Intrauterine
Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared sperm is placed directly inside the uterus around the time of ovulation. This increases the number of motile sperm reaching the fallopian tubes and may improve the chance of fertilization in appropriately selected couples.

IUI may be considered for unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, certain ovulation disorders, cervical-factor infertility, or when timed intercourse has not resulted in pregnancy. It may be performed during a natural menstrual cycle or combined with ovulation induction, depending on the woman's fertility assessment.

Before recommending IUI, evaluation may include menstrual and reproductive history, pelvic ultrasound, assessment of ovulation and ovarian reserve when indicated, confirmation of fallopian tube patency, and semen analysis of the male partner.

During an IUI cycle, follicular growth may be monitored using ultrasound. Around ovulation, a prepared semen sample is introduced into the uterus through a thin catheter. The procedure is usually brief and does not require surgery.

The likelihood of success varies according to factors such as the woman's age, duration and cause of infertility, ovarian function, sperm quality, and number of treatment cycles. If IUI is unlikely to be beneficial or repeated cycles are unsuccessful, other fertility options, including IVF, may be discussed.