Treatment Overview
IUI with Luteal Support is an enhanced fertility treatment approach designed to increase the success rate of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) cycles. After sperm is placed directly into the uterus, luteal support therapy helps stabilize the uterine environment and promote successful embryo implantation.
In Korea, fertility specialists integrate precision luteal phase management into IUI protocols using progesterone supplementation, hormonal monitoring, and personalized medication regimens. This approach bridges advanced reproductive endocrinology with patient-focused care, making Korean fertility centers global leaders in assisted conception.
Purpose & Benefits
The purpose of luteal support in IUI is to strengthen the uterine lining and maintain optimal hormonal balance during the two-week period following ovulation and insemination — known as the luteal phase.
Key benefits include:
- Improved endometrial receptivity for embryo implantation.
- Stabilized progesterone levels to prevent early menstrual shedding.
- Enhanced pregnancy rates, particularly in stimulated IUI cycles.
- Reduced risk of luteal phase defects common after ovarian stimulation.
- Increased chances of a viable, healthy pregnancy.
Korean fertility specialists use hormone analysis and real-time monitoring to individualize the type and dosage of luteal support, ensuring precise and effective care.
Ideal Candidates
IUI with Luteal Support is suitable for:
- Women undergoing stimulated IUI cycles using Clomiphene, Letrozole, or gonadotropins.
- Patients with luteal phase deficiency (low progesterone levels).
- Women with a history of early pregnancy loss or implantation failure.
- Those with thin endometrial lining or irregular hormone balance.
- Individuals seeking enhanced conception outcomes in IUI programs.
Whether in natural or medicated IUI cycles, Korean fertility centers adjust luteal support protocols to match each patient’s unique hormonal profile and cycle response.
Possible Risks & Complications
Luteal support in IUI is safe and well-tolerated.
However, possible minor side effects may include:
- Breast tenderness or bloating due to progesterone.
- Mild mood changes.
- Temporary fatigue or nausea.
- Spotting or minor cramping.
Korean clinics closely monitor hormone levels and adjust medication as needed to minimize side effects while maintaining optimal hormonal balance.
Techniques & Medications Used in Luteal Support (Korean Approach)
Korea’s reproductive medicine field emphasizes precision dosing and advanced hormonal control during the luteal phase. Clinics use evidence-based treatments supported by global fertility research:
- Progesterone Supplements (Primary Agent):
- Vaginal suppositories, gels, or oral capsules.
- Intramuscular progesterone injections in select cases.
- Estrogen Supplementation (Adjunctive):
- Used to improve endometrial thickness or balance estrogen-progesterone ratio.
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Mini-Dose Support:
- Triggers corpus luteum to continue producing progesterone naturally.
- Low-Dose Aspirin & Blood Flow Agents:
- Enhance uterine perfusion and endometrial receptivity.
- AI-Based Hormonal Tracking:
- Used in leading Korean fertility centers to predict implantation windows and hormone fluctuations with greater accuracy.
These methods are combined with close hormonal monitoring (E2, P4, LH) to ensure precise timing and dose adjustment throughout the luteal phase.
Recovery & Aftercare
Luteal support requires no downtime and is usually continued for 12–14 days after insemination.
Standard aftercare practices include:
- Continuing prescribed medications (progesterone or hCG).
- Avoiding excessive stress or strenuous physical activity.
- Maintaining a nutrient-rich diet to support implantation.
- Attending follow-up blood tests for hormone checks.
- Taking a pregnancy test approximately two weeks post-IUI.
If pregnancy occurs, luteal support may be continued for several weeks to stabilize early gestation.
Results & Success Rates
IUI success rates are directly influenced by proper luteal support.
With advanced monitoring and supplementation, Korean fertility centers achieve superior outcomes:
- Per-cycle pregnancy rates: 15–25% for women under 35.
- Improved implantation success compared to cycles without support.
- Reduced early miscarriage risk through hormonal stabilization.
Luteal support ensures that the uterine environment remains receptive during the crucial early days following insemination — significantly improving the chance of successful conception.
IUI with Luteal Support: Treatment Process in Korea
Korean fertility centers follow a structured and precise approach to integrating luteal support into the IUI cycle:
1. Pre-Cycle Evaluation
Baseline testing (ultrasound and hormone profile) to assess ovarian reserve and uterine condition.
2. Controlled Ovarian Stimulation
Mild fertility medications stimulate follicle development under ultrasound and hormonal supervision.
3. Ovulation Trigger & Insemination
When follicles reach maturity, an hCG or GnRH agonist trigger induces ovulation. The IUI procedure is performed 36 hours later.
4. Luteal Support Initiation
Progesterone supplementation begins the day after insemination. Additional hormonal agents may be added depending on test results.
5. Follow-Up & Monitoring
Blood tests for progesterone and estradiol confirm hormonal stability. Adjustments are made if necessary.
6. Pregnancy Confirmation
A blood hCG test is performed about 14 days after insemination. If positive, luteal support continues until early pregnancy stabilization (6–8 weeks).
Why Korea Excels in IUI with Luteal Support
Korea’s success in fertility treatment is driven by its combination of medical precision, technology, and patient-focused care.
Key advantages include:
- Advanced hormone tracking systems for real-time monitoring.
- Customized medication protocols based on patient hormonal patterns.
- Integration of AI and predictive analytics for timing optimization.
- Expert fertility specialists with global ART training.
- Comprehensive patient care, including nutrition and emotional support.
- Affordable treatment options compared to Western countries.
Korea’s fertility centers consistently deliver higher pregnancy success rates due to their attention to every phase of the reproductive cycle — especially the critical luteal phase.
Cost Range for IUI with Luteal Support in Korea
Treatment cost varies depending on medication type, monitoring frequency, and clinic protocol.
- Basic IUI with luteal support: USD 800 – 1,500 per cycle.
- Advanced stimulated IUI with extended hormonal support: USD 1,800 – 3,000 per cycle.
- Additional costs for blood tests, hormonal assays, and medications may apply.
Many clinics offer multi-cycle or package options that include full hormonal management and post-procedure follow-up for better value and convenience.
Leading Clinics Offering IUI with Luteal Support in Korea
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul & Bundang): Global leader in reproductive endocrinology and advanced luteal management.
- Asan Medical Center – Reproductive Medicine Division: Specializes in hormone-based fertility optimization.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital (Seoul): Offers comprehensive luteal phase care integrated into IUI and IVF cycles.
- G Clinic (Seoul): Known for individualized hormonal support and AI-based ovulation tracking.
- Hamchoon Women’s Clinic: Expertise in endometrial and hormonal therapies for improved implantation.
