IUI Treatment

We first need to ensure that IUI is suitable for you. This involves you testing for ovulation at home across a couple of cycles prior to treatment, using an ovulation prediction kit, so we know if you are ovulating or will need fertility medications. We assess your risk of having tubal problems, discuss whether a fallopian tube test is needed, and, if you have a partner, check his sperm for any issues.

Your fertility consultant will explain your personal treatment process and provide you with a fully costed and transparently-priced treatment plan.

IUI is usually performed in a natural cycle, using the egg you ovulate each month. Or we can use fertility drugs if you have irregular ovulation. We will be able to identify when you have ovulated, so IUI is performed at exactly the right time.

Sperm is washed and prepared. Sperm washing is a process where sperm is separated from the seminal fluid. After washing, only the most active sperm remain and any chemicals or fluid that may interfere with fertilisation have been removed.

The washed sperm is gently inserted into the uterus using a fine catheter. This is a simple, painless and quick procedure. After IUI you do not need to stay in the clinic, although you are welcome to rest for a short while. 

You can take a pregnancy test two weeks later. Our midwife will support you during this time. If your pregnancy test is positive, we’ll arrange for your first pregnancy scan at our clinic. Although some women achieve pregnancy straight away through IUI, it is not unusual to need more than one cycle of insemination.