Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a simple procedure aimed at depositing sperms into uterus to facilitate conception.

It is a less invasive treatment option.

It is usually recommended if you:

Have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility

Cannot have regular or penetrative sex

Have been diagnosed with mild male factor infertility

Need to use your partner's frozen sperm

Have irregular/ absent ovulation; ovulation induction failed

Need to use donor sperm

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How does IUI work?

IUI treatment aims to increase the number of sperm that can reach the fallopian tubes. The more sperm that reach the tubes, the greater the chance of fertilisation. However, the sperm still needs to reach and fertilise the egg on its own.

IUI Treatment Procedure

This procedure can be done using a woman's natural cycle or after administration of medication with tablets or hormone injections to help stimulate your ovaries. The medicated cycle is tracked with ultrasound imaging and blood tests. Then, a trigger injection is used to trigger ovulation.

Your fertility specialist will plan your IUI treatment procedure to coincide with ovulation. This doesn't have to be at the exact time of ovulation as both the sperm and the egg remain viable in the female genital tract for many hours.

STEP 1Sperm Sample

We will usually request a fresh sperm sample on the day of the woman's ovulation.

If you are unable to give us a fresh sample, we will encourage you to have given us some samples prior that we will freeze and prepare on the day of ovulation.

STEP 2Sperm Preparation

The embryologist will prepare the sperm sample in readiness for insemination.

STEP 3IUI Procedure

For the insemination, the fertility specialist will insert a speculum into your vagina to be able to visualise your cervix.

Then your specialist will gently insert a thin, soft catheter through your cervix and into your uterus, introducing the prepared sperm. It’s a quick process, similar to a pap smear, allowing you to resume your normal activities right afterward.

For those who find speculum examinations uncomfortable, the procedure can be performed under light sedation.

Following the procedure, you may be prescribed daily supplemental progesterone to prepare your uterus for embryo implantation and support the uterine lining.

Ready to start your fertility journey?

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