IUI needs fairer appraisal to improve patient and stakeholder choices

Bahadur, G., Woodward, B., Carr, M., Acharya, S. , Muneer, A. and Homburg, R. (2021) IUI needs fairer appraisal to improve patient and stakeholder choices. JBRA Assisted Reproduction, 25(1), pp. 162-164. (doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20200066) (PMID:33118714) (PMCID:PMC7863108)

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Abstract

Information supporting IVF at the expense of intrauterine insemination (IUI) has become commonplace, but it lacks critical analyses. Data from poorly practiced IUI, without an equivalent comparison to IVF, has been generalised to recommend a total abandonment of IUI in favour of IVF treatment. Our intention with this paper is to reappraise and balance arguments so that patients and stakeholders can have an unbiased informed choice. We provide information that reveals IUI to predominate over IVF in terms of integrated success, risks and cost to deliver one live birth whilst obviating the maternal and neonatal costs. Exceptional cost savings are demonstrated for IUI over IVF for fee-paying agencies and patients with lowered risks of maternal and neonatal care along with other risks including OHSS, fetal reduction and termination of pregnancies. This analysis supports the view that patients and stakeholders can choose IUI instead of IVF in most instances, except with bilateral tubal blockage and severe male factor infertility. It is apparent that fertility clinics need to re-evaluate and reconsider this field, and IUI can be of benefit to both subfertile patients and the stakeholders.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Acharya, Santanu
Authors: Bahadur, G., Woodward, B., Carr, M., Acharya, S., Muneer, A., and Homburg, R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:JBRA Assisted Reproduction
Publisher:Villimpress
ISSN:1518-0557
ISSN (Online):1518-0557
Published Online:16 November 2020

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