INTRAUTERINE INSEMINATION
Intrauterine insemination (IUI): indications and steps
IUI places a prepared semen sample inside the uterus near ovulation. It is a lower-complexity treatment for selected situations and should be recommended only after ovulation, tubal status, semen findings, age and time trying have been considered together.
Cycle monitoring
Ovulation and follicle development guide timing.
Laboratory preparation
The semen sample is processed before insemination.
Defined safety criteria
Medication response and multiple-pregnancy risk are monitored.
PATIENT SELECTION
When IUI may be a reasonable option
IUI may be discussed for selected ovulation disorders, donor sperm, cervical factors, mild semen findings or some unexplained infertility cases when at least one fallopian tube is open.
Ovulation and tubal status
The cycle plan must identify ovulation and confirm that sperm can reach the egg through at least one open tube.
Semen preparation
A laboratory wash concentrates motile sperm and removes seminal fluid before the procedure.
Age and prognosis
Age, ovarian reserve, duration of infertility and prior attempts help determine whether IUI is proportionate or IVF should be discussed.
A TYPICAL IUI CYCLE
Four coordinated steps
Baseline assessment
Review history, ultrasound, tubal information and semen testing.
Monitoring
Track follicle development in a natural or medicated cycle and define cancellation criteria.
Sample and insemination
Collect and prepare the semen sample, then place it in the uterus with a thin catheter.
Follow-up
Review symptoms, medication instructions and the correct date for pregnancy testing.
DECISION SUPPORT
When another option may be more appropriate
IUI does not correct blocked tubes, severe sperm limitations or every age-related fertility factor. A plan should state how many attempts are reasonable before the diagnosis and alternatives are reviewed.
- Ask whether the cycle is natural or medicated and why.
- Understand ultrasound monitoring and cancellation criteria.
- Review total cost per attempt and the threshold for considering IVF.
Important limitation: IUI cannot guarantee fertilization, implantation or live birth. Medication can increase the chance of multiple pregnancy, so monitoring and cancellation decisions are part of safe care.
Review whether IUI matches your evaluation
Send available ultrasound, tubal and semen results. The team can identify what must be confirmed before an IUI cycle is planned.
DIRECT ANSWER · PRIMARY SOURCES
IUI needs a defined indication and a monitored plan
The recommendation depends on ovulation, tubal factors, semen, age, diagnosis and duration of infertility. Ovarian stimulation can increase multiple-pregnancy risk, so medication, monitoring and cancellation criteria must be individualized.
These sources provide general clinical context and do not replace an individual assessment.CLEAR, MEDICALLY REVIEWED INFORMATION
Frequently asked questions about intrauterine insemination
Concise answers to help you prepare for a consultation and understand what requires an individual medical assessment.
What is intrauterine insemination?
IUI places a prepared semen sample inside the uterus near ovulation. Fertilization still occurs in the body, so tubal function, ovulation and sperm factors remain important.
Who may be a candidate for IUI?
IUI may be considered for selected ovulatory, cervical, unexplained or mild sperm-related situations and for treatment using donor sperm. Age, tubal status and semen findings affect whether it offers a reasonable benefit.
How is IUI different from IVF?
IUI does not retrieve eggs or create embryos in a laboratory. In IVF, eggs are collected and fertilized in the embryology laboratory before an embryo transfer.
Does IUI guarantee pregnancy?
No. The chance per cycle varies with age, diagnosis, ovarian response, tubal function and semen quality. The clinic should explain when to reassess instead of repeating cycles automatically.
CLINICAL DECISION GUIDE
When IUI may be a reasonable option
Intrauterine insemination places a prepared semen sample in the uterus near ovulation. It may be considered for selected ovulation disorders, use of donor sperm, cervical factors or mild semen findings when at least one tube is open and the overall prognosis supports a lower-complexity approach.
Monitoring and medication choices affect timing and the risk of multiple pregnancy. IUI does not correct blocked tubes, severe sperm limitations or every age-related factor, and it cannot guarantee fertilization. A clear plan should state how many attempts are reasonable before the diagnosis and alternatives are reviewed.
- Confirm ovulation, tubal status and semen preparation requirements.
- Discuss medication, ultrasound monitoring and cancellation criteria.
- Review when IVF or another approach may offer a meaningful advantage.