IUI is the simplest and most cost-effective IVF method, during which the enriched semen is inserted in the female uterus with a catheter (tubal patency is a prerequisite). There is a natural fertilization, with no further intervention. Pregnancy rates are 12-18%.

Sperm Selection Methods. IMSI, PICSI, DFI & FERTILE. Most of the new methods of sperm selection in IVF treatments (IVF, ICSI, IUI) are based nowadays on systems that mimic the natural environment of the body.

The first step for an In Vitro Fertilization program is stimulation of the ovaries with medication. This is necessary for the development of many follicles and lasts about 12-14 days. The stimulation protocol is chosen based on each couple’s medical history (age, previous attempts, etc). Monitoring is done every 2-3 days with hormone determination & ultrasound examination for the appropriate dose of drugs. When most of the follicles reach 18-20 mm in diameter, the last injection is given, which will result in the final maturation of the oocytes and ovulation.

Blastocyst is the embryo on the 5^th day of culture. At this point, it consists of 120-200 cells and a cavity called blastocoele. Cell differentiation has already begun giving two kinds of cells the trophectoderm and the inner cell mass. The trophectoderm gives rise to the placenta and the inner cell mass forms the embryo.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing consists of two slightly different methods. PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) for fertile couples that are carriers of genetic diseases. PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) for infertile couples. Embryos that undergo Preimplantation Genetic Testing are biopsied on Day 3 after Oocyte Retrieval or Day 5. A small hole is created to the zona pelucida using laser and with a micropipette one blastomere is removed in each embryo. On Day 5 Biopsy trophectoderm cells are removed (that give rise to the placenta), then genetic testing follows.

When a woman desires to vitrify her oocytes, firstly she has to undergo multiple ovulation induction, in order to maturate a satisfying number of oocytes. This stage of the therapy requires about 10-12 days since the first day of the menstrual cycle. Then, the doctor collects the oocytes after the oocyte pick up procedure. The oocytes can be vitrified only after their suitable elaboration in the lab and only if they are assessed as mature.

Nowadays, cryopreservation of embryos is considered a usual and effective application in the Assisted Reproduction Technology, thanks to the method of vitrification. This technique is usually preferred in ART cycles that there is a surplus of good quality embryos or in cases when for some reason, embryo transfer is not recommended.

Fertility cryopreservation is nowadays a matter that does not concern only women, but men as well. The first step for sperm cryopreservation is the collection of the sample. Sperm is collected in a special room (men’s room) next to the laboratory in the clinic and then delivered to the Laboratory staff. The embryologists evaluate the concentration and motility of the sperm sample and then the cryopreservation procedure begins.