What is intrauterine insemination (IUI), and when is it used?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves placing prepared (washed) sperm directly into the uterine cavity around the time of ovulation, sometimes with mild ovarian stimulation.

It may be used for unexplained subfertility, mild male factor, or where intercourse is difficult, and is commonly used with donor sperm or for same-sex couples/single women - provided the fallopian tubes are patent.

Clinical relevance. Knowing IUI (sperm placed in the uterus around ovulation) and its indications (donor sperm, intercourse difficulty, mild factors) clarifies a simpler assisted-conception option.

More Detail

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

IUI is a simpler assisted-conception technique than IVF.

What it is

• Prepared (washed and concentrated) sperm is placed directly into the uterine cavity using a fine catheter, timed to ovulation.
• May be done in a natural cycle or with mild ovarian stimulation (with monitoring).
• Requires at least one patent fallopian tube and adequate sperm.

Indications

• Use of donor sperm (e.g. severe male factor, azoospermia, same-sex female couples, single women).
• Situations where vaginal intercourse is difficult (e.g. physical disability, sexual dysfunction, ejaculatory problems).
• Sometimes unexplained or mild male-factor subfertility (though many now proceed to IVF).

Note

• Less invasive and cheaper than IVF, but lower success rates per cycle.
• Stimulated cycles carry a multiple-pregnancy risk (monitor follicles).