"Honey! We have a baby now!" When the ultrasound screen revealed the tiny gestational sac – the first sign of new life – Maria from the Republic of Guinea gripped her husband's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face.
This was a moment they had waited for – six long years. From Africa to Yiwu, China, spanning over 10,000 kilometres, their journey finally met the dawn of hope at the Reproductive Medicine Centre of ZJU4H.
Maria and her husband Ahmed had been married for six years. Their greatest wish was to have a baby, but no matter how hard they tried, it never happened. Back in Guinea, they visited countless hospitals and underwent numerous tests – yet the cause of their infertility remained a mystery.
"Sometimes when I saw neighbours' children, I would stare at them, feeling both envious and heartbroken," Maria recalled, her voice still tinged with sadness.
After moving to Yiwu for work, they heard about Dr. Ammar, a foreign physician at ZJU4H, and decided to visit the International Clinic. Understanding their struggles, Dr. Ammar referred them to the Reproductive Medicine Centre – where many infertile couples had found help.
Dr. Yu Yuanyuan, a specialist at the centre, received the couple gently: "Don't worry, let's take it step by step and get a clear picture of your health first." After a full assessment, they were diagnosed with "unexplained infertility."
"Although we can't pinpoint the exact cause, you are still young. With intrauterine insemination (IUI), there's a good chance of pregnancy." Dr. Yu proposed an IUI plan. After further evaluation by the team led by Dr. Chen Xiao, they were confirmed to be suitable candidates, and the treatment plan was quickly scheduled.
"Will IUI be painful? Do I need to be hospitalised?" Maria was anxious before the procedure. Dr. Yu reassured her: "It's a non‑invasive procedure, no anaesthesia needed – just like a routine gynaecological exam. Just relax."
When her follicles matured, the doctors processed and optimised Ahmed's semen sample, then gently injected the prepared sperm into Maria's uterus using specialised instruments. The process was smooth and uneventful.
The 14‑day wait after insemination was agonising. Maria was so anxious that she didn't dare ask about the results. When the doctor came with her blood test report and smiled, saying "Congratulations, you're pregnant," Maria froze for a moment – then burst into tears of joy, embracing her husband: "We're finally going to have a baby! Thank you so much, Chinese doctors!"
Maria is now under routine pregnancy monitoring. At every check‑up, she eagerly shares small updates with her doctor: "I think I felt the baby move yesterday!" or "I really love Chinese vegetables – they feel so healthy." The entire reproductive team beams with happiness seeing her radiant smile.
Many people think of "IVF" first when they hear "assisted reproductive technology," but intrauterine insemination (IUI) is also a common option – and it's safer, more convenient, simpler, and more affordable.
Who is suitable for IUI? It mainly includes three groups:
Men with mild‑to‑moderate oligospermia, asthenospermia, sperm abnormalities, semen liquefaction issues, or sexual dysfunction
Women with ovulation disorders (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome) or cervical factor infertility
Couples with unexplained infertility, like Maria and Ahmed
Compared to IVF, IUI has distinct advantages:
Safe & convenient: Women with regular menstrual cycles may not need medication – just ultrasound monitoring; those with ovulation issues can take ovulation‑inducing drugs to develop 1‑2 follicles.
Simple procedure: No anaesthesia, completed in minutes, minimal impact on daily life.
Affordable: Estimated total cost from tests to completion is around 8,000 RMB, and it is now covered by China's national medical insurance, significantly reducing financial burden.
"In Yiwu, we felt the warmth of home," Maria said. The hospital's services put her at ease – from registration to treatment. ZJU4H supports registration using seven types of foreign ID documents, provides bilingual medical records and signage (Chinese‑English), and offers direct billing with 22 overseas insurance companies – eliminating language and administrative barriers.
Located in the international trade hub of Yiwu, ZJU4H is committed to becoming a world‑class medical institution. In 2024 alone, the hospital served nearly 20,000 international patients from 188 countries and regions – ranking first in Zhejiang Province. The Reproductive Medicine Centre alone has treated over 600 foreign patients in the past two years, helping more and more foreign families, like Maria and Ahmed, overcome infertility challenges.
"Whatever country they come from, every couple who longs for a child deserves gentle care," said Dr. Chen Xiao, deputy director of the centre. "We will continue to enhance our international services, so that more cross‑border dreams of parenthood can take root and flourish in Yiwu."