What is the difference between IUI and IUTPI?

• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is performed with 0,1 – 1 ml of inseminated sperm.

• Intrauterine Tuboperitoneal Insemination (IUTPI)  is performed with 10 ml of inseminated sperm.

What makes IUTPI a more successful method of insemination?

Unlike IUI, Intrauterine Tuboperitoneal Insemination (IUTPI) is performed with the cervix securely clamped. The clamping is achieved with the Double Nut Bivalve (DNB) Speculum^© and its specially designed tips which fit around the cervix. In this way any leakage of the inseminated sperm, during and after the insemination, is prevented. Thus, the 10ml sperm of inseminated sperm, not only fills the uterine cavity, but also advance through the whole female genital tract (uterine cavity, ampulla, pouch of Douglas) and especially at the sites where fertilization of the ovum usually takes place. The speculum is kept locked, clamping the cervix for five minutes at least. 

Which conditions are usually treated with IUTPI?

Intrauterine Tuboperitoneal Insemination (IUTPI) is a first line treatment and may prove a useful method in the treatment of unexplained infertility, mild or moderate male infertility and mild or moderate endometriosis. Three to four attempts of IUTPI may be beneficial before moving on to more invasive and expensive methods of assisted reproduction techniques (IVF, ICSI).  

How is a woman prepared for IUTPI?

Prior to IUTPI, women may follow a mild ovarian stimulation protocol. However, IUTPI may also be performed in natural cycle if the woman wishes so.

Is IUTPI painful?

No, Intrauterine Tuboperitoneal Insemination (IUTPI) is not painful.

Is IUTPI performed after unsuccessful IVF treatment(s)?

IUTPI may be performed after unsuccessful IVF attempts, sometimes with positive results. However, the sperm count should be at least 1.000.000 spermatozoa and both tubes should be patent (normal hysterosalpingogram – HSG)

Is the male’s partner presence necessary?

The husband or male partner should visit the clinic earlier on the day of IUTPI in order to give a sperm sample which will be screened and prepared for the insemination (IUTPI).

What are the sperm’s minimum requirements for IUTPI?

For IUTPI, the sperm’s minimum requirement is the presence of at least 1.000.000 spermatozoa after preparation.

What is sperm pooling?

When sperm count is around 1.000.000, the husband or male partner may give a sperm sample twice, at the beginning of the treatment cycle and on the day of IUTPI. The two samples are added and used for the insemination. IUTPI with sperm pooling is well tolerated and cost effective.

What is the cost of IUTPI?

The cost of IUTPI is 450€ including the sperm preparation and the DNB Speculum.