When IUI is recommended

• 1

  Mild male factor infertility

  When sperm count or motility is only mildly reduced, IUI concentrates healthy sperm and places them directly in the uterus, improving the odds without needing IVF.

• 2

  Cervical factor infertility

  When cervical mucus makes it difficult for sperm to reach the uterus naturally, IUI bypasses this barrier entirely.

• 3

  Unexplained infertility

  As an initial, less invasive treatment before considering IVF, when no specific cause has been identified.

• 4

  Ovulatory dysfunction

  Combined with ovulation-inducing medication, IUI can improve timing precision for couples with irregular ovulation.

• 5

  Using donor sperm

  For couples or individuals using donor sperm, IUI offers a straightforward path to conception.

The IUI process, step by step

• 1

  Ovulation tracking or mild stimulation

  Monitoring the natural cycle, sometimes with oral or low-dose injectable medication to support ovulation timing.

• 2

  Sperm preparation

  A semen sample is processed in the lab to concentrate healthy, motile sperm and remove seminal fluid.

• 3

  Insemination

  The prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a thin catheter, timed precisely around ovulation.

What to expect

The insemination procedure itself takes only a few minutes and is generally described as similar to a routine pelvic exam — most patients resume normal activity immediately afterward. A pregnancy test is typically done around two weeks later.

What determines IUI success

• Age and ovarian reserve — IUI success rates decline with age, similar to natural conception.
• The underlying cause of infertility — IUI works best for mild male factor, cervical factor, or unexplained infertility; it's less effective for blocked tubes or severe male factor infertility.
• Sperm quality after preparation — the concentration and motility of sperm after lab processing.
• Timing precision — how closely the insemination is timed to ovulation.
• Number of prior attempts — most couples who conceive with IUI do so within three cycles; success rates per cycle tend to plateau after that.

IUI safety & what to expect

IUI is a well-tolerated, low-intervention procedure with a strong safety profile. Some patients experience mild spotting or cramping after the procedure, which typically resolves quickly on its own. When IUI is combined with ovulation-inducing medication, the chance of a multiple pregnancy (twins or more) is somewhat increased — this is a factor your doctor will discuss directly when planning your specific protocol, since medication dosing can be adjusted with this in mind.

When to consider moving to IVF

Most couples who conceive with IUI do so within three attempts. If pregnancy hasn't occurred after three IUI cycles, further attempts tend to add limited additional value, and it's generally a reasonable point to discuss IVF or ICSI instead.