Singapore has different types of fertility treatments available for women experiencing troubles in their fertility journey. Two examples of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) used to help couples struggling with infertility are intracervical insemination (ICI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
While both methods aim to facilitate fertilisation, they differ in their cost, approach and effectiveness. Thus, it is important to understand their differences so that you are able to make an informed decision about the best treatment option for you.
What is ICI?
ICI is a procedure where sperm is inserted into the cervix, serving as the passageway to the uterus. The ICI process works alongside a careful monitoring of your ovulation cycle. However, there are some cases where additional medications are prescribed to you in order to induce ovulation and increase the chances of conception. IUI, also known as artificial insemination, is a similar fertility treatment procedure that involves placing a concentrated amount of good-quality sperm directly inside the woman's uterus at the time of ovulation.
What is IUI?
IUI, also known as artificial insemination, is a similar fertility treatment procedure that involves placing a concentrated amount of good-quality sperm directly inside the woman's uterus at the time of ovulation.
What are the key differences between ICI and IUI?
The main distinction between ICI and IUI lies in the placement of sperm:
ICI: Sperm is inserted into the vagina near the cervix using a small, needleless syringe or a cervical cap.
IUI: Processed sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter.
What is the ICI procedure?
ICI can be performed by your doctor or by yourself at home. If you go to your fertility clinic for the procedure, you will need to go during your ovulation period and receive artificial insemination by lying on your back on a table (in the same position you’re in for a pelvic exam).
To inseminate you with ICI, the doctor inserts a needleless syringe as high as possible in the vagina and then slowly ejects the sperm, mimicking the deposit of sperm that takes place during intercourse. After depositing the sperm, you will need to lie down for 15 to 30 minutes to allow ample time for the sperm to travel to your uterus.
However, there are at-home kits available for you to purchase online. The process will be similar, where the provider will send you a kit with different tools that you will need to carry out a similar process at home.
What is the IUI procedure?
For IUI, a fertility specialist will monitor your ovulation cycle using ultrasound scans or hormone tests to determine the optimal time for insemination. A sperm sample is then collected and “washed” in a laboratory to concentrate the healthiest and most motile sperm.
The prepared sperm is then inserted directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. This bypasses the cervix and increases the chances of sperm reaching the fallopian tubes. You can rest for a bit after the procedure, but there is no recovery time required. Moreover, unlike ICI, you don't need to lie down for 15 to 30 minutes for the sperm to travel to your uterus.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
Doctors who can perform IUI procedures:
Loading...
Difference in effectiveness
IUI success rates in Singapore typically range from 10% to 20% per cycle, with some fertility clinics reporting rates up to 15-20% depending on various factors such as the woman's age, cause of infertility, and use of fertility medications. These rates can increase to about 20% when combined with ovarian stimulation.
While ICI success rates are not explicitly reported for Singapore, IUI is more commonly offered and discussed as a fertility treatment option. This preference for IUI is likely due to its higher effectiveness compared to ICI. IUI's greater success can be attributed to its more direct approach, placing washed and concentrated sperm directly into the uterus, thereby increasing the chances of fertilisation.
Additionally, IUI is often recommended as a first-line treatment for couples having troubles during their fertility journey or experiencing unexplained infertility, low sperm count, or ovulation disorders before moving on to more complex treatments like IVF.
It's important to have a thorough consultation with your fertility specialist to determine if IUI is the right option for you. Request a consultation with our fertility specialist now.
What are the cost considerations?
ICI is generally less expensive, making it a more accessible option for some couples. Moreover, the at-home insemination kits range from $139 to $600, depending on how many cycles of the kit you will need.
IUI costs vary but typically range from $660 to $3000 depending on whether you choose to do your treatment at a public or private hospital and whether or not you decide to use any financial assistance schemes such as MediSave or the government co-funding scheme to pay for the treatment.
Other factors to consider when choosing between ICI and IUI
Women with underlying fertility issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or irregular menstrual cycles may be recommended IUI over ICI due to its higher success rates in these cases.
The age of the woman is also a significant consideration, as fertility generally declines with age, potentially influencing the effectiveness of each method.
Sperm quality plays a vital role too; IUI's sperm washing process can be particularly beneficial for couples dealing with male factor infertility.
Cost is another important aspect, with ICI typically being less expensive than IUI.
Ultimately, the guidance of fertility specialists is invaluable in weighing these factors and determining the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual or couple, ensuring the best possible chances of success.
While both ICI and IUI are viable options for those experiencing fertility issues, IUI appears to offer higher success rates than ICI. However, ICI remains a valuable alternative, especially for couples seeking a more affordable option. Therefore, consulting with your fertility specialist is crucial to determine the most appropriate method based on your individual circumstances.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
FAQ
Is ICI better than IUI?
No, IUI is generally considered more effective than ICI. IUI has also resulted in higher clinical pregnancy rates compared to ICI.
What is the success rate of ICI?
The success rate of ICI varies:
23% pregnancy rate for the first ICI cycle
24% birth rate after 6 ICI treatments
37.9% pregnancy rate after 6 ICI cycles
Can sperm fall out after ICI?
Some sperm leakage is normal after ICI. However, women that undergo ICI typically lie down for 15-30 minutes after the procedure to allow time for sperm to travel to the uterus.
Can I get pregnant with ICI?
Yes, you can get pregnant with ICI. It's an effective fertility treatment, especially for women without known fertility issues. However, IUI generally has higher success rates than ICI.
Is ICI painful?
ICI is considered a simpler and less invasive procedure compared to IUI. It's typically performed using a syringe to insert sperm into the cervix, which should cause minimal discomfort.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Fertility Centre
- Paragon: +65 6252 7766