Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

At Genus Fertility, we believe fertility treatment should be personalised and appropriate. Where appropriate, we aim to use the least invasive and most effective treatment options before progressing to more complex treatments such as IVF. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IUI, sometimes referred to as artificial insemination, is a simpler fertility treatment that places specially prepared partner or donor sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to support natural fertilisation in either your natural cycle or with hormonal stimulation.

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Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

At Genus Fertility, we believe fertility treatment should be personalised and appropriate. Proportionate. Where appropriate, we aim to use the least invasive and most effective treatment options before progressing to more complex treatments such as IVF. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IUI, sometimes referred to as artificial insemination, is a simpler fertility treatment that places specially prepared partner or donor sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to support natural fertilisation in either your natural cycle or with hormonal stimulation.

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What is IUI and How Does it Work?

IUI is one of the simplest and least invasive fertility treatments available, and for many people it offers a straightforward first step on the path to pregnancy.

During intrauterine insemination (IUI), specially prepared sperm are carefully placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to improve the chances of natural fertilisation.

IUI can be carried out during a natural cycle, or alongside medication to stimulate the ovaries and encourage the release of one or more eggs, a process known as stimulated IUI. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your individual circumstances.

While IUI is less complex than IVF, it is most effective when carefully timed and individually planned. At Genus Fertility, every IUI cycle is overseen by our specialist team, with monitoring throughout to give you the best possible chance of success.

Am I Suitable for IUI?

IUI is suitable for women who have healthy fallopian tubes and a normal ovarian reserve. Some of the reasons why IUI might be recommended include:

You are using donor sperm
You are using frozen sperm from your partner
You have ovulation difficulties, in which case IUI can be used in conjunction with fertility medication
Your partner experiences erection or ejaculation issues
Difficulties with intercourse or ejaculation are affecting conception

The IUI process step by step

Natural or stimulated cycle:
The first step is deciding whether IUI should take place within a natural menstrual cycle or with mild ovarian stimulation to induce follicle growth and ovulation. Some patients ovulate each month naturally and may not require ovarian stimulation medication. In other cases, hormone medication may be recommended to support the development of one or two follicles and improve the chances of conception. Your consultant will discuss the most appropriate approach based on your individual circumstances.
Monitoring:
Monitoring during treatment depends on whether IUI is being performed with a natural or stimulated cycle. In natural cycle IUI, urinary hormone testing is commonly used to identify ovulation timing. In a stimulated cycle, ultrasound scans and occasionally blood tests may also be required to monitor follicle development and help determine the optimal timing for insemination.
Semen preparation:
Around the time of ovulation, the semen sample is prepared within our laboratory for insemination. Our embryologists carefully process and concentrate the most motile sperm while removing seminal fluid and less motile sperm cells to optimise the sample for insemination.
Insemination:
The prepared sperm sample is gently released into the uterus using a very fine soft tube. The procedure is like having a smear test, as a speculum is used to allow visualisation of the neck of the uterus before the sperm tube is carefully passed through the neck of the uterus into the uterus. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and most patients find it straightforward and painless.

FAQs

How long does intrauterine insemination (IUI) take?

An IUI treatment cycle usually takes around two to four weeks, depending on whether treatment is performed within your natural or stimulated cycle and how ovulation timing is monitored. The insemination procedure itself typically takes only a few minutes and is similar to having a cervical smear test. You can return home shortly afterwards and resume normal daily activities the same day.

Is the IUI process painful?

Most patients describe IUI as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful, often similar to having a smear test. If you have previously tolerated a smear test well, you are unlikely to have significant discomfort with IUI, though mild cramping or pressure is common.

What are my chances of success with IUI?

Success rates with IUI vary from person to person and depend on factors such as age, egg and sperm quality, overall health, and the underlying reason for fertility difficulties. After your initial fertility tests, we can explain how these factors can affect your chances of success with this approach so you can make an informed choice.

What are the risks of IUI?

IUI is generally considered a low‑risk treatment. There is a slight risk of infection after the procedure, though this is uncommon. When hormone medications are used to stimulate ovulation, there is an increased likelihood of twin or multiple pregnancy. In some cases, injectable fertility medication can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), where the ovaries become enlarged, painful, and fluid can build up in the abdomen. Careful monitoring helps minimise these risks.

How soon after IUI can I take a pregnancy test?

You will usually be advised to have a pregnancy test about nine to 14 days after the insemination. If the result is positive, an early pregnancy scan is typically arranged a few weeks later; if treatment is unsuccessful, our team will guide you on the most appropriate next steps and whether further review or additional treatment options are appropriate.

Can I use donor sperm with IUI?

Yes, IUI is commonly performed with donor sperm, and your team can support you in choosing a suitable donor from our partnered donor banks.

What happens if IUI doesn’t work?

If pregnancy has not been achieved after several IUI cycles, your fertility specialist will review your treatment history and discuss whether further IUI is likely to be beneficial or whether alternative treatment options, such as IVF or ICSI, may offer a higher chance of success.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

What is IUI and How Does it Work?

Am I Suitable for IUI?

The IUI process step by step

Natural or stimulated cycle:

Monitoring:

Semen preparation:

Insemination:

FAQs

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