Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be used to help you get pregnant if:
- you need to use donor sperm to get pregnant – for example you're in a same-sex couple or single
- you cannot have vaginal sex to get pregnant
Over half of women under 40 using IUI will get pregnant within 6 cycles.
And about half of those who do not get pregnant within the first 6 cycles, will get pregnant within another 6 cycles of IUI.
IUI is not likely to increase your chances of getting pregnant if you or your partner have any fertility problems, such as:
- blocked fallopian tubes
- unexplained infertility
- endometriosis
- a low sperm count or poor‑quality sperm
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment is usually recommended for people who are having difficulty getting pregnant.
Find out more
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is not routinely offered on the NHS and you may have to pay for it privately.
You may be able to get it on the NHS if:
- it's difficult for you to have vaginal sex – for example because of a physical or psychological condition
- you have a condition that means you need help to conceive – for example, if one of you has HIV and it's not safe to have unprotected sex
- you're in a same-sex couple
If you can get IUI on the NHS depends on a number of things including your age and where you live.
Ask a GP or check with your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) to see what fertility services are available in your local area.
You may have to pay for 6 or more rounds of IUI yourself before you are offered IUI on the NHS.
You may be able to get IUI on the NHS if you're single, but this is not available everywhere.
Paying for IUI privately
Many private fertility clinics offer IUI treatment.
Costs can vary between clinics. You'll usually need to pay more if you want to use donor sperm.
Find out more
For all intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment you will need some tests to check your fertility to make sure IUI is suitable for you.
This includes a test to check that your fallopian tubes (the tubes connecting the ovaries to the womb) are open and healthy.
If you’re using your partner’s sperm, they will also need tests to check their fertility.
Timing your treatment with ovulation
IUI is done when you're ovulating.
If you do not need help ovulating, you'll have blood tests or pee tests to find out exactly when you're ovulating. This is usually 12 to 16 days before your next period is due.
If you need help ovulating (ovulation stimulation) you'll:
- be given medicines to stimulate ovulation
- have a vaginal ultrasound scan to check how your eggs are developing
- be given a hormone injection to help release the egg when it's ready
NHS IUI treatment does not usually include ovulation stimulation.
Preparing the sperm
If you're using your partner’s sperm, they'll be asked to give a sperm sample at your fertility clinic, usually on the same day as your IUI procedure.
The sperm sample is treated to produce a concentrated sample of healthy sperm.
If you're using donor sperm you'll need to go through a licensed fertility clinic, even if your donor is someone you know.
Donor sperm is frozen and checked for infections and inherited conditions. This can take up to 6 months.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is usually done at a fertility clinic.
During IUI:
- You'll need to undress, behind a screen, from the waist down.
- A smooth tube-shaped tool (a speculum) is put into your vagina to keep it open.
- A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is guided inside your vagina into your womb.
- The sperm sample is passed through the catheter into your womb.
- The catheter and speculum are then removed, and you can get dressed.
IUI is not usually painful, although it can be a bit uncomfortable, and you may have cramping for a short time after.
It usually takes no more than 10 minutes and you can go home after a short rest.
Taking a pregnancy test after IUI
After IUI you’ll be told when you’ll need to take a pregnancy test to see if it's been successful.
If you get a positive pregnancy test, contact the GP or a midwife to start your antenatal care.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a safe procedure. There is a small chance of getting an infection, but this is very rare.
If you have fertility medicine to stimulate ovulation there is a small risk you might have:
- more than 1 baby – this can have risks for you and your babies
- an ectopic pregnancy
- too many eggs developing in your ovaries (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) – your ovaries can become large and painful and you may have to stop your current treatment cycle
Contact your fertility clinic or NHS 111 as soon as possible if:
You're having fertility medicine to stimulate ovulation and you:
- have pain and bloating in your tummy (abdomen)
- are feeling and being sick
- feel faint
- are coughing up blood
These could be symptoms ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You’re having fertility medicine to stimulate ovulation and you:
- have difficulty breathing
- have pain in your chest or upper back
- are very thirsty and peeing less than usual (dehydration)
- have swelling in any part of your body
These could be severe symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
