Intrauterine
Insemination IUI

What is Intrauterine
Insemination (IUI)?


Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. The goal is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes, thereby enhancing the likelihood of fertilization. IUI is a less invasive and more affordable option compared to other fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

When is Intrauterine Insemination Indicated?


IUI is recommended for a variety of fertility issues, including:

– Mild Male Factor Infertility: IUI can help when a man has a slightly lower sperm count or reduced motility.
– Unexplained Infertility: When no specific cause of infertility is identified, IUI can be a useful first step
before moving to more advanced treatments.
– Cervical Mucus Problems: IUI bypasses the cervical mucus, which can sometimes be hostile to sperm.
– Ovulatory Disorders: Women with irregular ovulation may benefit from IUI, especially when combined
with ovulation-inducing medications.
– Donor Sperm: IUI is commonly used when donor sperm is required.
– Sexual Dysfunction: Couples experiencing sexual dysfunction may find IUI a helpful option.
– Single Women or Same-Sex Couples: IUI is a viable method for single women and same-sex couples to conceive using donor sperm.

What is the Procedure of IUI?


The IUI procedure involves several essential steps to maximize the chances of successful fertilization:

1.Ovarian Stimulation

In some cases, fertility medications are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This increases the likelihood of releasing a viable egg during ovulation, enhancing the chances of conception. Not all IUI cycles require ovarian stimulation, but it is commonly used to improve success rates.

2.Egg Tracking

Monitoring the development and release of eggs is crucial. This is typically done through a combination of blood tests to measure hormone levels and transvaginal ultrasounds to visualize the ovaries and track the growth of follicles. Timing the insemination correctly with the natural ovulation cycle or induced ovulation is key to the procedure’s success.

3.Sperm Preparation

On the day of the insemination, a sperm sample is collected from the male partner or a donor. The sample undergoes a “washing” process to concentrate the sperm and remove seminal fluid and other debris. This preparation enhances the motility and viability of the sperm, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.

4.Insemination

The prepared sperm is then placed directly into the woman’s uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. This is a quick and relatively painless procedure, usually performed in a doctor’s office. The goal is to deposit the sperm as close to the fallopian tubes as possible to facilitate
the meeting of the sperm and egg.

After these steps, the woman can resume normal activities and will typically have a pregnancy test approximately two weeks later
to determine if the procedure was successful.

IUI vs
IVF

While both IUI and IVF are fertility treatments, they differ significantly in terms of procedure, complexity, cost, and success rates.

– Complexity and Invasiveness: IUI involves a simpler and less invasive procedure than IVF. Sperm is directly inserted into the uterus, and fertilization occurs naturally within the body.
– Cost: IUI is generally more affordable than IVF, making it a preferred first-line treatment for many couples.
– Success Rates: IVF has generally higher success rates compared to IUI, particularly for women under 35.
– Indications: IUI is suitable for mild to moderate fertility issues, unexplained infertility, or when donor sperm is used. IVF is often recommended for severe male infertility, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, advanced maternal age, and when previous IUI cycles have failed.
– Time Commitment: IUI Requires less time and fewer medical appointments compared to IVF

Greek Legislation
on IUI

In Greece, the legal framework for IUI is stringent to ensure the safety and ethical conduct of fertility treatments. Regulations include:

– Age Limits: Sperm donors must be adults under the age of forty.
– Anonymity Options: Donors can choose between complete anonymity, full disclosure, or conditional transparency,
allowing children to learn the donor’s identity upon reaching adulthood.
– Single Donor Use: Only one donor’s sperm can be used per treatment cycle to ensure traceability and reduce the risk of consanguinity.
– Donor Registry: Greece maintains a comprehensive donor registry to track all sperm donations and ensure compliance with legal limits on the number of offspring per donor.

Conclusion

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) offers a promising option for couples and individuals facing fertility challenges. It is a relatively simple, less invasive, and cost-effective treatment that can significantly increase the chances of conception. Understanding the indications, procedure, and differences between IUI and IVF can help prospective parents make informed decisions about their fertility treatment options. In Greece, the robust legal framework provides additional reassurance regarding the ethical and safe conduct of IUI treatments.