
Explore
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman’s uterus to facilitate fertilization. The goal of IUI is to increase the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and subsequently increase the chance of fertilization. IUI provides the sperm an advantage by giving it a head start but still requires a sperm to reach and fertilize the …
Which fertility drugs are used with IUI?
IUI stands for in intrauterine insemination. It’s also sometimes called donor insemination, alternative insemination, or artificial insemination. IUI works by putting sperm cells directly into your uterus around the time you’re ovulating, helping the sperm get closer to your egg.
How can I improve my chances of successful IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into a person’s uterus. During a natural conception, sperm has to travel from your vagina through your cervix, into your uterus and to your fallopian tubes. Only 5% of the sperm are able to travel from your vagina to your uterus.
How much will the average IUI procedure cost?
Mar 02, 2018 · Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where sperm are placed directly into a woman’s uterus. During natural conception, sperm have to travel from the vagina through the cervix,...
What to do after IUI?
Apr 18, 2020 · Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a non-surgical fertility procedure in which sperm is injected into a woman’s uterus through a thin, …

How long does IUI take to get pregnant?
How long does it take to get pregnant using IUI? Since insemination occurs during ovulation, it takes approximately two weeks after the procedure to determine if the treatment is successful after a positive pregnancy test.
What are the chances of getting pregnant with IUI?
Through a diagnosis, the doctor may identify issues that can affect your success rate. If you are experiencing unexplained fertility with healthy eggs and two fallopian tubes, IUI success rates are around 7% to 10% per cycle.Jul 22, 2021
How is IUI done step by step?
During the procedureAttaches a vial containing a sample of healthy sperm to the end of a long, thin, flexible tube (catheter)Inserts the catheter into the vagina, through the cervical opening and into the uterus.Pushes the sperm sample through the tube into the uterus.Removes the catheter, followed by the speculum.Sep 3, 2021
Is IUI procedure painful?
Does IUI Hurt? The IUI procedure should only take a few minutes and it shouldn't hurt. Some mild discomfort may occur when the speculum is inserted, or you may experience cramping when the catheter passes through the cervix. The discomfort is temporary and should be gone by the end of the procedure.Jan 8, 2020
Does IUI cause twins?
Although IUI increases the chance of pregnancy, this procedure alone does not increase the chance of having multiples. By itself, IUI does not affect ovulation, so a patient who undergoes IUI has about the same chance of conceiving twins or other multiples as individuals who conceive naturally.Oct 2, 2019
Is IUI baby healthy?
Just to give you an idea, the chances of developing an infection in this procedure is only 2% to 4%. The chances of any other medical complications or birth defects are also very low in this procedure. Thus, IUI is safe.
What happens inside the body after IUI?
Some women experience cramping after IUI. The catheter can sometimes irritate the uterus, which can cause mild cramping, too. Ovulation can also cause abdominal cramping. If you're ovulating multiple follicles, usually from taking medication to induce ovulation, this may worsen ovulation pain or cramping.
How much sperm is needed for IUI?
CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that a threshold number of sperm may exist to optimize IUI success and that the minimum total number of motile sperm needed is approximately 6.7 million per insemination.
Can sperm fall out after IUI?
Q : Can the sperm fall out? A : Once the sperm is injected into the uterus, it does not fall out. There can, however be an increased wetness after the procedure because of the catheter loosens mucus in the cervix and allows it to flow out.Oct 15, 2020
Is IUI better than IVF?
In general, IVF has higher success rates than IUI. It is the most highly recommended method for women over the age of 40. Additionally, IVF gives your fertility doctor and the intended parents more have over the number of embryos transferred into the uterus, which lowers the risk of multiple births.
What is the cost of IUI in India?
Average Cost of IUI in Various CitiesCityAverage Cost per IUI (not inclusive of Stimulation medication costs)Mumbai12,000 - 17,000 INRBangalore12,000 - 17,000 INRDelhi12,000 - 17,000 INRChennai12,000 - 17,000 INR4 more rows
What is IUI vs IVF?
Through intrauterine insemination (IUI), sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a speculum. Through In-vitro fertilization (IVF), eggs are surgically removed using a needle that goes through the back of the vagina, and those eggs are fertilized outside of the body.
When is IUI used?
The most common reasons for IUI are low sperm count or decreased sperm mobility. However, IUI may be selected as a fertility treatment for any of the following conditions as well:
How does IUI work?
Before intrauterine insemination, ovulation- stimulating medications may be used, in which case careful monitoring will be necessary to determine when the eggs are mature.
What are the risks?
The chance of becoming pregnant with multiples is increased if you take fertility medication when having IUI. There is also a small risk of infection after IUI.
What is IUI in a pregnancy?
What is IUI? What is IVF? What is IUI? Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple procedure that puts sperm directly inside your uterus, which helps healthy sperm get closer to your egg.
How does IUI work?
IUI works by putting sperm cells directly into your uterus around the time you’re ovulating, helping the sperm get closer to your egg.
How long does it take for a sperm tube to inseminate?
The insemination procedure is done at your doctor’s office or at a fertility clinic, and it only takes about 5-10 minutes.
Why do you wash your sperm?
Sperm washing also helps get rid of chemicals in the semen that can cause reactions in your uterus and make it harder to get pregnant. If you’re using donor sperm from a sperm bank, the sperm bank generally sends the doctor's office sperm that’s already “washed” and ready for IUI.
What is the process of insemination?
Semen is collected from your partner or a donor. It goes through a process called “sperm washing” that collects a concentrated amount of healthy sperm from the semen.
How much does it cost to get infertility treatment without insurance?
In general, it costs about $300-$1,000 without insurance. A few states have laws that say health insurance companies must cover some or all of the costs of infertility treatment if you meet certain requirements. But many insurance plans don’t offer any fertility treatment coverage at all.
Is IUI a fertility treatment?
IUI is a simple and low-tech procedure, and it can be less expensive than other types of fertility treatments. It increases your chances of pregnancy, but everyone’s body is different, so there’s no guarantee that IUI will work.
What is IUI used for?
IUI is used to treat many types of infertility and is often done in multiple cycles until pregnancy is achieved—or another treatment is tried. IUI is often the first procedure tried before moving on to more invasive options, such as in-vitro fertilization ( IVF ).
What is the name of the drug that is used to treat IUI?
Gonadotropins with IUI. Gonadotropins are injectable fertility drugs, including FSH, LH, hMG, and hCG. Brand names you may recognize are Gonal-F, Follistim, and Ovidrel. When you get your period, you’ll call your doctor to schedule a baseline ultrasound and blood work.
How long after IUI can I take progesterone?
After the IUI procedure, you may be prescribed progesterone. This is usually taken via a vaginal suppository. About a week after the IUI, your doctor may order blood work. They will check your progesterone levels, estrogen, and (maybe) hCG levels .
How much does an IUI cycle cost?
When all is said and done, one IUI cycle may cost you $3,000 or more.
When is IUI done?
IUI is done around the time of ovulation or in conjunction with fertility drugs to maximize the likelihood of conception. You may know of IUI by the more commonly used term artificial insemination (AI). IUI is a type of AI treatment.
When should I start taking fertility pills?
Assuming everything looks good, you’ll start taking the oral fertility drugs on the days prescribed by your doctor. You may or may not have ultrasound monitoring and more blood work as the cycle progresses. If your doctor is monitoring your cycle, they will schedule the IUI procedure just before ovulation.
When to schedule IUI?
If your doctor is monitoring your cycle, they will schedule the IUI procedure just before ovulation. Or, your doctor may ask you to use an ovulation predictor test at home. When the test indicates ovulation is near, you’ll call your doctor’s office to schedule blood work, possibly an ultrasound, and the IUI procedure.
What is IUI in pregnancy?
Overview. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where sperm are placed directly into a woman’s uterus. During natural conception, sperm have to travel from the vagina through the cervix, into the uterus, and up to the fallopian tubes. With IUI, sperm are “washed” and concentrated, and also placed directly into the uterus, ...
What is IUI performed on?
IUI can be performed using a male partner’s sperm or donor sperm. IUI is most commonly used in these scenarios: unexplained infertility. mild endometriosis. issues with the cervix or cervical mucus. low sperm count. decreased sperm motility. issues with ejaculation or erection. same-sex couples wishing to conceive.
How soon after IUI can I take a pregnancy test?
You can take a pregnancy test two weeks after the IUI procedure.
What to expect when you have IUI?
What to expect when you have the procedure. IUI is a relatively painless and noninvasive procedure. IUI is sometimes done in what is called the “natural cycle,” which means no medications are given. A woman ovulates naturally and has the sperm placed at a doctor’s office around the time of ovulation.
How many cycles of IUI can I get pregnant?
Success rates for IUI tend to decrease in women over the age of 40, and in women who have not gotten pregnant after three cycles of IUI.
How does IUI affect pregnancy?
With IUI, sperm are “washed” and concentrated, and also placed directly into the uterus, which puts them closer to the egg. This process can increase the likelihood of pregnancy in certain couples who have had difficulty getting pregnant.
What hormones are used to stimulate ovaries to produce eggs?
Medications such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid), hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) may be used to prompt the ovaries to mature and release an egg or multiple eggs. Ovulation with more than one egg usually increases chance of pregnancy.
When does IUI end?
A typical IUI cycle begins at the start of your period and ends when you take a blood pregnancy test, about two weeks after your IUI. First, you’ll get a blood test on the second or third day of your period to confirm that you aren’t already pregnant.
What is the success rate of IUI?
IUI is a modest intervention with similarly modest results. In the best-case scenarios, success rates can range from a 20 to 50 percent chance of pregnancy over the course of a few IUI cycles. So if it doesn’t work, don’t blame yourself. Your success rate is typically dependent on your age and the reason you’re getting an IUI in the first place.
How long before IUI do I need to take hCG shots?
It’s injected under the skin about 12 to 36 hours before your IUI procedure, and mimics the surge of luteinizing hormone, which tells your body to ovulate.
Why do women in their 40s have less success with IUI than those who are younger?
Part of the reason why women in their 40s tend have less success with IUI than those who are younger is because at least 30 percent of pregnancies in women in their early 40s result in miscarriage, Dr. Brady said.
How long does it take for sperm to be injected into the uterus?
It is timed to occur just before ovulation and takes a few minutes to perform.
How many couples have unexplained infertility?
A seminal study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1999, for instance, found that of 932 couples with unexplained infertility, those who received follicle-stimulating hormone with their IUI were nearly twice as likely to become pregnant than those who had IUI without the drugs.
When do you have to have an ultrasound before ovulation?
During the weeks before ovulation, your doctor will perform additional ultrasounds to make sure that your uterine lining is thickening and your follicles are growing. When at least one mature follicle on the ultrasound measures over 20 millimeters, ovulation is likely to happen soon.
What is the best fertility treatment?
Two of the most common fertility treatments are: intrauterine insemination (IUI) Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating. in vitro fertilization (IVF) Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos. Then a doctor puts the embryos into your uterus. ...
How do I get pregnant?
Two of the most common fertility treatments are: 1 intrauterine insemination (IUI)#N#Healthy sperm is collected and inserted directly into your uterus when you’re ovulating. 2 in vitro fertilization (IVF)#N#Eggs are taken from your ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab, where they develop into embryos. Then a doctor puts the embryos into your uterus.
What is assisted reproductive technology?
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) describes several kinds of procedures that can help you have a baby. ART includes procedures that make it easier for sperm to fertilize an egg, and help the egg implant in your uterine lining. Two of the most common fertility treatments are: intrauterine insemination (IUI) ...
Can you have fertility treatments with only one partner?
Sometimes only one person needs treatment, other times both partners will use a combination of treatments together. Fertility treatments often include medications that help with hormones and ovulation, sometimes combined with minor surgical procedures.
Can technology help with fertility?
Thanks to technology, there are lots of ways to help people with all kinds of fertility issues. The options that are best for you depend on your personal situation and what’s causing your infertility. Sometimes only one person needs treatment, other times both partners will use a combination of treatments together.
Can you use sperm from a donor?
You can also use sperm and/or eggs from a donor if a problem with your own sperm cells or eggs is causing infertility issues. Talking with a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and/or infertility can help you figure out which treatments are best for you. Your family doctor or gynecologist can refer you to a fertility specialist.
How to improve IUI?
Eat Healthy Foods. A healthy diet can improve IUI success rate and help pregnancy. Have more protein-rich foods and reduce your carbs intake. Besides, if you’re suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), adopting a healthier diet can raise your chances of conception.
How to increase IUI success?
Do things which give you happiness and satisfaction. According to the Law of Attraction, one attracts what he/she imagines. Positive emotions like the happiness of conceiving can increase IUI success.
How many follicles do I have in one round of IUI?
So, your ovaries produce more than 20 follicles in one round. This may spike up your estrogen levels, causing inflammation of your ovaries.
What is intrauterine insemination?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a treatment to enable fertilization by placing sperm inside the uterus. It’s objective is to maximize the count of sperms reaching the fallopian tubes for increasing the chances of fertilization. Before the treatment, the doctor may administer ovulation-stimulating drugs to determine the maturing time of your eggs.
What happens when you get IUI?
During IUI, a thin tube containing sperm is inserted in your uterine cavity through your cervix. This is associated with a little risk of infection. Experiencing pain or cramping while insertion is natural. A higher risk occurs if your cervix gets injured and leads to spotting, bleeding or severe pain after the treatment. So, the doctor will ask you to rest for some time after the process to reduce such risks.
Can IUI cause multiples?
Multiple Pregnancies. A complication of the fertility drugs taken during IUI can make you pregnant with multiples. However, the risks of conceiving multiple babies or twins after the procedure are quite rare. Multiple pregnancies can raise IUI risks to your baby.
Can IUI cancel cycles?
Ensure that the reproductive endocrinologist governing your IUI treatment can even cancel cycles on the production of excess eggs. Also, monitoring must be done closely. So, be sure to seek the right person for the treatment.

Why It's Done
- A couple's ability to become pregnant depends on many different factors. Intrauterine insemination is used most often in couples who have: 1. Donor sperm. For women who need to use donor sperm to get pregnant, IUI is most commonly used to achieve pregnancy. Frozen don…
Risks
- Intrauterine insemination is a relatively simple and safe procedure, and the risk of serious complications is low. Risks include: 1. Infection.There's a slight risk of developing an infection as a result of the procedure. 2. Spotting.Sometimes the process of placing the catheter in the uterus causes a small amount of vaginal bleeding. This doesn't usually have an effect on the chance of …
How You Prepare
- Intrauterine insemination involves careful coordination before the actual procedure: 1. Preparing the semen sample.Your partner provides a semen sample at the doctor's office, or a vial of frozen donor sperm can be thawed and prepared. Because nonsperm elements in semen can cause reactions in the woman's body that interfere with fertilization, the sample will be washed in a wa…
What You Can Expect
- The visit for intrauterine insemination takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. The IUIprocedure itself takes just a minute or two and requires no medications or pain relievers. Your doctor or a specially trained nurse performs the procedure.
Results
- Wait two weeks before taking an at-home pregnancy test. Testing too soon could produce a result that is: 1. False-negative.If pregnancy hormones aren't yet at measurable levels, the test result may be negative when, in fact, you really are pregnant. 2. False-positive. If you're using ovulation-inducing medication such as HCG, the medication that's still circulating in your body could indic…
What Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
When It's Used
- IUI is used to treat many types of infertility and is often done in multiple cycles until pregnancy is achieved—or another treatment is tried. IUI is often the first procedure tried before moving on to more invasive options, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Some insurance companies require a few cycles of IUI before paying for IVF. Cycles of IUI may be recommended to treat any of the followi…
Cost
- When considering fertility treatments above and beyond taking fertility drugs, IUI is often the first tried because it's easier to do than assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. It also costs much less. Some insurance plans will cover IUI (and possibly other infertility treatments), while others do not. Check your coverage and all fees before getting started so that you can make a financiall…
Treatment Cycles
- Your treatment cycle (and how many cycles you plan to do) will depend on why your doctor has recommended IUI and on whether you’re taking fertility drugs. Two common treatment cycles that do involve fertility drugs include:
The Procedure
- The procedure is simple and virtually painless, though it’s normal to feel nervous about it. It will be done in your fertility clinic. (You don’t need to go to the hospital for the procedure.) It doesn't require any medications or painkillers and takes just a few minutes to complete.
Risks
- IUI is a relatively low-risk procedure. There is a very small risk of infection.1 Some of the biggest risks come from the fertility drugs used. If you’re using gonadotropins, you may be at risk for having a multiple pregnancy or developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Potential Challenges
- IUI has helped many women become pregnant, but it doesn't always work. In cycles where fertility drugs and IUI were combined, the pregnancy success rate can reach as high as 20%.5 These are per-cycle rates, meaning that the success odds are higher when looking at multiple cycles together. Often, it is recommended to commit to trying IUI for a minimum of three cycles. In a st…
A Word from Verywell
- Deciding whether or not to pursue IUI is a personal choice. Though IVF success rates per cycle are much higher, IUI is significantly less expensive. The procedure is also easier and less invasive. If IVF is out of your price range, multiple IUI cycles might be the better choice, depending on the cause of your infertility. Another option to consider is mini-IVF. Understand that while IUI can hel…