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If you are looking for an experienced, professional Obstetrics & Gynecology and IVF Specialist in Antalya who has achieved successful results in previous Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) treatments, you are in the right place. By contacting us, you can receive detailed information about Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in Antalya and IUI treatment costs in Antalya, helping you make an informed decision about your fertility treatment process.

What Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in Antalya?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a procedure in which sperm obtained from the male partner is specially washed and prepared in a laboratory environment, then a concentrated amount of motile sperm is directly placed into the uterus using a thin catheter. Compared to IVF treatment, IUI is simpler and more affordable, which is why it has been widely used for many years as a common infertility treatment method. The aim of IUI is to increase the chances of pregnancy by enhancing the concentration of normally structured and highly motile sperm. This procedure can be performed during a natural menstrual cycle in women with regular periods without medication, but it is more commonly carried out after ovarian stimulation with medications. Hormonal medications used for ovarian stimulation may be administered orally in tablet form or via injections.

Who Is IUI Suitable For?

IUI treatment is suitable for couples who are unable to achieve pregnancy naturally and who are considering it as an intermediate step before proceeding to IVF treatment. The following conditions are the main answers to the question of who is eligible for IUI:
  • Unexplained infertility
  • Mild to moderate male factor infertility
  • Ovulation disorders
  • Mild endometriosis
  • Vaginismus (muscle contraction during intercourse)
  • Sperm passage problems due to cervical stenosis
  • Ejaculation problems or retrograde ejaculation in men
For these groups, IUI stands out as a safe method that increases the chances of pregnancy.

When Is IUI Performed?

The timing of IUI is closely related to the woman’s ovulation cycle. If ovulation induction treatment is applied, the IUI procedure is performed approximately 36 hours after the ovulation trigger injection. This timing ensures optimal conditions for the sperm and egg to meet. In natural cycle IUI, the procedure is carried out immediately after natural ovulation is detected. To learn more about IUI, you can watch the video below.

How Long Does IUI Treatment Take?

The duration of IUI treatment varies from person to person but generally lasts between 10 and 14 days. The process is as follows:
  1. Treatment begins on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation.
  2. Medications (oral tablets or injections) are used to stimulate the ovaries.
  3. Follicle development is monitored via ultrasound.
  4. When the follicle reaches an adequate size, an ovulation trigger injection is administered.
  5. The IUI procedure is performed approximately 36 hours after the injection.
The procedure itself takes only a few minutes and is usually painless. For couples wondering how many days IUI treatment takes, an average planning period of about two weeks is sufficient.

Is There an Age Limit for IUI?

The age limit for IUI is directly related to the woman’s fertility potential. In general, IUI is not recommended for women over the age of 40 due to a significant decline in egg quality and ovarian reserve. Pregnancy success rates with IUI are higher in women under 35. Therefore, before choosing IUI treatment in advanced age groups, a detailed evaluation should be performed. In women with diminished ovarian reserve, proceeding directly to IVF treatment may be more appropriate than IUI.

In Which Cases Is IUI Not Recommended?

The success of IUI treatment depends on the cause of infertility in the woman or man, as well as technical factors.
  • Success rates decrease with increasing female age (especially when the woman is over 40 years old).
  • In cases of severely diminished ovarian reserve.
  • In the presence of uterine anatomical abnormalities (e.g., fibroids, septum, polyps), tubal blockage, or hydrosalpinx, IUI is not recommended. To perform IUI, a hysterosalpingography (HSG) must be performed, and at least one fallopian tube must be open and appear normal.
  • In cases of severe male factor infertility: Sperm count, motility, and morphology significantly affect IUI success. A sperm analysis showing at least 5–10 million motile sperm is considered sufficient for IUI. With lower values, success rates decrease, and IVF is recommended when sperm count is below 1 million.

How Is IUI Performed?

IUI consists of the following steps:
  1. Medication is usually used for ovarian stimulation (ovulation induction). In some cases, the procedure can be performed in a natural menstrual cycle without medication.
  2. Sperm is obtained from the male partner via masturbation and prepared in a laboratory environment.
  3. The prepared sperm is introduced directly into the uterine cavity using a special catheter.
  4. Medication-free (natural cycle) IUI is performed by monitoring ovulation. It may be preferred in women with regular ovulation; however, ovulation must be confirmed through blood or urine tests.
  5. Ovarian stimulation with medication usually begins between days 3–5 of the menstrual cycle. Oral medications or injectable hormonal treatments are used. Follicle development is monitored at regular intervals via ultrasound. The goal is to achieve a maximum of two mature follicles. When follicles reach 18–22 mm, ovulation is triggered using hCG (Ovitrelle).
  6. Approximately 36 hours after ovulation is triggered, the sperm sample prepared in the laboratory is placed into the uterine cavity using a thin catheter.
  7. Sperm preparation begins with semen collection via masturbation in a specially designed room. Sexual abstinence for 2–5 days prior to collection is recommended. The semen sample is collected in a sterile container and prepared using basic or advanced sperm washing techniques, then injected into the uterus within 10–30 seconds using a special catheter under sterile conditions.

What Is Done Before IUI Treatment?

Before IUI treatment, a comprehensive evaluation of the couple is required. For successful planning, the following steps are taken: For the woman:
  • Menstrual cycle and hormone profile are evaluated.
  • Ovarian reserve is assessed.
  • Tubal patency is checked with HSG (hysterosalpingography).
For the man:
  • Semen analysis (spermiogram) is performed.
  • Hormonal evaluations are carried out if necessary.
Based on these evaluations, an individualized IUI treatment plan is created to increase success rates and ensure a controlled treatment process.

Recommendations After IUI

  • The patient is advised to rest for 15 minutes after the procedure.
  • Antibiotic use is not recommended.
  • The patient may resume normal daily activities without restrictions.
  • Spotting-type vaginal bleeding may occur after the procedure.
  • Mild cramp-like discomfort in the lower abdomen may be experienced.
  • If there is a delay in menstruation after IUI, a pregnancy test should be performed.
  • If pregnancy does not occur, the procedure may be repeated. Although literature suggests IUI can be performed 3–6 times, proceeding to IVF after 2–3 attempts is generally considered more appropriate.

IUI Complications

Although the risk of pelvic infection after IUI is rare, a gynecological examination should be performed before the procedure to rule out infection. If there is an active cervical or pelvic infection, the procedure should be postponed. Multiple pregnancy due to ovarian hyperstimulation is related to the medications used rather than the IUI procedure itself and should be discussed with the patient before starting infertility treatment.

IUI Prices in Antalya

IUI treatment prices in Antalya vary depending on the couple and the procedures performed. For detailed information about IUI treatment prices in Antalya, you may contact our clinic at +90 242 312 2 312 or +90 546 202 87 44.