Researchers from the Center for Reproductive Medicine in Amsterdam tracked approximately 500 couples that had an "intermediate" chance of spontaneous conception -- about 30 to 40 percent -- for six months. The group was split into two subgroups: The first was given intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment -- which involves insertion of sperm into the woman's uterus while the woman takes drugs to stimulate greater egg production -- while the second group tried to conceive naturally.
Taking into account the miscarriage rate of 31 percent among the IUI treatment group, and the 15 percent rate in the natural conception group, researchers concluded that overall, 34 percent of the natural conception couples experienced successful pregnancies, compared to the 29 percent success rate in the IUI group.
The study's lead researcher, Dr. Pieternel Steures, says that the fertility treatment does not greatly benefit the particular category of couples in the study, and recommends couples in similar situations opt for the "do-nothing," natural approach to conception.
Couples considering IUI treatments should take into account that the therapy comes with side effects and higher mortality rates for both mother and child versus natural conception, and has been shown to increase the chances of multiple births, which can be a physical and financial strain.
Non-conventional treatments for infertility include Traditional Chinese Medicine, which uses acupuncture to boost the circulation, function and energy flow of reproductive organs.
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