Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing specially prepared sperm directly inside the uterus to increase the chances of fertilization and pregnancy. The procedure is also known as artificial insemination and can be timed with a persons 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.

Before the IUI procedure, ovulation-stimulating medications may be used, and careful monitoring will be necessary to determine when the eggs are mature. The IUI procedure will then be performed around the time of ovulation, typically about 24-36 hours after the surge in LH hormone that indicates ovulation is about to occur. During the IUI procedure, the doctor slides a thin, flexible tube through the cervix into the uterus and uses a small syringe to insert the sperm through the tube directly into the uterus.

IUI is a simple and low-tech procedure, and it can be less expensive than other types of fertility treatments. It increases the chances of pregnancy, but everyone’s body is different, so there’s no guarantee that IUI will work. The success rate varies depending on the underlying cause of infertility. IUI works best in people with unexplained infertility, and people with cervical mucus issues or issues with ejaculation. There are certain conditions like fallopian tube disorders, endometriosis, or severe sperm impairment where IUI won’t work well. Treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilization) may work better for these issues.

IUI is often a simple and safe procedure, and the risk of it causing serious health problems is low. Risks include cramping, infection, and spotting. If you dont become pregnant, you might try IUI again before considering other fertility treatments.