What is IUI?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where washed and concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a thin catheter, timed to coincide with ovulation. By placing sperm closer to the fallopian tubes, IUI increases the chance of fertilisation occurring naturally.
IUI is often the first-line treatment for couples with mild fertility issues, as it is less invasive, more affordable, and requires less medication than IVF.
Who is IUI Suitable For?
- Mild male factor infertility — slightly low sperm count or motility
- Unexplained infertility — when all tests are normal but conception has not occurred
- Cervical factor — hostile cervical mucus preventing sperm passage
- Ovulation disorders — combined with ovulation induction medication
- Single women — using donor sperm
- Same-sex female couples — using donor sperm
- Ejaculatory dysfunction — inability to ejaculate during intercourse
The IUI Process
1. Ovarian Monitoring
Your cycle is monitored with ultrasound scans (and sometimes blood tests) to track follicle development. IUI can be performed in a natural cycle or with mild ovarian stimulation using tablets (Clomiphene/Letrozole) or low-dose injections.
2. Trigger Injection
When the lead follicle reaches 18-20mm, a trigger injection may be given to ensure ovulation occurs at a predictable time, allowing precise timing of the insemination.
3. Sperm Preparation
On the day of insemination, your partner provides a semen sample (or frozen donor sperm is thawed). The sample is washed and prepared in our laboratory — a process that concentrates the most motile, healthy sperm and removes seminal fluid, debris, and non-motile sperm.
4. Insemination
The prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. The procedure is quick (1-2 minutes), usually painless (similar to a Pap smear), and requires no anaesthesia. You can return to normal activities immediately.
5. Pregnancy Test
A blood pregnancy test is performed 14 days after insemination.
IUI Success Rates
Success rates for IUI are approximately 10-20% per cycle, depending on the underlying cause of infertility, the woman's age, and whether ovarian stimulation is used. Cumulative success over 3-4 cycles is approximately 30-40% for appropriate candidates.
When to Escalate to IVF
We typically recommend moving to IVF after 3-4 unsuccessful IUI cycles, or sooner if:
- The woman is over 37 years old
- There is moderate-severe male factor infertility
- Tubal damage is suspected
- Endometriosis is present
- Ovarian reserve is diminishing
The decision to escalate treatment is always made collaboratively with you, based on your specific circumstances and preferences.