Infertility Defined

Unlike sterility, which implies a physiological inability to conceive, infertility is associated with one’s lessened or lost ability to get pregnant and/or stay pregnant and can be either temporary or permanent. One can become infertile even after having produced one or more children. Similarly, a person can conceive and give birth even after years of unsuccessful attempts. It is also possible for a person to never get pregnant or give birth, despite the absence of physiological causes.

IVF Cost

The first thought that comes to mind when most people consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) is not about its complexity or even its success rate. It’s about cost. Undeniably, IVF costs significantly more per attempt than alternative approaches such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or a Clomid cycle with timed intercourse. However, although it may seem like a good idea to keep expenses low, one needs to consider the cumulative cost of having to repeat a low-cost procedure multiple times due to its lower success rates compared with IVF. (See my post “IUI vs. IVF: Cost Factor Revisited.”)

My IUI Medications

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), like most other fertility treatments, typically relies on medications to stimulate the production and release of eggs. Usually, Clomid (or its generic version clomiphene citrate) is the first drug prescribed to women who do not ovulate regularly. It is inexpensive and often effective. However, not everyone responds to it or can tolerate its side effects. In such cases, Clomid can be replaced with injectable medications to encourage the formation and ovulation of eggs.