Intrauterine Insemination – IUI
What is Intrauterine Insemination – IUI?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a form of assisted reproduction used to enhance the chances of conception. It involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation, allowing sperm to bypass the cervix and reach the egg easier. This procedure increases the likelihood of fertilization, especially for couples facing mild infertility issues.
IUI is less invasive and more affordable than in vitro fertilization (IVF), making it a popular first-line treatment for couples struggling to conceive. In Greece, particularly in Athens, several advanced fertility clinics offer IUI with high standards of medical care.
Who can benefit from Intrauterine Insemination – IUI?
IUI is often recommended for individuals or couples experiencing the following fertility challenges:
- Unexplained infertility: When no clear cause of infertility is identified, IUI may be an effective first treatment option.
- Mild male factor infertility: If sperm count, motility, or morphology is slightly below normal, IUI can increase the chances of conception by directly placing healthy sperm inside the uterus.
- Cervical factor infertility: Some women have hostile cervical mucus, which prevents sperm from passing through the cervix naturally. IUI bypasses this issue.
- Ovulation disorders: Women with irregular ovulation due to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may benefit from IUI combined with ovulation-stimulating medications.
- Use of donor sperm: Single women or same-sex female couples who wish to conceive with donor sperm often opt for IUI.
- Ejaculation dysfunction: Men who experience difficulty ejaculating due to medical or psychological conditions can still achieve pregnancy through IUI.
However, IUI may not be suitable for women with severely damaged fallopian tubes, extensive pelvic adhesions, or severe endometriosis. In such cases, IVF may be a better option.
The IUI Process: Step-by-Step
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is performed in a controlled medical setting and involves several key steps, from ovarian stimulation to insemination and post-procedure care. Below is a breakdown of the process:
- Ovarian stimulation and monitoring: A fertility specialist may stimulate the ovaries with medications to promote egg development. In a natural cycle, ovulation occurs without drugs, while in a medicated cycle, medications like clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins help regulate follicle growth. Ultrasounds and blood tests track progress to determine the ideal time for insemination.
- Sperm collection and preparation: A semen sample from the male partner or a donor is processed in a lab. The sperm washing technique isolates high-quality, motile sperm, improving the chances of fertilization and reducing risks like uterine cramping.
- Timing and ovulation trigger: When a dominant follicle reaches maturity, an hCG trigger shot may be administered to induce ovulation. IUI is scheduled 24 to 36 hours later for optimal fertilization timing.
- The insemination procedure: IUI is a quick, painless procedure performed in a clinic. The woman lies on an examination table while a thin catheter is inserted through the cervix to deposit sperm directly into the uterus. The process lasts a few minutes and does not require anaesthesia.
- Post-procedure and pregnancy testing: Mild cramping or spotting may occur, but normal activities can resume immediately. A pregnancy test after two weeks determines the success of the procedure.
IUI Success Rates
The success of IUI depends on several factors, including:
- Age: Women under 35 years have higher success rates, while success declines with age.
- Cause of infertility: IUI is most effective for mild male factor infertility or unexplained infertility.
- Use of fertility medications: Stimulated IUI cycles tend to have higher success rates compared to natural cycles.
On average, IUI success rates range from 10% to 20% per cycle. Many couples require multiple cycles before achieving pregnancy.
IUI in Greece and Athens
Greece is a leading destination for fertility treatments, attracting patients from around the world. Athens, in particular, offers numerous IVF centres equipped with advanced reproductive technologies and experienced fertility specialists.
Why choose Athens for Intrauterine Insemination – IUI?
- High-quality medical care: Clinics in Athens follow European standards for fertility treatments.
- Experienced fertility specialists: Many Greek fertility doctors have international training and extensive experience.
- Cost-effective treatments: Compared to the US and Western Europe, fertility treatments in Greece are more affordable.
- Legal framework: Greece has favourable fertility laws, allowing treatments for married couples, single women, and same-sex couples.
- Comprehensive care: Clinics in Athens provide personalized treatment plans, state-of-the-art facilities, and multilingual support.
IUI vs. IVF: How Do They Compare?
IUI is less invasive and more affordable than IVF, but it may not be suitable for all cases. The key differences include:
FACTOR | IUI | IVF |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Invasiveness | Minimal | More invasive |
Success Rates | 10-20% per cycle | 40-60% per cycle |
Best for | Mild infertility, donor sperm | Blocked tubes, severe male infertility |
For some couples, IUI may be the first step before moving to IVF if pregnancy is not achieved.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a widely used fertility treatment that helps many individuals and couples conceive. It is a simple, minimally invasive procedure with promising success rates, especially for those with mild infertility.
Parenthood is a beautiful, life-changing journey that every person deserves to embark on. We at Gyn Care IVF are here to assist and accompany you on every step of this journey. With state-of-the-art facilities, renowned medical professionals and a passion for making your wishes come true, Gyn Care IVF ensures an affordable, but qualitative experience. Gain all necessary information about IVF in Greece by contacting us via WhatsApp or E-Mail and enjoy your stay!
