Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination is a form of assisted reproductive technology which involves injecting washed sperms in to the uterus at the time of ovulation. During a natural conception only 5-10 % of sperms travel from vagina to uterus. With IUI, concentrated and highly motile sperms is placed directly in to the uterus, close to egg, thereby, increasing the chances of pregnancy. The success rate of IUI is 10-18 %. The chance of success decreases with age.

Why is IUI performed?
  • Cervical mucus problem or problem with cervix where the sperms cannot travel past the cervix in to the uterus
  • Mild to moderate endometriosis
  • Low semen parameters
  • When opting for donor sperms
  • Ejaculation or erectile dysfunction
  • Unexplained infertility
  • Semen allergy
What happens during IUI procedure?

The treatment starts on day 2 or 3 of periods which includes scans and prescribing oral or injectable medications to stimulate the ovaries. After the formation of the dominant follicle the timing of IUI is decided on the day of the ovulation. IUI is a day care procedure. After confirming the ovulation, the semen sample is washed and concentrated, highly motile sperms are placed inside the uterus. The procedure usually takes 1.5 – 2 hours.

After the procedure you can carry on with regular activities. Pregnancy test is done 2 weeks after the procedure.

What are the risks of IUI?
  • Infection
  • Spotting may be seen due to placement of catheter to inject the sperms. This doesn’t affect the chances of conceiving.
  • Multiple births: Due to use of fertility drugs to stimulate ovaries which may result in more than 1 follicle development.
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome