Who IUI may help
- Couples with unexplained infertility
- Mild problems with sperm count or movement
- Women with ovulation problems, such as PCOS, together with ovulation medicines
- Difficulty with intercourse
- Cervical mucus problems that make it hard for sperm to travel
IUI needs at least one open fallopian tube and enough healthy sperm. Your doctor will check this with fertility tests before suggesting IUI.
IUI step by step
- TestsBoth partners are tested, including a tube test for the woman and a semen analysis for the man.
- Medicines (if needed)Tablets or injections may be given to help an egg grow and release at the right time.
- ScansOne or more ultrasound scans track the egg as it grows. Sometimes a trigger injection is given to time ovulation.
- Sperm preparationOn the day of IUI, the male partner gives a semen sample. It is washed in the lab to select the healthiest, most active sperm.
- IUI procedureThe prepared sperm is placed in the uterus through a thin, soft tube. It takes a few minutes and feels like a routine internal check.
- Pregnancy testA pregnancy test about two weeks later shows whether it has worked.
What to expect
- Quick and simple: the IUI itself takes only a few minutes. No anaesthesia is needed.
- Back to normal: you can usually go home and carry on with your day straight after.
- More than one cycle: IUI is often tried for a few cycles. If it doesn't work, your doctor may suggest moving to IVF.
- Lower cost: IUI costs much less than IVF. See our costs page.
Possible side effects
- Mild cramps or light spotting on the day of IUI.
- If medicines are used, a higher chance of twins. Scans help reduce this.
- Rarely, infection or over-reaction of the ovaries to the medicines (OHSS).
Common questions about IUI
Is IUI painful?
Most women feel little or no pain. Some feel mild cramps, like period pain, for a short time.
Do I need to rest after IUI?
No special bed rest is needed. You can go about your normal day.
How many IUI cycles should we try?
It depends on your age and test results. Your doctor will discuss when it makes sense to try a different treatment.
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
In IUI, fertilisation happens naturally inside the body. In IVF, eggs are collected and fertilised in the lab.