Low Cost, Simple, Intrauterine Insemination Procedure with Unwashed Centrifuged Husband’s Sperm for Developing Countries

Abstract

There is an increased need for low cost procedures in treating infertility particularly in developing countries. Intrauterine insemination was used long before the advent of in vitro fertilization. During the last 30 years however, intrauterine insemination has evolved with the introduction of ovulation stimulating protocols and sperm preparation methods taken from assisted reproduction techniques. Costs have risen, but the success rate has not risen to the same extent. We have therefore developed a quite simple intrauterine insemination technique which may be performed in developing countries, without the need of sophisticated equipment, costly materials, media, or disposable insemination catheters; it is quite inexpensive and may be performed by trained staff, such as nurses or midwives. 20 to 27 % (depending on the aetiology of their reproduction problem) of the couples remained clinically pregnant after an average of 3.5 to 3.8 intrauterine inseminations procedures. (Afr J Reprod Health 2012; 16[4]: 175-179).