- MEDICINE ATHENS MED4WOMAN ATHENS
- MEDICINE VOLOS MED4WOMAN VOLOS
Obstetrician - Gynaecologist
Doctor of Medicine, University of Athens Medical School
Panagiotis Polyzos, Gynaecologist Obstetrician, is active at the Institute of Life - IVF Unit of Iaso Maternity Hospital.
Intrauterine insemination is a technique in which sperm is introduced into the woman’s uterus. Before this procedure, the ovaries must be stimulated, and ovulation must be induced.
In order to be suitable for placement, the sperm must first undergo a special preparation process, using a technique that takes approximately 2 hours. The sperm is then inserted into the uterus using a thin catheter, placing it close to the area where the eggs will be, minimizing the distance the sperm must travel at the time of ovulation.
Intrauterine insemination can be performed in most women. It is a completely painless procedure and is considered suitable for women under 35 with a short duration of infertility. It is also important that the fallopian tubes are open, without adhesions. Even women who do not ovulate can have IUI, with the appropriate medication.
In cases of cervical mucus insufficiency, IUI is particularly meaningful when performed in a natural cycle, that is, without ovarian stimulation.
In many cases, the woman receives special medication and is monitored regularly in order to determine the stage of egg maturation. At the appropriate time, the man provides a semen sample, which undergoes special preparation through various laboratory techniques. Once this process is complete, a very thin catheter is inserted into the woman’s uterus, through which the sperm are directly introduced. The procedure lasts only a few minutes and does not cause any discomfort to the woman.
Intrauterine insemination is not a suitable option for women who are over the age of 35 and have a disrupted hormonal profile. It is also not recommended for women with a history of pelvic infections or severe endometriosis. Finally, the sperm sample must meet specific sperm count requirements for the procedure to be effective.
The success rates of IUI are not as high as those of in vitro fertilization (IVF),however, in the specific cases mentioned above, the chances are still quite favorable, and most importantly, without the invasiveness of IVF. It is undoubtedly seen as a more natural method of conception, and it comes with a lower cost compared to other assisted reproduction techniques.
The cost of IUI is relatively low and is tailored to each couple, following a detailed medical evaluation. Schedule an appointment at our clinic to learn all the details regarding the cost.
Most pregnancies with IUI are achieved in the first three to four cycles. Per cycle, the chance usually ranges from 10 to 20%, depending on age, the cause and whether ovarian stimulation is used. If there is no result after three or four attempts, moving on to IVF is discussed, earlier in women over 38.
After the procedure you remain lying down for 10 to 15 minutes and then return to your normal activities. Mild cramps or minimal spotting on the same day are expected. Often, progesterone is given to support the luteal phase. The pregnancy test (blood β-hCG) is done about 14 days later. Earlier, the result can be misleading.
No. It feels similar to a Pap smear and takes one to two minutes. No anesthesia is needed.
Usually 2 to 5 days.
When medication is given to stimulate the ovaries, the risk of multiple pregnancy increases. This is why ultrasound monitoring is performed, and if many follicles develop the cycle may be cancelled.
In IUI, fertilization takes place inside the body, in the fallopian tube. In IVF the eggs are collected by egg retrieval and fertilized in the laboratory, and the embryo is transferred to the uterus.
