IUI — Intrauterine Insemination Guide

Everything you need to know about IUI — what it involves, who it is suitable for, success rates, and how it compares to IVF.

What is IUI?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where prepared sperm is placed directly inside the uterus around the time of ovulation, increasing the number of sperm reaching the egg.

Step by Step

Ovarian Monitoring (Days 2–12): Regular ultrasound scans to monitor follicle growth. May take oral ovulation-inducing medication (letrozole / clomiphene).
Trigger Injection: When the dominant follicle reaches 18–20 mm, an hCG trigger injection is given.
Sperm Preparation: Partner produces a semen sample. Our lab washes and concentrates the best-moving sperm (1–2 hours).
Insemination: A soft catheter places prepared sperm directly in the uterus. Takes 5–10 minutes, generally painless.
Pregnancy Test: Blood serum hCG 14 days after insemination.

Who is IUI Suitable For?

✅ Mild male factor
✅ Unexplained infertility
✅ Cervical factor
✅ Donor sperm cycles
✅ Sexual dysfunction (vaginismus, erectile dysfunction)
❌ Not suitable for: Tubal blockage, severe male factor, very low ovarian reserve, age >38

Success Rates

Per cycle: 12–18% with controlled ovarian stimulation
After 3 cycles: ~35–40% cumulative
After 6 cycles: ~50–55% cumulative