IUI – Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) has been used since the 1980s and is the assisted-reproduction technique closest to natural conception. It is the first-line option for couples with mild-to-moderate male factor or unexplained infertility when the female partner has patent fallopian tubes. At Doğuş IVF Center IUI is combined with mild ovarian stimulation to maximise the chance of pregnancy in a single attempt.
When Is IUI Indicated?
Unexplained infertility, mild-to-moderate male factor, cervical mucus problems (anti-sperm antibodies), mild endometriosis, ovulatory disorders and donor-sperm cycles. Couples with blocked tubes, advanced age or severe male factor are recommended IVF directly instead.
Step by Step
The cycle starts on day 2–3. IUI can be performed in a natural cycle but typically uses mild ovarian stimulation (oral clomiphene or low-dose gonadotropins). Follicles are tracked with ultrasound, an hCG trigger is given, and insemination is done 24–36 hours later. Sperm is washed and the most motile fraction is concentrated. A thin catheter passes through the cervix and deposits the sperm directly inside the uterus. The procedure is painless and takes 5–10 minutes. A pregnancy test follows in 14 days.
Types of Insemination
In addition to IUI, alternatives include intracervical (ICI), intrauterine plus tubal (IUTPI) and intratubal (ITI) insemination. At Doğuş IVF Center we prefer classic IUI, which provides the highest success rate.
Success Rates
Per-cycle success is around 15–20%. With 3–4 attempts in women under 35 the cumulative rate exceeds 50%. After failed IUI cycles or in women over 35 we recommend moving to IVF.
Treatment Steps
- 1Ovulation Monitoring
- 2Mild Stimulation (optional)
- 3hCG Trigger
- 4Sperm Preparation
- 5Insemination
- 6Pregnancy Test
Who Is It For?
- Unexplained infertility
- Mild/moderate sperm abnormalities
- Cervical mucus problems
- Mild endometriosis
- Treatable ovulation disorders
- Donor-sperm cycles
Frequently Asked Questions
How is IUI different from IVF?
IUI lets fertilization happen naturally in the uterus; IVF brings egg and sperm together in the laboratory and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.
Is IUI painful?
No. It is a brief catheter-based procedure performed without anaesthesia and takes a few minutes.
How many cycles should we try?
3–4 cycles are typical; after that we recommend moving to IVF if no pregnancy occurs.
Is there a multiple-pregnancy risk?
With mild stimulation the chance of twins is around 10%. We tune the dose to minimise this risk.