IUI Treatment
Fertility Treatments
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which processed sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This increases the number of healthy moving sperm that reach the fallopian tubes.
IUI may be considered for mild male factor infertility, ovulation-related problems, cervical factors, unexplained infertility, donor sperm cycles or selected couples who need a simpler first-line treatment before IVF.
The IUI process usually includes follicle tracking, timing of ovulation, semen preparation and the insemination procedure. Medication may be used in some cycles when ovarian stimulation is clinically appropriate.
IUI is less invasive than IVF, but suitability depends on age, tubal patency, semen parameters, duration of infertility and previous treatment results.
Contact UsWhen IUI is the right first step
IUI is simpler, less invasive and less expensive than IVF, so where the diagnosis allows it, it is often tried first. It depends on at least one open fallopian tube and reasonable sperm numbers, because fertilisation still has to happen inside the body.
- Mild male factor infertility, where sperm parameters are slightly below normal
- Ovulation problems, often combined with ovulation induction medication
- Cervical factors that make it harder for sperm to pass through
- Unexplained infertility of relatively short duration
- Cycles using donor sperm
- Couples who cannot have intercourse reliably around ovulation
How an IUI cycle works
- Cycle planning — your specialist decides whether to track a natural cycle or use medication to stimulate one or two follicles.
- Follicle tracking — scans follow follicle growth so that insemination can be timed to ovulation rather than guessed at.
- Trigger — where needed, an injection sets the precise timing of ovulation.
- Sperm preparation — the sample is washed and concentrated in the laboratory so that the most motile sperm are selected and seminal fluid is removed.
- Insemination — the prepared sample is passed into the uterus through a fine catheter. It takes a few minutes, needs no sedation, and most women describe it as similar to a smear test.
- Pregnancy test — taken about two weeks later.
How IUI compares with IVF
Per cycle, IUI has a lower chance of pregnancy than IVF. It is also far less demanding: no egg retrieval, no sedation, fewer injections and a much lower cost. For the right couple that trade-off makes sense, particularly early on.
Where it is less suitable, it is better to know that at the outset. Blocked tubes, severe male factor infertility, or significantly reduced ovarian reserve generally point to IVF instead, and repeated IUI in those situations tends to spend time rather than improve the odds.
How many cycles are reasonable
Most specialists suggest reviewing after three to four IUI cycles. If there has been no pregnancy by then, the chance of later cycles succeeding falls, and the conversation usually turns to IVF.
Age matters in this decision. For a woman in her late thirties or older, spending many months on IUI can cost more in lost time than it gains, and moving sooner is often the better advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does IUI hurt?
Most women find it comparable to a cervical smear — brief, with some cramping. No sedation is needed and you can usually return to normal activity straight away.
Do I need to rest after the procedure?
Prolonged bed rest is not necessary. You will usually be asked to lie down for a short period afterwards, then you can carry on with your normal day.
Will I need fertility medication?
Sometimes. Medication to stimulate one or two follicles can improve the chance of success in selected cycles, but it also raises the risk of a multiple pregnancy, so it is used with monitoring and not in every case.
What sperm count is needed for IUI?
There is no single cut-off, but IUI relies on an adequate number of motile sperm after preparation. Where the count or motility is very low, ICSI within an IVF cycle is usually the more realistic route, and your specialist will say so directly.
When should we stop trying IUI?
After three to four unsuccessful cycles it is worth a formal review. Continuing beyond that has diminishing returns for most couples, and your age and diagnosis should drive the decision.
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