IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
IUI is one of the least invasive fertility treatments. Prepared, concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, shortening the distance sperm must travel to reach the egg.
Who IUI is suitable for
IUI is often considered as a first-line option for mild male-factor infertility, unexplained infertility, ovulation issues managed with medication, or when using donor sperm where permitted. It is generally less suitable when the fallopian tubes are blocked or when sperm quality is significantly reduced, in which case IVF or ICSI may be recommended instead.
How the IUI process works
A cycle may be natural or lightly stimulated with medication to encourage ovulation, with monitoring to time the procedure. On the day of insemination, a semen sample is prepared in the laboratory to concentrate the healthiest, most motile sperm. This is then placed into the uterus using a thin, soft catheter in a quick, usually painless procedure. A pregnancy test follows about two weeks later.
IUI as a first step in India
Because IUI is simpler and lower in cost than IVF, some patients begin here before considering more advanced options. For international patients, the shorter, less intensive nature of IUI can make travel planning easier. Discuss with your specialist how many IUI cycles are reasonable before moving to IVF, and ask for clear per-cycle costs.
Common questions
Per-cycle success rates for IUI are generally lower than IVF, and depend on age and diagnosis. Many clinics suggest a limited number of IUI attempts before considering IVF.
Most people find IUI quick and only mildly uncomfortable, similar to a routine gynaecological examination. It does not usually require sedation.
Other fertility treatments
IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation)
The core assisted-reproduction treatment: eggs and sperm are combined in the laboratory and an embryo is transferred to the uterus.
Learn more →ICSI
A single healthy sperm is injected directly into each mature egg — often used for male-factor infertility.
Learn more →Egg Donation
Uses eggs from a screened donor, an option when a patient's own eggs are unlikely to succeed.
Learn more →Sperm Donation
Uses sperm from a screened donor for severe male-factor infertility, or family-building situations where permitted by law.
Learn more →Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
A previously frozen embryo is thawed and transferred in a later, simpler cycle.
Learn more →Fertility Preservation
Freezing eggs, sperm or embryos to preserve future fertility, including before medical treatment.
Learn more →PGT (Genetic Testing)
Pre-implantation genetic testing screens embryos for certain conditions before transfer.
Learn more →