What is IUI?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a simple and commonly used fertility treatment in which carefully prepared sperm from the male partner is placed directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. By delivering sperm closer to the egg, IUI increases the chances of fertilization while still allowing the process to occur naturally inside the body.

This procedure is often recommended as the first step in fertility treatment because it is less invasive, relatively affordable, and closely resembles natural conception compared with more advanced assisted reproductive techniques.

Who Is IUI Suitable For?

IUI is generally most effective for couples with mild fertility challenges, such as:

Women under the age of 35
Newly married couples beginning their fertility journey
Men with mildly reduced sperm motility or count
Women with no fallopian tube blockages or severe pelvic adhesions

Success Rates and Treatment Cycles

Because IUI still relies heavily on natural biological processes, success rates vary depending on age, reproductive health, and other factors.

IUI can typically be tried for up to six cycles.
Studies show that the cumulative pregnancy rate reaches a plateau after the sixth attempt, meaning further cycles are unlikely to increase success.
To reduce potential side effects—especially from ovulation-stimulating medications such as clomiphene citrate—most doctors recommend not exceeding six IUI cycles.

Next Steps if IUI Is Not Successful

If pregnancy does not occur after several IUI attempts, doctors usually advise moving on to more advanced treatments such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), which provide greater precision and higher success rates.