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INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION

With personalised IUI care, we’re here to support your unique journey to parenthood. Every step, every question—we're with you.

What is IUI?

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. 

How IUI works 

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). 

IUI is an less invasive treatment that can help make family possible for some people.

Thumbnail_small-Victoria Sephton
Dr Victoria Sephton, Chief Medical Officer and GMC Responsible Officer

IUI Vs. IVF

  • 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  

Is IUI right for me? 

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. 

The IUI treatment process

We’re with you all the way, providing the best care and support. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect:   

Step 1: The initial chat

Your journey starts by speaking to one of our fertility specialists. We’ll discuss your health, medical history, and options for fertility treatment.

If you’re ready, we’ll book you in for your first consultation. We’ll also book you in for your fertility tests, if you need them. This will help us personalise your treatment plan.

Our goal is to gather as much information as possible to create a tailored treatment plan that gives you the best chance of success. 
Step 2: Fertility tests

Before starting IUI you’ll most likely need some fertility and health tests, these tests help us to get a full picture of your health and reproductive health – this gives us the very best chance at creating a treatment plan that works for you.   

The fertility tests will determine your ovarian reserve and analyse sperm health and viability. You will also have some basic health checks such as your Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure.   

If you have experienced recurrent miscarriage, or you’ve had unsuccessful fertility treatment before, then you might need more in-depth tests. Our fertility specialists will guide you based on your medical history and concerns and ensure that you get the right tests.   
Step 3: Consultation

When your test results have come back, you will have a consultation with one of our fertility doctors. They will go through your results with you, and let you know the best treatment route. Your treatment plan will be personalised to you, to give you the very best chance at success. Remember, this is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have – it's completely normal to have questions!  

After your consultation, we’ll share with your treatment plan and a cost estimation with you via our treatment companion app, Salve, so that you can make an informed decision on what to do next.  

You will also have access to your own Patient Portal, where you can find all the necessary information and resources. Our patient services team will be in touch to answer any questions and provide any additional information you might need – so don’t worry if you didn’t ask everything at your consultation. We’re here to ensure you feel prepared and confident as you begin your IVF journey.  
Step 4: 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 5: 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 6: The two-week wait

After embryo transfer, you’ll wait around 12-14 days to find out if your IVF treatment was successful.   

During the two-week wait, it’s important to take progesterone, a hormone that helps prepare the uterine lining for implantation. This period can be emotionally challenging, as you await the outcome of your treatment. Remember, we’re here to support you.   

We’ve written a blog all about this period to help give people some guidance and reassurance. 

Read about the two-week wait
Step 7: Pregnancy test and ultrasound scan

Take an at-home pregnancy test around two weeks after embryo transfer. If the test is positive, you’ll come to the clinic for an ultrasound scan to check for a heartbeat. We support you every step of the way.  

If your pregnancy test is negative or if the scan does not show an ongoing pregnancy, we understand that this can be very upsetting. Support is always available to you, and speaking with a specialist fertility counsellor can help you process your emotions and decide on your next steps.

When you’re ready, we’ll book a follow-up appointment with your consultant to plan your next steps. 

How much does IUI cost

For detailed information on costs, please check your fertility clinics pricing, 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. 

Find your fertility clinics pricing

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