Why do iui

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus around ovulation to increase pregnancy chances. It's typically recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or cervical issues, with success rates ranging from 10-20% per cycle depending on factors like age and fertility diagnosis. The procedure is less invasive and more affordable than IVF, costing approximately $300-$1,000 per cycle without medications. IUI has been used since the 1960s and remains a common first-line treatment before advancing to more complex assisted reproductive technologies.

Key Facts

IUI success rates range from 10-20% per cycle for women under 35
The procedure typically costs $300-$1,000 per cycle without medications
IUI has been used as a fertility treatment since the 1960s
Sperm washing reduces prostaglandins that can cause uterine cramping
Timing is critical with IUI performed 24-36 hours after ovulation trigger

Overview

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing specially prepared sperm directly into a woman's uterus during ovulation. The procedure was first developed in the 1960s as a less invasive alternative to more complex reproductive technologies. IUI is particularly beneficial for couples facing unexplained infertility (affecting approximately 15-30% of infertile couples), mild male factor infertility (when sperm count is above 5-10 million/mL), cervical factor infertility, or when using donor sperm. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, IUI is often recommended as a first-line treatment before advancing to in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to its lower cost and reduced invasiveness. The global IUI market has grown steadily, with thousands of procedures performed annually worldwide, though exact statistics vary by country and healthcare system.

How It Works

The IUI process begins with careful timing around ovulation, which may be monitored through ultrasound tracking or triggered with medications like clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins. On the day of the procedure, a semen sample is collected and processed through a technique called sperm washing, which separates motile sperm from seminal fluid, dead sperm, and debris. This washing process typically takes 30-90 minutes and concentrates the healthiest sperm into a small volume (0.3-0.5 mL) of culture medium. The prepared sperm is then loaded into a thin, flexible catheter that's gently inserted through the cervix into the uterine cavity. The actual insemination takes just minutes and is usually painless, though some women experience mild cramping. After the procedure, patients typically rest briefly before resuming normal activities, with pregnancy testing recommended approximately two weeks later.

Why It Matters

IUI matters because it provides an accessible fertility treatment option for many couples struggling to conceive. With costs significantly lower than IVF (approximately one-fifth the price), IUI makes fertility treatment more financially feasible for a broader population. The procedure's minimal invasiveness means fewer risks and side effects compared to more complex treatments, with serious complications occurring in less than 1% of cases. For same-sex female couples and single women using donor sperm, IUI offers a relatively straightforward path to pregnancy. The treatment also preserves the natural fertilization process within the body, which some couples prefer over laboratory-based methods. While success rates vary, IUI helps thousands of families worldwide achieve pregnancy each year, often serving as an important stepping stone in fertility treatment journeys.