A simple, well-tolerated first-line fertility treatment for many couples. Here's exactly what IUI involves, who it's suited to, and what to expect.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which a concentrated, "washed" sample of healthy sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. By placing sperm closer to the egg and bypassing the cervix, IUI improves the chances of fertilisation for couples with certain types of infertility.
IUI is usually paired with ovulation monitoring — either a natural cycle tracked closely, or mild ovarian stimulation with oral medication or low-dose injections to encourage one or two eggs to mature, followed by precisely timed insemination.
Ultrasound and hormone monitoring to identify the optimal ovulation window, with or without mild stimulation.
A trigger injection may be used to time ovulation precisely, if needed.
A fresh semen sample is collected and processed ("washed") to isolate the healthiest, most motile sperm.
The prepared sample is placed into the uterus using a thin catheter — a quick, painless outpatient procedure.
A blood test roughly two weeks later confirms whether the cycle was successful.
IUI is generally not recommended for severely blocked fallopian tubes, severe male-factor infertility, or significantly diminished ovarian reserve — in these cases IVF is usually the more effective option.
Success rates per IUI cycle depend heavily on the woman's age, ovulation pattern, and sperm parameters. While per-cycle success is generally lower than IVF, cumulative success across a few well-timed cycles can be meaningful for the right candidates. Dr. Kavya will discuss a realistic, personalised expectation based on your specific diagnostic results.
IUI cost is influenced by whether medication is used for mild stimulation, the number of monitoring visits required, and whether donor sperm is involved. Because it avoids laboratory fertilisation and embryo culture, IUI is typically far less expensive per cycle than IVF — your care team will provide a transparent cost breakdown for your specific plan.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a fertility procedure in which washed, concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, shortening the distance sperm need to travel to reach the egg.
IUI is often recommended for unexplained infertility, mild male-factor infertility, ovulatory disorders, cervical mucus issues, or for single women or same-sex couples using donor sperm.
IUI is generally a quick, well-tolerated outpatient procedure that feels similar to a Pap smear, with mild cramping at most. No anaesthesia is required.
Most specialists recommend reassessing after 3–4 IUI cycles without success, after which IVF or a change in treatment approach is typically discussed.
IUI success rates vary based on age, diagnosis, and sperm quality, and are generally lower per cycle than IVF, but it remains a reasonable lower-cost, less invasive first step for many couples.
IUI is significantly less expensive per cycle than IVF since it doesn't involve laboratory fertilisation or embryo culture, though multiple cycles may be needed — ask for a clear cost comparison during consultation.