical centre of international standard .
Dr Sutha Chelliah .
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JESSELTON MEDICAL CENTRE FACEBOOK
concentrate and nourish the active and healthiest sperms and subsequently centrifuging the sperm sample to again get the best sample .
As for side effects , she explained that the procedure itself does not have any .
“ Generally the side effects are caused by the fertility treatment drugs , which may include mood swings , bloating , abdominal discomfort , hot flushes and headache .”
Compared to other In Vitro Fertilisation ( IVF ) procedures , an IUI with simple ovulation induction at a private clinic may cost around RM1 , 500 – depending on one ’ s severity of condition .
IUI SERVICES IN MALAYSIA
“ IUI services in the country can be improved by training more doctors to become more adapt to the procedure . The medium used to process the sperm could be upgraded and methods in preparing the sperm could be enhanced yet simplified ,” laments Sudha .
She hoped that there would be more advertisement , reading material , campaigns and forums to educate members of the public on IUI services .
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