IUI (intrauterine insemination)
IUI places prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, giving sperm a shorter journey to the egg. It is a simpler, lower-cost treatment used for mild male-factor problems, unexplained infertility, ovulation issues, or donor sperm. Success is modest, roughly 8 to 20 percent per cycle and lower with age, so it is usually tried for a few cycles. In India a cycle typically costs about 10,000 to 25,000 rupees.
IUI (intrauterine insemination) is a fertility treatment in which a sample of sperm is washed and concentrated in the lab, then placed directly into the uterus through a thin tube at around the time of ovulation. The idea is simple: shorten the distance sperm have to travel and increase the number that reach the egg, while fertilisation still happens naturally inside the body.
Who IUI is for
IUI is often a sensible first step when the problem is mild and there is no strong reason to go straight to IVF. Common reasons include mild male-factor issues (slightly low sperm count or movement), unexplained infertility in a younger person with open fallopian tubes, ovulation problems treated alongside medication, and anyone using donor sperm, including single people and same-sex couples.
It is less likely to help where there are blocked tubes, severe male-factor infertility, or significantly reduced egg quality, where IVF is usually the better route. Our IUI vs IVF vs ICSI guide walks through when each fits.
How it works
A typical IUI cycle involves tracking ovulation, sometimes with tablets or a low dose of injections to encourage it, then timing the insemination for when an egg is released. The insemination itself is quick, usually painless, and needs no anaesthesia. It is much less involved than IVF, with little or no recovery time.
How well it works
Success is modest and depends on age and the underlying cause. As a rough guide, many people see around 8 to 20 percent success per cycle, with lower chances as age rises. Because the odds add up over several attempts, clinics usually suggest trying around three to six cycles before moving on. It helps to agree in advance how many cycles you will try and when you will pause to reconsider.
IUI in India
IUI is a basic ART procedure, so clinics registered at Level 1 (as well as Level 2) on the National ART and Surrogacy Registry can offer it. You can check a clinic's registration in our directory, and our what registration means page explains the levels.
A single cycle typically costs about 10,000 to 25,000 rupees, far less than IVF, though medication can add to that. As always, ask for the full cost in writing, including how many cycles are planned.
Related
Last updated .