Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple fertility treatment that places specially prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.

In natural conception, only a very small number of sperm reach the fallopian tube where fertilisation occurs. IUI helps by giving sperm a head start, increasing the number of sperm that reach the egg.

IUI may be recommended for: 

• Unexplained infertility
• Mild male-factor infertility
• Mild endometriosis
• Difficulties with sperm delivery through the cervix
• Use of donor sperm
• Situations where sperm has been frozen for future use

At Fertility Associates, IUI is often combined with fertility medications designed to help more than one egg mature during a treatment cycle.

IUI can be an effective first-line fertility treatment for people who:

• Have been trying to conceive without success
• Have mild reductions in sperm count or sperm movement
• Have mild to moderate endometriosis
• Require donor sperm
• Need to use previously frozen sperm
• Prefer a less invasive treatment before considering IVF

Your fertility specialist will discuss whether IUI is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Natural cycle IUI is performed without fertility medications.

• This option may be suitable when:
• Donor sperm is being used
• Frozen sperm is being used
• There are difficulties with sperm delivery through the cervix
• Ovulation occurs regularly

Ovulation is carefully monitored, usually with blood tests or ovulation testing, to determine the best time for insemination.

Stimulated IUI combines insemination with fertility medications that encourage the development of two or three eggs instead of one.

Medications may include:

• Letrozole
• Clomiphene citrate (Clomid)
• Occasionally injectable fertility hormones

Monitoring involves:

• Blood tests
• Ultrasound scans
• Ovulation tracking

By increasing the number of eggs available for fertilisation, stimulated IUI may improve the chance of pregnancy in selected patients.

Contact Fertility Associates on Day 1 of your period (the first day you wake up with full menstrual bleeding).

Your team will provide instructions regarding:

• Medications (if required)
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound scans
• Timing of ovulation monitoring

During your cycle, we monitor how your ovaries are responding.

Monitoring may include:

• Hormone blood tests
• Ultrasound scans
• Ovulation testing

This allows us to determine the optimal time for insemination.

On the day of treatment:

Partner Sperm

A semen sample is provided and prepared in our laboratory.

Donor Sperm

Frozen donor sperm is thawed and prepared by our embryology team.

The preparation process removes seminal fluid and concentrates the healthiest moving sperm for insemination.

The prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a very fine catheter.

The procedure:

• Takes only a few minutes
• Is similar to having a cervical smear
• Does not require anaesthesia
• Is generally painless

You are welcome to have a support person with you.

Most people can:

• Return to work
• Exercise normally
• Continue normal daily activities
• Have sexual intercourse if they wish

Some patients may be prescribed progesterone support after insemination.

The chance of pregnancy depends on several factors, particularly age and the underlying cause of infertility.

Success rates are generally highest:

• In younger women
• When donor sperm is used
• During the first few treatment cycles

Because pregnancy rates accumulate over time, several cycles may be recommended.

If pregnancy has not occurred after three to four IUI cycles, IVF is often recommended as the next step. Women aged 40 and over may be advised to move to IVF earlier.

IUI is considered a safe treatment, but as with all medical procedures there are some risks.

When fertility medications are used, more than one egg may ovulate.

Approximate risks include:

• Twins: around 10% of pregnancies following clomiphene-stimulated IUI
• Triplets: around 1%

The risk of twins appears lower with letrozole. Multiple pregnancies carry higher health risks for both mother and babies.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube.

Although IUI is not thought to increase the risk, all fertility patients should be aware of the possibility. Early monitoring helps identify ectopic pregnancies as soon as possible.

Infection following insemination is rare, occurring in approximately 0.3% of treatment cycles.

Most infections respond well to antibiotics.

Some patients experience light spotting or bleeding from the cervix after the procedure.

This is usually minor and unlikely to affect the chance of pregnancy.

Occasionally, patients may experience:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• A temporary drop in blood pressure during the procedure

This is known as a vasovagal reaction and is usually short-lived.

Please contact Fertility Associates if you experience:

• Significant abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling or bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Reduced urine output
• Severe headache
• Heavy bleeding
• Fever or feeling unwell

Prompt assessment helps ensure any complications are managed early.

Is IUI painful?

Most patients describe IUI as similar to a cervical smear. It is generally quick and well tolerated.

Do I need time off work?

No. Most people return to normal activities immediately afterwards.

Can I have sex after IUI?

Yes. Sexual activity can continue as normal unless your healthcare team advises otherwise.

How many IUI cycles should I try?

For most patients, three to four cycles are recommended before considering IVF.

Are the medications safe?

The medications used in IUI have been used for decades and have not been shown to increase the risk of birth defects, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer.

Fertility Associates has been helping New Zealanders build families for decades, offering:

• Specialist fertility doctors
• Experienced fertility nurses
• Expert embryology laboratories
• Donor sperm programmes
• Personalised treatment plans
• Access to counselling and emotional support

We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based fertility care every step of the way.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you'd like to learn whether IUI is right for you, talk to the team at Fertility Associates about your fertility options and personalised treatment plan. You can:

• Book a free nurse consultation
• Book a doctor's appointment

This information is intended as a general guide and does not replace individual medical advice from your fertility specialist.