Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is often one of the first treatments that patients opt for in their journey to becoming a family

At CARE Fertility we’ve been offering IUI treatments for over 20 years. With our expert physicians and world leading technology, starting IUI with us is one of the first steps to your dream of having a child.

What is IUI Treatment?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) simply means putting prepared sperm into the uterus. It has been more commonly known as artificial insemination.

IUI is a simple form of fertility treatment that helps a higher number of better quality sperm reach the womb, which will increase the chances of fertilisation.

Who is a good candidate for IUI?

You are a good candidate for IUI treatment if:

  • You or your partner have healthy fallopian tubes, with a normal ovarian reserve.
  • You or your partner is in good overall health.

 

When is IUI recommended?

Once we’ve carefully assessed your fertility and taken you through all the necessary tests, we might recommend IUI as part of your treatment plan if:

  • You or your partner have a borderline low sperm count or reduced motility.
  • You’re unable to have penetrative sex with your partner because of disability, injury or a psychosexual problem.
  • You're using donated sperm in your treatment.
  • You're a lesbian couple or single woman.
  • You have unexplained fertility problems.

What does IUI treatment involve?

We time IUI treatment to coincide with ovulation, using blood or urine tests and ultrasound to carefully monitor the ovulation cycle. If needed, we might also trigger ovulation with medication and then time the procedure to take place 36 hours later.

Before IUI treatment begins we’ll prepare a high-quality semen sample in the lab – (the sperm are specially washed), whether this is yours or a donor’s, separating fast-moving sperm from the less active. Then, using a catheter and speculum, we pass the sperm sample into the cervix in a short and simple procedure; you or your partner shouldn’t
experience any more discomfort than you would at a smear test.

We time IUI treatment to coincide with ovulation, using blood or urine tests and ultrasound to carefully monitor the ovulation cycle.

Risks of IUI

The chance of multiple births is increased if you take fertility medication when having IUI.

Benefits of IUI

  • IUI is a good option for single women and same sex couples who don’t have fertility issues but who need donor sperm,
  • IUI is the lowest cost form of assisted reproduction treatment.
  • There is no egg collection involved in IUI meaning that there is no invasive procedure and sedation is not required.

Success with IUI

Whilst IUI is a less invasive and less expensive option than IVF, pregnancy rates from IUI are lower than IVF. Reasons include the fact that there is no monitoring of embryo development or selection of the most viable embryo as we can do with IVF.

The success of IUI depends on many factors, including:

  • The reason IUI is being performed. If IUI is being used to help lesbian couples or single women using donor sperm there isn't necessarily a fertility issue preventing them from becoming pregnant.
  • The woman's age
  • The man's sperm count and quality of sperm
  • Whether it is carried out in a drug stimulated or natural (drug free) cycle

IUI vs IVF

Many people seeking fertility treatment may wonder, what’s the difference between IUI and IVF ? In IUI, sperm are inserted into the uterus to fertilise an egg, whereas IVF involves collecting eggs and fertilising them in a lab, before transferring a cultured embryo back into the uterus. Patients choosing between IUI and IVF fertility treatments should consider:

  • IUI is less invasive and less expensive.
  • Patients generally start with IUI if they are using donor sperm.
  • IVF has a higher success rate per cycle.
  • IUI treatments generally involve multiple cycles.
  • Pregnancy rates from IUI are lower than IVF as there is no monitoring of embryo development or selection of the most viable embryo as with IVF.

IUI cost

Costs vary from clinic to clinic, however on average the cost of IUI with a partner sperm at CARE Fertility costs £980. The cost of IUI with donor sperm costs from £1965 - £2095 when using CARE's sperm bank, or if using imported donor sperm between £1185 - £1560.

For more information on the cost of IUI, check your local clinic's fee schedule or call our new patient enquiry team on 0800 564 2270.

If you’re interested in IUI with CARE, speak to your local clinic or contact us.