Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a widely used fertility treatment that helps increase the chances of pregnancy by placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. This procedure shortens the distance sperm must travel, improving the likelihood of successful fertilization.
IUI, also known as artificial insemination, involves collecting, washing, and concentrating healthy sperm before placing it directly into the uterus using a thin catheter. The procedure is timed with ovulation to maximize the chances of fertilization.
Depending on the cause of infertility, IUI may be performed during a natural menstrual cycle or combined with fertility medications to stimulate the development of one or more healthy eggs.
At Dr. Neha Khandelwal's Clinic, we provide personalized IUI treatment using evidence-based fertility care. Our goal is to optimize the chances of conception while offering compassionate support throughout your fertility journey.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is recommended for couples facing certain fertility challenges. It increases the chances of conception by placing healthy, prepared sperm directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
IUI is commonly used with donor sperm for women or couples who require donor-assisted conception to achieve pregnancy.
IUI is often the first-line treatment for couples with unexplained infertility, especially when combined with ovulation-inducing medications.
Women with mild endometriosis-related infertility may benefit from IUI along with fertility medications to improve conception rates.
IUI helps when sperm count, motility, or morphology is mildly abnormal by selecting and placing the healthiest sperm closer to the egg.
IUI bypasses the cervix, making it easier for sperm to reach the uterus when cervical mucus or cervical scarring interferes with fertilization.
Women with irregular ovulation or reduced egg production may undergo IUI along with ovulation-stimulating medications.
In rare cases of semen allergy, IUI removes most allergy-causing proteins before insemination, helping improve the chances of pregnancy.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a simple, safe, and minimally invasive fertility procedure. Although serious complications are uncommon, it is important to understand the potential risks before treatment.
There is a very small risk of developing a uterine infection after the IUI procedure. Strict sterile techniques help keep this risk extremely low.
Some women may experience light vaginal spotting after the catheter is placed in the uterus. This is usually temporary and does not affect the chances of pregnancy.
IUI alone rarely causes multiple pregnancies. However, when combined with fertility medications, the chances of twins or higher-order pregnancies increase.
Fertility medications used with IUI may occasionally cause bloating, mood changes, abdominal discomfort, or ovarian hyperstimulation in rare cases.
Some women may experience mild cramping during or shortly after the procedure, which usually resolves within a few hours.
Careful monitoring by a fertility specialist helps minimize risks, optimize timing, and improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Proper preparation before Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) improves the chances of successful fertilization. Your fertility specialist carefully coordinates each step to ensure the procedure is performed at the optimal time.
Preparing healthy sperm for insemination
Timing the procedure for the best results
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a quick, safe, and minimally invasive fertility procedure usually performed in a doctor's clinic. The entire visit typically takes 15–20 minutes, while the insemination itself takes only a few minutes and usually does not require anesthesia or pain medication.
The IUI procedure is performed in a fertility clinic or doctor's office and generally takes only 15–20 minutes from start to finish.
You will lie comfortably on an examination table with your feet supported in stirrups, similar to a routine pelvic examination.
A speculum is gently inserted into the vagina to allow the doctor or trained nurse to clearly visualize the cervix.
A washed and concentrated sample of healthy sperm is placed into a thin, flexible catheter for insemination.
The catheter is gently passed through the cervix into the uterus, where the prepared sperm sample is carefully released.
After the catheter and speculum are removed, you can usually resume your normal daily activities immediately unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Find answers to common questions about Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), the procedure, success rates, and fertility treatment.