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If you have been trying to conceive without success, fertility treatments might be your next best option. There is a wide spread of options available for you to choose from, with the one that suits you best depending on factors such as your age, reproductive health, and budget. Superovulation Intra-Uterine Insemination (SOIUI) combines the methods of SO and IUI to maximise chances of pregnancy. Suitable for couples with mild infertility issues, this route is ideal for those who need only a little assistance along their fertility journey.
What Is Superovulation Intra-Uterine Insemination (SOIUI)?
Superovulation intra-uterine insemination (SOIUI) is a method to improve the fertility of a couple, stimulating the ovaries to release more eggs, improving the chances of fertilisation. It employs superovulation (SO) and intra-uterine insemination (IUI) simultaneously to increase one's chances of getting pregnant. This method has a success rate of about 14 to 15% per attempt, albeit it is largely dependent on the woman's age and the quality of the sperm.
What Is SO?
Superovulation (SO) involves the stimulation of the ovarian follicles to produce more eggs in a cycle, from the usual 1–3. This increases the chance of successful fertilisation, while also potentially resulting in multiples (twins, triplets).
SO is induced through fertility medications, which are to be taken for 10 days or more prior to the procedure. These can come in the form of either injections, or a combination of oral medication and injections. Ultrasound scans are done periodically to determine the number and size of the maturing follicles before another injection is given to induce the final maturation, and subsequently, the ovulation of these follicles.
What Is IUI?
Intra-uterine insemination (IUI) involves the insertion of prepared sperm directly into the uterus (womb) during ovulation. The healthy, enhanced sperm are transported into the uterus through a thin catheter. By bringing the sperm closer to the egg, the likelihood of getting pregnant increases. This method is best for couples experiencing mild male factor infertility, mild endometriosis, cervical factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or using a sperm donor. The patient must have normal fallopian tubes and her husband sufficient good-quality sperm.
Who Is a Good Candidate for SOIUI Treatment?
Couples with mild fertility issues should consider SOIUI treatment, especially if they have unsuccessfully undergone IUI treatment previously. SOIUI treatment is suitable for couples where:
- The female partner's ovulation cycles are irregular or absent
- The male partner's sperm are sufficiently healthy but experiencing mild infertility issues
- The female partner has one or more of the following conditions: mild endometriosis, cervical factor infertility
- The female partner has at least one patent fallopian tube
- There is unexplained infertility
What Is the Process of SOIUI?
The process of SOIUI may seem daunting, but it is actually a relatively simple procedure that is done on an outpatient basis.
Before the Procedure
The female partner takes fertility medication, either via injection or both injection and oral medication, to stimulate the ovarian follicles. This is done at least 10 days prior to the procedure.
During the Procedure
The male partner produces fresh semen at our fertility centre, which is then prepared for insemination. This enhanced, healthy sperm is inserted into the uterus through a fine catheter.
After the Procedure
The female partner is given hormonal medication to improve the chances of implantation pregnancy.
Embark on your Fertility Journey with Dr Christopher Ng
Building a family can involve different considerations, and understanding your fertility treatment options can help you make informed decisions. SOIUI is but one of multiple options, best for couples experiencing mild fertility challenges. However, every fertility journey is unique, and factors such as age, reproductive health, treatment goals, and budget should all be considered when evaluating your options. A consultation with an experienced fertility specialist can help determine whether SOIUI is the most appropriate approach for your circumstances and guide you towards the treatment plan best suited to your needs.
As a gynaecology clinic dedicated to providing compassionate and patient-centric care, GynaeMD Women's & Rejuvenation Clinic is committed to helping you attain your life goals. Infertility can be caused by a myriad of factors in either or both partners. As a senior obstetrician and gynaecologist with over 30 years of experience as an OBGYN, Dr Christopher Ng supports couples in exploring their family-building options based on their individual needs and circumstances. If you're having difficulty conceiving and are considering your fertility treatment options, schedule a consultation to discuss whether SOIUI may be suitable for you.
FAQs About SOIUI Fertility Treatment
How many cycles of SOIUI will it take to get pregnant?
The chance of pregnancy with SOIUI is approximately 15% per cycle. If pregnancy does not occur, gynaecologists may recommend continuing treatment for 3 to 4 cycles before considering other fertility treatments, such as IVF (in-vitro fertilisation).
What are the risks and potential complications of SOIUI?
SOIUI is generally considered a safe and minimally invasive fertility treatment. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks and potential complications that couples should be aware of before proceeding. Couples may experience a multiple pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), infection, side effects of the medication, amongst others.
