IUI Treatments

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where specially prepared sperm are placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. This process increases the chances of fertilisation by helping a higher number of better-quality sperm reach the womb and ultimately the egg.

IUI treatment is less invasive and complex than In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). It involves putting specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus, usually during your natural ovulation cycle. If you have irregular ovulation, fertility drugs can be used to optimise egg production. You can use sperm from a partner or a donor, known as donor insemination (DI).

Key differences

• IUI involves inserting sperm into the uterus, while IVF involves fertilising eggs in a lab before transferring the embryo to the uterus. 
• IUI is less invasive and less expensive. 
• IVF has a higher success rate, due to embryo monitoring and selection, than IUI. 
• IUI cycles are shorter, but they often involve multiple cycles 

IUI is recommended to couples who have been trying to conceive naturally for over a year and the reason for being unable to conceive is due to low sperm or poor sperm motility. Preparing the sperm in the lab gives the couple the best chance of conceiving.  

For IUI to be successful the woman’s fallopian tubes must be open and healthy and AMH levels must indicate good levels of ovarian reserves. Female fertility tests should include both an AMH blood test and a scan to determine fertility.  

IUI is the common first step for same-sex female couples using a sperm donor, if the woman looking to carry a pregnancy is fertile. 

When IUI may not be suitable

IUI is not recommended for female factor infertility, unexplained fertility issues, poor-quality sperm, or mild endometriosis, as research suggests it is unlikely to increase your chances of pregnancy in these cases.

Step 1: Consultation

Before your consultation with one of our experts, you and your partner will have your fertility tests. Your initial consultation will involve discussing the results of your fertility tests with a consultant. They will take you through all the options and help to determine whether IUI is the best treatment option for you.

Step 2: Ovulation

IUI can be performed during your natural ovulation cycle, but fertility drugs may be used if you have ovulation issues such as irregular periods or lower levels of AMH. The timing of the IUI procedure is crucial, as it must coincide with ovulation, which is monitored using blood or urine tests and ultrasound. Medication can be used to trigger ovulation, with the procedure taking place 36 hours later. An ultrasound scan around day 7 to 9 of your cycle checks the progress of your eggs and the growth of the follicles.

Step 3: Preparing sperm

When ovulation has been confirmed, you’ll be ready for the IUI procedure, and the sperm from your partner or a donor will be prepared for insemination.

Step 4: IUI procedure

A vial containing your sperm sample is attached to a fine, flexible plastic tube, which is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. Sperm is then pushed through the tube into the uterus, aiming to fertilise an egg. The procedure takes only a few minutes. Some people will experience some mild discomfort or cramps, that subside shortly after. 

Step 5: Monitoring and two-week wait

After the procedure, it’s over to nature to take its course. During this time, you’ll be closely monitored by our team to help give things a helping hand if necessary. Some patients may require progesterone pessaries to help keep the womb lining receptive to any forming embryo. Your consultant will discuss this with you.  

We recommend waiting the full two weeks before testing. We’ve written a blog all about this period to help give people some guidance and reassurance.   

Step 6: Pregnancy test

After two weeks, if your period hasn’t come it’s time to take a pregnancy test. If the IUI has been successful and you get a positive pregnancy test, we will invite you into the clinic for blood tests and a scan to confirm.  

If it hasn’t worked this time, we’ll be here to support you and when you are ready, we're here to discuss next steps in your fertility treatment.  

For detailed information on costs, read our guide to fertility treatment costs, or book a consultation to discuss your personalised treatment plan. We understand that cost is an important consideration, and we offer various packages and financing options to make treatment more accessible. 

Arranging a consultation is simple; we offer virtual and in-person consultations.