Ioannis Raptis
MIC II, DEGUM I, AGUB I
Obstetrician – Gynecologist
At the practice of Ioannis Raptis, infertility issues are managed in accordance with the guidelines of the “Frankfurt Hormone School” (Frankfurter Hormonschule) and the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology (ISGE).
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Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a method of assisted reproduction that is recommended for many couples with specific indications. It is a reliable option for couples experiencing mild infertility issues or those who have been unable to conceive naturally without a clearly identifiable cause.
IUI is performed by placing specially processed sperm directly into the woman’s uterus shortly before or during ovulation. The goal of this method is to maximize the chances of fertilization of the egg.
When is intrauterine insemination (IUI) indicated?
IUI is applied in couples with specific characteristics and under certain conditions. More specifically, when:
The man presents mild male infertility, such as reduced sperm motility or a low sperm count. This infertility should not be at a level requiring IVF.
Cervical mucus factors interfere with the passage of sperm through the cervix.
The man suffers from erectile dysfunction or ejaculation disorders.
Due to social circumstances, the couple has infrequent sexual intercourse.
Fertilization with donor sperm is desired.
The woman has a regular cycle or achieves a predictable cycle after medical treatment.
The fallopian tubes are patent (open).
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Procedure and Stages
Proper timing in relation to ovulation is essential for the success of intrauterine insemination. For this reason, the procedure must be carefully planned by the physician. The steps are as follows:
Cycle monitoring:
The doctor performs ultrasound scans and specific blood tests to determine the exact timing of ovulation. If necessary, mild ovarian stimulation medication may be administered to promote follicle development.
Ovulation trigger:
When the follicle reaches the appropriate size, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is given to trigger ovulation, precisely determining the timing of insemination.
Sperm collection and preparation:
The sample is obtained either from the partner or from a sperm bank. In the laboratory, specialists process it to isolate the most motile and healthy sperm, removing dead cells, mucus, and other unwanted substances.
Sperm insemination:
A thin, sterile catheter is used to place the processed sperm sample directly into the woman’s uterus. The procedure is painless, does not require anesthesia, and lasts only a few minutes.
After insemination:
The patient can immediately resume her normal daily activities. It is recommended to avoid intense physical activity for the rest of the day. The outcome is assessed with a blood test 12–14 days later.
Success Rates and Influencing Factors
The success rates of intrauterine insemination (IUI) depend on the couple’s medical history and the woman’s age. They typically range between 10–20% per cycle, but may reach up to 25% under ideal conditions.
In general, the following factors influence the outcome:
The woman’s age, with higher success rates in women under 35.
The number and quality of sperm after laboratory processing.
Whether the cycle is natural or medically stimulated.
The underlying causes of infertility.
The number of previous attempts, as IUI tends to have higher success rates within the first 3–4 cycles.
IUI may be performed 3 to 6 times to maximize the chances of conception. If pregnancy is not achieved, the physician will usually recommend a change in treatment strategy, often proceeding to IVF.
Advantages of IUI
Intrauterine insemination is a straightforward assisted reproduction method. Some of its main advantages include:
A non-invasive procedure that does not require anesthesia or surgery.
A simple and short process.
It does not necessarily require ovarian stimulation, as it can be performed in a natural cycle.
Lower cost compared to other assisted reproduction methods.
Limitations
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an effective assisted reproduction method; however, it has certain limitations:
It has lower success rates compared to IVF.
It requires patent fallopian tubes and a healthy endometrium to be effective.
If ovarian stimulation is used, the risk of multiple pregnancies increases.
It is not effective in cases of diminished ovarian reserve.
Accurate evaluation of the couple’s medical history and clinical data is particularly important when considering IUI. It is not uncommon for a couple to begin with IUI but eventually need to proceed to IVF in order to achieve pregnancy.
For specialized guidance and support in every aspect of assisted reproduction, Obstetrician–Gynecologist Dr. Ioannis Raptis and his team are at your disposal. Contact us.
FAQs
How is intrauterine insemination (IUI) performed?
The intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure begins with the collection of sperm, either from the partner or from a sperm bank. The sample then undergoes special laboratory processing, during which abnormal cells are removed and the healthiest, most motile sperm are isolated.
The processed sample is subsequently injected directly into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter. IUI must be carefully synchronized with ovulation in order to achieve the best possible results. The procedure is simple and painless.
Which cases can be treated with intrauterine insemination (IUI)?
This method is suitable for several categories of couples who have not achieved pregnancy naturally. Specifically, IUI is chosen by couples experiencing mild sperm abnormalities, difficulties with sexual intercourse such as erectile dysfunction or ejaculation disorders, as well as menstrual cycle irregularities.
IUI is also an option for women who wish to start a single-parent family.
Why is proper fallopian tube function important?
Fertilization of the egg by the sperm normally takes place in the woman’s fallopian tubes. If one or both tubes are blocked or damaged, fertilization cannot occur, making intrauterine insemination ineffective.
For this reason, before proceeding with IUI, the physician will assess the patency of the fallopian tubes using methods such as hysterosalpingography or laparoscopy.
How effective is the method?
The effectiveness of intrauterine insemination (IUI) typically ranges between 10–20% per cycle, reaching up to 25% under ideal conditions. The success of the method is influenced by the woman’s age, sperm quality, and the underlying causes of infertility.
According to the scientific standards
of the German Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
