Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, can increase your chances of pregnancy when there are male fertility challenges.
We've supported thousands of proud parents start their families using IUI. We're here to help you on your pathway to parenthood.
During IUI treatment, healthy sperm is injected directly into the uterus where they penetrate and fertilise the egg naturally. This makes it easier for the sperm to reach the egg compared to vaginal intercourse.
For pregnancy to occur, the sperm must meet the egg in the fallopian tubes. It sounds simple enough but for the sperm to successfully reach, penetrate and fertilise the egg, there are several challenges it must overcome.
When sperm are ejaculated into the vagina, they first must reach the cervix. With large numbers of healthy sperm, this part is relatively easy, however, along the way some will encounter bacteria and other substances that kill them off and those that are the wrong size or shape will be rejected by the cervix.
This means that of the many millions of sperm ejaculated during intercourse, on average only 200 reach the egg. IUI aims to increase the number of good-quality sperm that reach the fallopian tubes.
The treatment involves:
Collecting a semen sample
Washing and selecting high-quality sperm
Introducing sperm directly into the womb with a thin, flexible tube
We recommend that IUI treatment takes place during the ovulation phase, when the egg is most likely to be in the fallopian tubes.
IUI can help overcome mild male factor infertility, for example, if your sperm count is low. A semen analysis will help determine your sperm count and other sperm quality factors.
IUI may not be helpful where there is:
A low sperm count
Abnormally shaped sperm
Mild endometriosis
If you have unexplained infertility, IVF is the most common treatment. But some people still choose to try IUI first, as it's a more affordable option.
Here's more on intrauterine insemination, including the steps involved.
In some cases, IUI may not be enough to overcome male fertility challenges. We can help you become a parent using your own sperm using other treatment options, including sperm retrieval and ICSI.
You may also considering using a sperm donor. This can be a known donor or you can choose an anonymous donor through a licensed sperm bank or fertility clinic.
Choosing a sperm donor for your treatment is an exciting part of the journey, but it can be a daunting decision too. At TFP Fertility, we'll help to match with you with a suitable donor.
We'll provide information on your sperm donor's key characteristics, including:
Hair, skin and eye colour
Height and weight
Medical history
Occupation and interests
Here's everything our fertility experts want you to know about using a sperm donor.
The main factor driving success rates of IUI is the age of the person who will carry the pregnancy. But other important things are at play too, including any female and male fertility challenges.
In general, IUI increases the chances of pregnancy compared to vaginal intercourse. But HFEA estimates that the success rates are one-third of the rates for IVF – putting it at around a 1 in 10 chance per try. This decreases with age.
Our fertility experts can advise you on how likely you are to see success from IUI and advise you on your best options. Most people will need to try several IUI cycles to become pregnant.