Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a widely used fertility treatment, offering a simple, low-intervention approach that works with your natural cycle to increase your chances of conception. Our team ensures that every step is tailored to your unique needs, making the process both effective and supportive from beginning to end.
What is IUI?
IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination, a minimally invasive assisted-reproduction technique that places laboratory-prepared sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. By bypassing the cervix and depositing motile sperm closer to the egg, IUI increases the chance of fertilization — especially in situations where sperm motility or cervical mucus may be limiting factors.
The IUI procedure is quick and painless for most patients and the procedure takes just a few minutes. It’s usually done in the clinic without anaesthesia, and most women return to normal activity right away.
IUI may be performed in a natural cycle or with mild ovarian stimulation to ensure a mature follicle is available. At Fertilysis, we closely monitor your ovulation with ultrasound (ovarian monitoring) and hormonal tracking so we can time your insemination at the moment when your chances of conception are strongest.
Who Can Benefit from IUI?
IUI is chosen for a variety of reasons, most often in cases like:
- Unexplained infertility, when preliminary investigations show normal tubes and ovulation
- Mild male-factor infertility, when sperm count or motility are slightly reduced
- Cervical-factor infertility, where mucus prevents sperm from reaching the egg
- Couples preferring a less invasive option before considering IVF
However, IUI is not suitable for everyone. When for example your tubes are blocked, ovulation is irregular, or the sperm parameters are very low, IUI has very low chances — and IVF may be the best next step. That’s why accurate diagnostics and a comprehensive assessment before IUI are critical.
The Fertilysis Approach: Diagnostics First
At Fertilysis, our philosophy is simple: treat the cause, not just the symptom. We don’t proceed with IUI until we understand the biological factors influencing and/or blocking conception and fertilization. We offer a wide range of testing depending on patient’s unique needs and medical history.
1. Female Microbiome Analysis
Emerging research shows that any imbalance of bacteria in the uterus and vagina influences embryo implantation and pregnancy rates.
The Fertilysis Female Microbiome test detects imbalances or pathogenic bacteria that may silently reduce IUI or IVF success. When identified, these can often be corrected with treatments such as uterine antibiotic washes or probiotic protocols, before treatment begins — helping the uterus become a truly receptive environment.
2. Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) Panel
Even in early-stage fertility care, screening for factors linked to early miscarriage can be valuable. The RPL panel, which consists of two of our major panels – the Female Microbiome & the Reproductive Immunology Full panel- evaluates the uterine microbiome balance, detects for any signs of Chronic Endometritis, checks for inflammation affecting early embryo development and for any suspected immune-related reproductive issues.
In these cases, we may recommend targeted and evidence-based treatments designed to improve uterine health and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. These can include:
- Endometrial PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): A regenerative therapy that uses the patient’s own growth factors to enhance the thickness and quality of the endometrial lining, supporting better implantation.
- Immunomodulatory treatments such as Lymphocyte Immunization Therapy (LIT): An approach shown to improve pregnancy outcomes in women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss or repeated implantation failure. Studies indicate that LIT can increase live-birth rates by up to 45% in selected patients.
- Targeted antibiotic or anti-inflammatory protocols: These may involve uterine antibiotic washes or tailored medication plans when microbiome imbalances or chronic inflammation are identified. By restoring a healthier uterine environment, each IUI cycle starts on a stronger foundation with an improved chance of success.
3. Male Factor Diagnostics — Sperm Function, DFI & Microbiome Testing
At Fertilysis, the male partner’s assessment moves beyond a standard semen analysis. We integrate two advanced diagnostics: the Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) test and the male reproductive microbiome analysis, each bringing hidden insights into fertility potential.
- DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) test: A high DFI — indicating sperm DNA damage — is strongly linked to reduced fertilisation potential, lower success in assisted reproduction, and higher miscarriage rates.
- Male Microbiome Analysis: This test evaluates the seminal microbiome for pathogenic bacteria, yeast, viruses and STDs. Any infections can impair sperm motility, vitality, DNA integrity and even affect the female partner’s reproductive environment.
What is involved in the Process
Initial Consultation: Review your medical history and undergo any recommended Fertilysis tests to assess all the necessary markers
Ovulation Monitoring: Timed insemination is critical – that’s why we do regular transvaginal ultrasounds to track follicle growth, accurately time ovulation and optimize the treatments. Ultrasound monitoring for IUI begins on day 2–you’re your cycle and continues every 2–3 days until day 14.
Sperm Sample Collection & Lab Preparation: The sperm sample is collected and carefully prepared in our lab. The quality and technique of insemination can make or break success rates. Higher post-wash total motile sperm count is linked with higher pregnancy and live-birth — while low counts often warrant moving to IVF.
Insemination: The prepared sperm is gently inserted into the uterus at the optimal time, close to ovulation, in a quick and minimally invasive procedure. Using a soft catheter, minimizing uterine contact, and ensuring comfortable positioning reduce trauma and improve outcomes.
The procedure can be done in a natural cycle or with medication, which is easily obtainable from a pharmacy in Athens using our prescription.
IUI Success Rates
The success of IUI depends greatly on proper diagnosis, timing, and patient selection. At Fertilysis, we approach IUI as a precision-guided step, supported by thorough diagnostic testing and personalized treatment protocols, to give each couple the best possible chance.
Success rates by age:
For couples ≤ 25 years old ~ 18-25% per cycle Cumulative live-birth after 3–4 cycles: ≈50–60%
For a 30-year-old woman ~ 12-20% per cycle Cumulative live-birth after 3–4 cycles: ≈35–45%
For a > 35-year-old woman ~ 8-10% per cycle Cumulative live-birth after 3–4 cycles: ≈20–30%
Why choose IUI at Fertilysis
At Fertilysis, we take a personalized, science-driven approach to give you the best possible chance of success—right from your first IUI cycle. We optimize every step of your IUI journey through comprehensive pre-testing to find any hidden factors that could affect your success, personalized treatment plans and complete partner testing to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Ready to Start Your Fertility Journey?
Let us help you take the next step towards parenthood. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or learn more about the Fertilysis IUI Program at
