What is iui treatment
Last updated: April 1, 2026
Key Facts
- IUI places sperm directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix
- The procedure takes less than 5 minutes and requires no anesthesia
- Success rates range from 10-20% per cycle depending on age and fertility factors
- IUI costs $300-$1,000 per cycle, making it significantly less expensive than IVF
- IUI can be performed with a partner's sperm or donor sperm
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an assisted reproductive technique involving placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation time. This procedure increases the number of sperm reaching the egg, thereby increasing fertilization and pregnancy likelihood.
How IUI Works
During an IUI cycle, the woman may take fertility medications to stimulate egg production. An ovulation predictor kit or ultrasound determines when ovulation is about to occur. On the insemination day, sperm is collected and processed in the laboratory to concentrate healthy, motile sperm. The doctor inserts a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterus and deposits the prepared sperm. The entire procedure typically takes less than five minutes.
Who is IUI for?
- Male factor infertility: Low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology
- Cervical factor infertility: Cervical mucus problems or cervical scarring
- Unexplained infertility: No identifiable cause for inability to conceive
- Single women or same-sex couples: Using donor sperm
- Ejaculation disorders: Retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction
Success Rates
IUI success rates vary based on age, fertility diagnosis, egg quality, and sperm parameters. Younger women generally have higher success rates of 15-20% per cycle. Success rates decline significantly after age 40. Multiple cycles are often recommended, with cumulative success rates over 3-6 cycles reaching 40-60%.
Risks and Considerations
IUI is considered low-risk. Main risks include infection, uterine perforation, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) if fertility medications are used. Unlike IVF, the risk of multiple pregnancies is relatively low with IUI, though slightly higher than natural conception.
Related Questions
What is the success rate of IUI?
IUI success rates typically range from 10-20% per cycle for most age groups, with higher rates for younger women (15-20%) and lower rates after age 40 (5-10%). Cumulative success rates over 3-6 cycles can reach 40-60% depending on the underlying fertility issues.
Is IUI painful?
IUI is generally not painful, though some women experience mild cramping or discomfort during the procedure. Most describe it as similar to a Pap smear. Cramping may continue for a few hours afterward but typically resolves quickly.
How much does IUI cost?
IUI costs typically range from $300-$1,000 per cycle without insurance coverage, making it significantly less expensive than IVF. Fertility medication costs are additional and can range from $500-$2,000 per cycle depending on the drugs used.
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Sources
- Mayo Clinic - Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Fair Use
- CDC - Assisted Reproductive Technology Public Domain