Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also called artificial insemination, is a fertility treatment that can help you get pregnant. It’s often one of the first fertility treatments experts recommend to couples and females who wish to have a biological child.

During intercourse, sperm must pass through the vagina, cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes to reach the egg and fertilize it. Only a few hundred sperm out of millions make it to the egg. IUI shortens the distance sperm must travel to the egg, increasing your chance of becoming pregnant.

To perform IUI, your doctor uses a thin, flexible tube to place millions of sperm directly into your uterus when you’re most fertile. Sperm may be from a partner or donor.

Penn Medicine specialists prepare sperm for IUI in our on-site andrology lab. Since our lab is on-site, the sperm sample doesn’t have to travel far. The sperm remains as fresh as possible and gives you a high-quality sample for your IUI.

How successful is IUI?

IUI success rates are 5 percent to 20 percent. Many variables affect the procedure outcome, including age, health, and sperm quality. Our fertility and reproductive care providers discuss these variables with you before your IUI.

What does IUI cost?

You can expect to pay several thousand dollars per IUI treatment. The procedure is less expensive than in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is why many couples and individuals try IUI first. The cost of IUI increases if you need donor sperm, multiple cycles, or ovulation medication.

Most health insurance plans don’t cover IUI. We make sure you know your out-of-pocket costs before starting treatment and help you navigate paying for fertility care.

Who is a candidate for intrauterine insemination?

We may recommend IUI for couples who have been trying to get pregnant for at least a year and have no known reason for infertility. We may also recommend the treatment if you or your partner have:

IUI may also be an option for same-sex female couples and single women who want to get pregnant using donor sperm. We welcome all types of couples and individuals who choose to use IUI to get pregnant. We believe there are multiple ways to grow a family, and we’re here to help you create the family you want.

The IUI process at Penn Medicine: what to expect

You and your fertility doctor will decide if IUI is the right fertility treatment for you. We tailor the IUI procedure based on your needs and health history. Your care team will discuss your concerns and walk through the IUI process with you, so you’re informed every step of the way.

After the IUI procedure

There’s no recovery time associated with IUI. You can resume normal activities after the procedure. Side effects may include light spotting and mild cramps for up to two days.

Two weeks after insemination, you may take a pregnancy test. Your provider will let you know if you should return to the clinic for a blood test to confirm the pregnancy.

IUI risks

IUI is a safe, effective fertility treatment. There are some risks, including multiple pregnancies and infection (though this is rare). Your doctor speaks with you about these risks and answers any questions you have.

World leaders in IUI treatment at Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine providers pioneered intrauterine insemination, proving their deep knowledge and expertise in performing the procedure. They know exactly when to perform each step in the IUI process, increasing your chance of pregnancy.

Our collaborative team works closely to provide you with well-rounded reproductive care. Your team may include experts in male infertility, reproductive endocrinology, and urogynecology.

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