What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) places washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, bringing more sperm closer to the egg to improve the chance of fertilisation. A quick, usually painless procedure.
What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) places washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, bringing more sperm closer to the egg to improve the chance of fertilisation. A quick, usually painless procedure.
Overview
What is Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus to improve the chances of pregnancy. The procedure uses healthy, washed sperm, which is inserted through a thin catheter around the time of ovulation. Fertility specialists often recommend IUI before more advanced fertility treatments. Depending on your treatment plan, IUI can be performed using your partner's sperm or donor sperm, and fertility medications may be prescribed to enhance success.
What actually happens in an IUI cycle
The components of an IUI cycle include ovarian stimulation and the IUI process. The ovarian stimulation process takes place on the second or third day of the menstrual cycle and usually consists of 10-12 days of taking medications in the form of tablets or injections to stimulate the ovaries and cause them to release more than one egg. After the release of the eggs, ovulation is induced using an injection, and IUI is performed. In the IUI process, the washed and concentrated sperms are introduced directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
When IUI Treatment Preferred?
IUI is recommended for mild male infertility, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, or PMOS. It can also be useful in situations where intercourse is difficult, there is sexual dysfunction, or when the husband is traveling (provided semen has been frozen in advance). It is fast and normally not painful; there is no need for recovery time as women can go back to their usual activities right away. Some women may have minor side effects such as cramps, bloating, breast fullness, or mood swings.
Step by step
The IUI Process
Five stages across a single menstrual cycle. The steps and their descriptions are unchanged from the current page only the timing chips and connector rail are new.
Ovarian Stimulation
Oral tablets or injectable medication from cycle day 2-3 to mature one or more follicles
Monitoring
Ultrasound scans to track follicle growth and the endometrial lining to determine optimal timing.
Ovulation Trigger
A single injection completes maturation and sets the precise timing for insemination.
Semen Preparation
The male partner provides a sample; the laboratory washes and concentrates the best motile sperm.
Insemination
A thin, soft catheter places the prepared sperm directly into the uterus, quick, painless, no anaesthesia needed.
Luteal Support and Test
Progesterone supplementation may be given to support implantation, with a blood pregnancy test around day 14.
For Whom
Is IUI right for you?
IUI is recommended for women who are trying to conceive but may be facing mild fertility challenges either on their own or as a couple. It’s especially relevant if:
Important to know
Before You Choose Intrauterine Insemination
When IUI is not the right choice
- Both fallopian tubes are blocked - IUI depends on at least one being open
- Very low semen parameters, where ICSI is the appropriate route.
- Multiple unsuccessful IUI cycles already completed.
- Advanced maternal age, where per-cycle chances fall sharply.
- Moderate to severe endometriosis distorting pelvic anatomy.
What to expect afterwards?
- No recovery time - resume normal activity the same day
- Mild cramping or bloating in some women
- Breast fullness or heaviness
- Temporary mood changes from the medication
- Blood pregnancy test around day 14
Find out whether IUI Treatment is your best next step
The right treatment depends on your diagnosis. One evaluation consultation is usually enough to know.
- Honest advice on your treatment options, based on your own tests
- Transparent pricing before you commit to a cycle
- 24×7 doctor-supervised medical helpline through your journey
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The procedure is quick and usually painless, with no downtime, most women resume normal activities immediately.
Ovarian stimulation (about 10 to 12 days) and the IUI procedure itself, done around ovulation.
Mild male factor, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis or PMOS, and when intercourse is difficult.
Some women have mild, temporary cramping, bloating, breast heaviness or mood changes.
Couples who have already had multiple unsuccessful IUI cycles, very low semen parameters, advanced age, blocked tubes.