Artificial insemination, or Interuterine Insemination (IUI), is sometimes recommended as a simpler and more affordable starting point for fertility treatment. If you undergo more than three unsuccessful IUI attempts, we’d usually recommend starting a more complex IVF treatment.
If you or your partner has been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, hostile cervical mucus, minor sperm abnormalities or other male disorders, IUI is sometimes a successful option. It can also be used when semen has been frozen due to a husband's absence or before chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
What does artificial insemination involve?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves inserting the male partner’s (or donor’s) prepared semen through the neck of the womb (cervix) and into the uterus, close to the time of ovulation. This procedure is performed by a nurse and is usually not painful, although sometimes you might feel mild cramping and/or discomfort. You should be able to return to work straight away.
This procedure can be performed during a natural cycle or with artificial hormone stimulation (ovulation induction).
Insemination with donor sperm
Artificial insemination is also used when couples need to use a sperm donor. Donor sperm may be recommended when the male partner has problems with sperm quality or production, including when the sperm is of very poor quality, or if there is a high risk of passing on a genetic disease. Artificial insemination using a sperm donor is also an option for single women or same sex couples.
