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Intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be used to help you get pregnant if:
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:
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment is usually recommended for people who are having difficulty getting pregnant.
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:
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.
If you pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS), you will not be able to have IUI on the NHS. Some people who are exempt from the IHS will also have to pay for IUI.
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.
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.
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:
NHS IUI treatment does not usually include ovulation stimulation.
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:
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.
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:
You're having fertility medicine to stimulate ovulation and you:
These could be symptoms ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
You’re having fertility medicine to stimulate ovulation and you:
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.
