IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a fertility treatment that involves inserting sperm directly into the womb.

Who might intrauterine insemination or IUI be successful for?

• If you are unable to have sexual intercourse – this could be related to a physical disability or a psychosexual disorder
• If it is unsafe to have unprotected sex with your partner
• Couples who are in a same-sex relationship

Some couples are able to have intrauterine insemination on the NHS, however, this is different for every trust and is often hard to fit into the criteria. If you and your partner are considering intrauterine insemination, please contact our team to book a consultation and discuss your options.

Before you go ahead with intrauterine insemination, it is important that you and your partner are investigated to assess your fertility potential, find out what the cause of any infertility and if determine whether intrauterine insemination is the right treatment for you. For example, intrauterine insemination would be ineffective, the man has high levels of DNA fragmentation in the sperm.

How does the treatment work?

IUI can work in two different ways; the semen will be inserted in line with the woman’s natural menstrual cycle, or the woman will be given medication to stimulate a menstrual cycle.

Intrauterine insemination with your partner’s sperm

If you are using your partner’s sperm, they will be asked to provide a semen sample on the day of the treatment. A speculum is inserted into the woman’s vagina, this helps to keep it open during the procedure. A long tube is then inserted into the vagina and up to the womb. The sperm is inserted via the catheter, into the womb.

IUI with a sperm donor

If you are having IUI with a sperm donor, the procedure is the same as with partner sperm but before you go ahead with the procedure you will have to select a donor.

Before you go ahead with this treatment, your healthcare provider will talk through the risks and chances of getting pregnant after the treatment. If it is found that IUI will not work for your specific needs, Fertility Solutions will help you and will discuss different options you can consider.