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Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI can be an option to achieve a pregnancy using donor sperm
What is IUI?
IUI – otherwise known as Intrauterine Insemination or ‘artificial insemination’ – is a type of fertility treatment that encourages pregnancy by placing prepared, quality sperm close to the egg for fertilisation.
It involves placing donor sperm, or partner sperm, into your uterus around the same time you naturally ovulate. IUI is usually performed without the use of fertility medication, with a typical cycle of treatment taking just four weeks.
Who is IUI for?
IUI can be a good first choice for fertile female couples or single women who need donor sperm to conceive.
Other reasons you may choose IUI include:
- You have ovulation problems – IUI can be used in conjunction with fertility drugs to boost the number of eggs you produce
- You have unexplained infertility. In order for IUI to be successful, there must be enough healthy, motile sperm available and the fallopian tubes must be open and healthy, with no blockages. If not, IVF may be a more suitable course of treatment
What is the IUI with donor sperm process?
1
Pre-treatment investigations
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 and discuss whether a fallopian tube test is needed.
2
Consultation
Your fertility consultant will explain your personal treatment process and provide you with a fully costed and transparently priced treatment plan.
3
Choosing a sperm donor
Select a donor from our extensive in-house sperm bank, BuySperm. All our donors are based in the UK, have been fully health-screened and registered on the HFEA's donor sperm register.
Once you have selected your chosen donor, your donor sperm will be available immediately, with no waiting lists.
4
Identifying ovulation
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 using donor sperm is performed at exactly the right time.
5
Preparing sperm for insemination
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.
6
IUI procedure
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.
7
Pregnancy test
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 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.
How much does IUI cost?
IUI using donor sperm can cost as little as £2,795* for a single cycle with Manchester Fertility. This includes all procedures we believe are necessary for treatment. The final cost of your IUI treatment will depend on your circumstances, existing medical conditions, and overall health.
As our specialist fertility consultants will tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs, your treatment may cost more than this. Rest assured, no matter your circumstances, you will always be offered complete transparency on your treatment and all the advice you need to make informed decisions for your fertility journey.
You can find more details of our IUI treatment packages, including additional costs your treatment may incur, see below or on our latest price list.
*Additional fees may apply
Single Cycle IUI Treatment using Donor Sperm
Our Single Cycle IUI Treatment using Donor Sperm package costs £2,795 and includes:
- All appointments necessary to your treatment- including consultations, counselling sessions and prep appointments
- Access to our online systems - such as our patient support app, online consent platforms and electronic witnessing systems
- Donor sperm
- Sperm preparation
- IUI procedure in our state-of-the-art facility
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Pregnancy scan – to confirm success of a cycle
- Follow-up consultation - following third IUI procedure
Additional tests as required:
- Pre-treatment blood tests
- Monitoring blood tests and scans during cycle
- Monitoring scan
Multi Cycle IUI Treatment using Donor Sperm
Our IUI Multi Cycle Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Package is £5,695 and includes:
- All appointments necessary to your treatment- including consultations, counselling sessions and prep appointments
- Access to our online systems - such as our patient support app, online consent platforms and electronic witnessing systems
- Donor sperm
- Sperm preparation
- IUI procedure in our state-of-the-art facility
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Pregnancy scan – to confirm success of a cycle
- Follow-up consultation - following third IUI procedure
Additional tests as required:
- Pre-treatment blood tests
- Monitoring blood tests and scans during cycle
- Monitoring scan
Single Cycle IUI Treatment using a Known Sperm Donor
Our Single Cycle IUI Treatment using a Known Sperm Donor package costs £1,795 and includes:
- All appointments necessary to your treatment- including consultations, counselling sessions and prep appointments
- Access to our online systems - such as our patient support app, online consent platforms and electronic witnessing systems
- Sperm preparation
- IUI procedure in our state-of-the-art facility
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Pregnancy scan or follow-up (after third IUI), dependent on cycle outcome
Additional charges may apply when using a known sperm donor or based on individual treatment plans. A full breakdown of potential costs can be found on page 34 of our latest price list.
Multi Cycle Package IUI Treatment using a Known Sperm Donor
Our Multi Cycle IUI Treatment using a Known Sperm Donor package costs £3,605 and includes:
- All appointments necessary to your treatment- including consultations, counselling sessions and prep appointments
- Access to our online systems - such as our patient support app, online consent platforms and electronic witnessing systems
- Sperm preparation
- IUI procedure in our state-of-the-art facility
- HFEA Licence Fee
- Pregnancy scan or follow-up (after third IUI) dependent on cycle outcome
Additional charges may apply when using a known sperm donor or based on individual treatment plans. A full breakdown of potential costs can be found on page 35 of our latest price list.
Why choose us for IUI?
Manchester Fertility has over 35 years of expertise in fertility treatments and consistent patient success rates. Learn more about our approach and meet some of the many families who have had successful IUI treatment with us.
- Dedicated personal support right through the IUI journey, from initial enquiry to pregnancy test and beyond
- Access to the latest techniques, proven technologies and innovations for your best chance of success
- Transparent prices for your IUI treatment
- A comprehensive range of patient support including counselling, patient support group and our app, Amelya.
Meet our IUI Specialists
Dr Anamika Rao
Fertility Consultant
Anamika completed her Obstetrics and Gynaecology training both in India and the UK, and has been a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists since 2005.
What our patients say
“I have wanted to be a Mum for many years, and after several failed relationships, I didn’t think it would happen for me. So I decided to just go for …”
Leah, June 2025
“From the very first time I visited Manchester Fertility for an open event, I felt it was the right place for me to start my journey to motherhood. I felt …”
Laura, June 2025
“What really sets Manchester Fertility apart is their team, as soon as you walk through the doors you are made to feel at home, we found ourselves looking forward to every visit. We were lucky that our second cycle (first at Manchester Fertility) was successful.”
Nicole & James, June 2025
Frequently Asked IUI Questions
How long does IUI take?
A typical natural cycle of insemination takes around four weeks, including pinpointing ovulation and pregnancy test.
What if IUI doesn’t work?
Some women do conceive first time through IUI but it is not uncommon to need more than one cycle of insemination to achieve pregnancy. If IUI is unsuccessful a number of times, your consultant will review your cycle and treatment path, and may advise further tests, to see if there are any changes that can be made to improve your chances of success. It could be that IVF is a better option for you.
Should I have IUI or IVF?
IVF does have higher success rates per cycle, but many patients will start with IUI if they are using donor sperm. Your consultant will advise if you can try IUI to conceive or if you would be better to start with IVF.
Want to know more about IUI?
Call us on 0161 300 2737
Speak to our friendly New Patient Coordinators. We open today at 7:00am.