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Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that treats infertility. IUI boosts the chances of pregnancy by placing specially prepared sperm directly in the uterus, the organ in which a baby develops. Another name for the procedure is artificial insemination.

With IUI, the sperm are inserted around the time an ovary releases one or more eggs. The hoped-for outcome is for the sperm and egg to unite in the fallopian tube, which connects the uterus to the ovaries. If this happens, it leads to pregnancy.

Intrauterine insemination can be timed with a person’s menstrual cycle. During the monthly cycle, one of the two ovaries releases an egg. Or fertility medicines may be used along with IUI to help the ovaries produce eggs. The exact method used depends on the reasons for infertility.

A couple’s or a person’s ability to become pregnant depends on various things. Intrauterine insemination is used most often in people who have:

Often, intrauterine insemination is a simple and safe procedure. The risk of it causing serious health problems is low. Risks include:

Intrauterine insemination involves some key steps before the actual procedure:

The visit for intrauterine insemination often is done in a doctor’s office or clinic. The IUI procedure itself takes just a few minutes once the semen sample is prepared. No medicines or pain relievers are needed. Your doctor or a specially trained nurse does the procedure.

During the procedure

While lying on an exam table, you put your legs into stirrups. A plastic or metal-hinged tool called a speculum is used to spread open the walls of the vagina. During the procedure, the doctor or nurse:

After the procedure

After the sperm are placed in your uterus, you lie on your back for a brief time. Once the procedure is over, you can get dressed and go about your usual daily routine. You may have some light spotting for a day or two after the procedure.

Wait two weeks before taking an at-home pregnancy test. Testing too soon could produce a result that is:

You may have a follow up visit about two weeks after your home pregnancy test results. At the appointment you may get a blood test, which is better at detecting pregnancy hormones after sperm fertilize an egg.

If you don’t become pregnant, you might try IUI again before you move on to other fertility treatments. Often, the same therapy is used for 3 to 6 cycles of treatment to maximize chances of pregnancy.

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