IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) Treatment - Your First Step Toward Parenthood
Infertility is affecting millions of couples today, but modern medicine has provided several simple and affordable solutions. One such solution is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)—a simple, safe, and cost-effective treatment designed to increase the chances of natural conception.
IUI is particularly beneficial for couples facing mild fertility issues and who wish to avoid more complex and expensive treatments like IVF.
In IUI, healthy, selected (washed) sperm are directly inserted into the uterus to enhance the chances of the sperm meeting the egg. This procedure does not require pain, anesthesia, or extensive preparation. That is why IUI is considered the first and most popular solution for infertility worldwide.
What is IUI Treatment?
Infertility affects millions of individuals and couples every year, often making it challenging for them to achieve their dream of becoming parents. Today, several fertility treatments are available to support conception, and among them, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is one of the most commonly recommended and effective options.
IUI is a minimally invasive fertility procedure in which healthy, specially prepared sperm are directly placed into the uterus. Normally, during natural intercourse, only a small percentage of sperm reach the egg—this number depends on the reproductive health of both partners. IUI increases the chances of fertilization by ensuring that a higher concentration of healthy sperm reaches closer to the egg at the right time.
Because of its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness, IUI is often one of the first treatments recommended before opting for more advanced procedures like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
According to Cloudnine Fertility, IUI offers up to an 80% cumulative success rate within 3 to 6 cycles in suitable candidates.
In Which Situations is IUI Recommended?
IUI can be used for various fertility issues and is particularly effective in the following situations:
Unexplained infertility – When no clear cause of infertility is found even after tests.
Mild male factor infertility – Such as low sperm count, reduced motility, or abnormal sperm morphology.
Ovulation-related problems – Like PCOS or irregular menstrual cycles.
Cervical mucus issues – When cervical mucus obstructs sperm movement.
Sexual dysfunction – Premature ejaculation, erectile problems, or pain during intercourse.
Donor sperm pregnancy – For single women or same-sex couples.
Endometriosis (mild cases)
Sperm allergies or immune-related infertility
Note: IUI is not suitable for every couple, but when patients are carefully selected, it has proven to be highly effective.
IUI Treatment Process – Step-by-Step Complete Guide
IUI is a 10–15 minute procedure. Here is a step-by-step overview of the entire process:
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
The first step involves a thorough consultation with a fertility specialist. This includes reviewing medical history, conducting fertility tests for both partners, and discussing the suitability of IUI as a treatment option.
Ovarian Stimulation (Optional)
Depending on the patient’s fertility condition, medications such as Clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins may be prescribed to stimulate the ovaries, promoting the development of multiple eggs for higher chances of conception.
Monitoring Ovulation
Ultrasound scans and blood tests are conducted to track follicle development and determine the optimal timing of ovulation. Some clinics may use ovulation trigger injections (like hCG) to precisely time the egg release.
Semen Collection and Preparation
On the day of the procedure, a semen sample is collected and “washed” in the lab. This process concentrates the motile sperm and removes impurities, enhancing the likelihood of fertilization.
Insemination Procedure
The prepared sperm is carefully inserted directly into the uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure is quick, generally painless, and does not require anesthesia.
Post-Procedure Care and Pregnancy Test
After IUI, the patient may rest briefly before resuming normal activities. About two weeks later, a pregnancy test is conducted. If unsuccessful, the process can be repeated in subsequent cycles as advised by the doctor.
Benefits of IUI Treatment
IUI has several benefits that make it a preferred fertility treatment:
Less cost
IUI is 70–80% more affordable than IVF, which is why many couples choose it as a first-line treatment, especially when infertility is mild.
Painless & Simple
IUI is almost painless, quick, and does not require anesthesia. It feels similar to a routine pelvic exam, and you can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Support to Natural Process
IUI allows fertilization to occur naturally inside the body. It simply helps by placing the sperm at the right place and at the right time to support natural conception.
Treatment in a short time
An IUI cycle is completed in a short time, and most couples are able to manage this treatment alongside their work and personal life.
Benefits in Male Factor
In mild male factor infertility, sperm washing and concentration help increase the chances of conception by placing better-quality sperm closer to the uterus.
Less medicines, less burden
IUI generally requires fewer medications compared to IVF, which helps reduce both physical and financial burden.
IUI Success Rate
IUI success depends on several factors:
Woman’s age
Ovarian reserve
Sperm quality
Cause of infertility
Use of ovulation stimulation
Average success rates of IUI:
10–20% per cycle
With medications: 18–30%
Repeating 3–4 cycles significantly increases the cumulative success rate
Women under 35 generally have higher success rates
IUI Treatment Cost
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is one of the most cost-effective fertility treatments available. In India, the cost of one IUI cycle typically ranges from ₹12,500 to ₹52,500.
Keep in mind that this is the estimated cost for a single cycle, and many patients may require multiple cycles to achieve pregnancy. The total cost depends on the following factors:
Consultation charges
Follicular scans
Ovulation stimulation medicines
Laboratory sperm washing
Insemination procedure
Compared to IVF, the cost of IUI is significantly lower, which is why many couples choose it as their first option.
What is IUI?
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a fertility treatment where lab-prepared healthy sperm is placed directly into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.
Who is IUI recommended for?
IUI is most beneficial in cases like:
- Mild male infertility (low motility or count)
- Irregular ovulation
- Unexplained infertility
- Cervical mucus issues
- Couples using donor sperm
Is the IUI procedure painful?
IUI is generally painless. Some women may feel mild discomfort or cramping, which is normal and temporary.
How long does the IUI procedure take?
The actual procedure takes only 5–10 minutes. After a short rest, most patients can resume their daily activities.
What is the success rate of IUI?
Success depends on several factors such as age, infertility cause, and egg/sperm quality.
On average, IUI success rates are 10%–20% per cycle, and usually improve over 3–4 cycles.
What precautions should be taken after IUI?
- Avoid heavy exercise
- Reduce stress
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Take prescribed medications regularly
- Follow your doctor’s advice on intercourse timing
When should I take a pregnancy test after IUI?
A pregnancy test should be taken 14 days after the IUI procedure to avoid false-positive results.
Can IUI be done in a natural cycle?
Yes. If ovulation is regular, IUI can be performed without fertility medications.
Does IUI increase the risk of multiple pregnancy?
There is a slightly higher chance of twins or multiples in stimulated cycles due to multiple follicles.
In natural cycles, the risk is lower.
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
- IUI: Sperm is placed in the uterus and fertilization happens naturally inside the body.
- IVF: Eggs are collected, fertilized in the lab, and embryos are transferred to the uterus
IVF has a higher success rate but is more expensive and intensive.In natural cycles, the risk is lower.