What is IUI?
💡 IUI = prepared sperm injected directly into the uterus around ovulation. Success rate: 10–20% per cycle (natural) to 15–25% (stimulated). Requires: open tube, sperm count >5–10M motile post-wash, ovulation (natural or induced). Simpler, less expensive than IVF. Typically 3–4 cycles attempted before escalating to IVF.
IUI (intrauterine insemination) is a fertility procedure in which prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, bypassing the cervix and shortening the distance sperm must travel to reach the egg. IUI is a first-line ART option for unexplained infertility, mild male factor, single women, and same-sex couples. It requires at least one patent fallopian tube.
🇮🇳 India Context: IUI is widely assessed and treated across major Indian fertility centres including Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad.
What are the key characteristics of IUI?
- Prerequisites: ≥1 patent fallopian tube (HSG/HyCoSy confirmed), sperm TMC post-wash >5–10M (>5M minimum, >10M preferred), confirmed or induced ovulation
- Natural cycle IUI: no stimulation drugs; monitored by TVS to confirm dominant follicle ≥18mm; trigger given or LH surge detected; IUI 24–36 hours later
- Stimulated IUI: letrozole (2.5–7.5mg Day 3–7) or low-dose FSH (50–75 IU) used; monitoring scans to confirm 1–2 dominant follicles (cancel if ≥3 follicles ≥14mm — multiple pregnancy risk)
- Sperm preparation: sample produced by masturbation 1–2 hours before procedure; density gradient centrifugation or swim-up; TMC post-wash counted
- The procedure: soft catheter passed through cervix; 0.3–0.5mL prepared sperm suspension injected into uterine cavity; takes <5 minutes; mild cramping only
- Post-IUI: progesterone luteal support (pessaries 400mg BD) started same day; bed rest not required or beneficial; pregnancy test 14 days later
- Success rates: 10–15% per natural cycle; 15–25% per stimulated cycle; cumulative 3-cycle rate: 30–50% in good-prognosis patients
- IUI vs IVF decision: IUI is appropriate for ≤3–4 cycles in women <38 with good reserve and patent tubes; escalate to IVF if 3 failed IUI cycles or age >38
What does IUI involve?
Why does IUI matter in fertility?
IUI is the most cost-effective first-line ART for appropriately selected patients. The key selection criteria are: adequate sperm (TMC >5M post-wash), patent tubes, female age <38, and adequate ovarian reserve. The most common clinical error is persisting with IUI beyond 3–4 cycles in a poor-prognosis patient — delaying IVF reduces cumulative success rate. For women over 38 or with low AMH, direct IVF is more cost-effective than multiple IUI attempts.
What are related terms to IUI?
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) in whi…
Ovulation Induction
Ovulation Induction is a fertility treatment that uses medications to stimulate …
Semen Analysis
Semen Analysis is the main test for evaluating male fertility. A semen sample is…
Unexplained Infertility
Unexplained Infertility is diagnosed when a couple cannot conceive after 12 mont…
FAQs about IUI
What is the success rate of IUI?
IUI success rates are 10–20% per cycle when combined with ovulation-stimulating medications. Without medications, rates are lower (5–10%). Success depends on the woman's age, sperm quality, and cause of infertility.
How much does IUI cost in India?
IUI costs ₹10,000 to ₹35,000 per cycle in India, including sperm preparation and the insemination procedure. Ovulation medications, if used, add ₹3,000–₹10,000.
How many IUI cycles should I try before IVF?
Most doctors recommend 3–6 IUI cycles before moving to IVF. If IUI hasn't worked after 3–4 cycles, or if you're over 38, your doctor may recommend transitioning to IVF sooner for higher success rates.
Is IUI painful?
IUI is generally painless. Some women experience mild cramping during the procedure, similar to a Pap smear. The whole process takes about 5–10 minutes. No anaesthesia is needed.
What is the difference between IUI and normal conception?
In IUI, washed and concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix. This increases the number of sperm reaching the egg. In natural conception, sperm must travel from the vagina through the cervix on their own.
🏥 Find Specialists for IUI in India
Connect with verified fertility specialists who can guide you through iui.