Infertility doesn’t discriminate—it quietly affects millions of couples across Nigeria and Kenya, often leaving them feeling isolated and uncertain. But modern fertility science offers new hope. From basic treatments like medication to advanced techniques like IVF and ICSI, the options are expanding, and success stories are growing every year. This blog is designed to help you understand the different fertility treatments available, how they work, their effectiveness, costs, and when each is recommended—so you can make informed decisions on your path to parenthood.
Understanding Infertility: A Shared Journey
In both Nigeria and Kenya, infertility affects roughly 15–20% of couples, according to various regional health surveys and reports. In many cases, societal stigma still places the burden unfairly on women, though medical research shows that male factors contribute to 40–50% of infertility cases globally.
Common causes of infertility include:
- Ovulation disorders (e.g., PCOS)
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis
- Low sperm count or motility
- Age-related factors (especially women over 35)
- Lifestyle-related factors (e.g., obesity, smoking, stress)
Now, let’s break down the most widely used fertility treatments available today and compare them in terms of method, cost, success rates, and suitability.
1. Ovulation Induction (OI)
What it is:
This is often the first step in fertility treatment. Medications like Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) or Letrozole are used to stimulate ovulation in women who don’t ovulate regularly.
Best for:
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or irregular periods.
Procedure:
- Hormonal pills taken for 5–7 days early in the menstrual cycle.
- Ovulation is monitored through ultrasound or blood tests.
- Intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI) is timed with ovulation.
Cost (India):
- $200–$400 per cycle (including consultation, medication, and scans).
Success Rate:
- 10–20% per cycle, depending on age and underlying issues.
2. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
What it is:
A low-intervention procedure where washed sperm is directly placed into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase chances of fertilization.
Best for:
- Mild male infertility (low sperm count/motility)
- Unexplained infertility
- Cervical mucus problems
Procedure:
- Ovulation is monitored, and sperm is prepared in a lab.
- The procedure is done in minutes and is generally painless.
Cost (India):
- $300–$600 per cycle
Success Rate:
- 10–15% per cycle
- Higher success if combined with ovulation induction
3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
What it is:
Eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred back into the uterus.
Best for:
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Severe male factor infertility
- Endometriosis
- Failed IUI treatments
Procedure:
- Hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries
- Egg retrieval under light anesthesia
- Lab fertilization and embryo culture
- Embryo transfer
Cost (India):
- $2,500–$4,000 per cycle
- Often much more affordable than local options in Nigeria/Kenya (where IVF can cost $5,000–$8,000)
Success Rate:
- 40–60% for women under 35
- Declines with age
Real-World Insight:
According to the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction, India has one of the highest IVF success rates globally, aided by advanced lab techniques and experienced embryologists.
4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
What it is:
An advanced form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to aid fertilization, especially useful in severe male infertility cases.
Best for:
- Extremely low sperm count or poor sperm morphology
- Previous IVF failure due to fertilization issues
Procedure:
Same as IVF, but with an extra lab step for sperm injection.
Cost (India):
- $3,000–$4,500 per cycle
Success Rate:
- Similar to IVF (40–60%), with higher fertilization rates in male-factor cases
5. Donor Egg or Donor Sperm IVF
What it is:
Involves using donor eggs or sperm when one partner’s gametes are non-viable or carry genetic risks.
Best for:
- Women with poor ovarian reserve
- Men with azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate)
- Couples with inherited genetic conditions
Cost (India):
- $4,000–$6,000 per cycle, depending on donor source
Success Rate:
- Often 50–70%, particularly when young, healthy donors are used
Note:
All donor procedures are done in compliance with Indian ART and Surrogacy Regulations, 2021.
6. Fertility Preservation (Egg/Sperm Freezing)
What it is:
A proactive step for individuals who want to preserve fertility before cancer treatment, gender transition, or age-related decline.
Cost (India):
- Egg freezing: $1,500–$2,500
- Sperm freezing: $200–$400
- Annual storage fees apply
Ideal for:
- Women aged 30–35 who want to delay motherhood
- Men and women undergoing chemotherapy or surgery
Why Patients from Nigeria and Kenya Choose India
✅ Cost-Effective:
Treatment in India is often 50–70% less expensive than in local private clinics in Kenya or Nigeria.
✅ High Success Rates:
CareCross’s partner hospitals in India have access to the latest IVF labs, embryology technology, and internationally trained doctors.
✅ Quick Access:
There are no long waiting times for procedures in India, unlike some countries where appointments can take months.
✅ End-to-End Support:
CareCross provides visa assistance, accommodation, hospital coordination, translators, post-treatment follow-up, and more—offering peace of mind throughout your journey.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Treatment Type | Best For | Approx. Cost (India) | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ovulation Induction | PCOS, irregular ovulation | $200–$400 | 10–20% |
| IUI | Mild male infertility | $300–$600 | 10–15% |
| IVF | Tube issues, severe cases | $2,500–$4,000 | 40–60% |
| ICSI | Severe male infertility | $3,000–$4,500 | 40–60% |
| Donor Egg/Sperm | Non-viable gametes | $4,000–$6,000 | 50–70% |
| Egg/Sperm Freezing | Fertility preservation | $200–$2,500 | N/A |
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Path for You
Fertility treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Your age, medical history, budget, and emotional readiness all play a role in choosing the best option. For couples in Nigeria and Kenya, seeking treatment through CareCross’s trusted network in India offers a balanced combination of expertise, affordability, and personalized care. With the right support and timely decisions, the dream of building a family can become a beautiful reality.
If you’d like to learn more about how CareCross can support your fertility journey from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.