Treatment spotlight:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a minimally invasive fertility treatment.
  
  
• It involves a concentrated sample of sperm being deposited into the uterus at the time of ovulation, with the help of a small, thin tube (a catheter).
  
  
• IUI can be used as part of a natural menstrual cycle, or as part of a stimulated cycle where hormone medication is used to stimulate the ovaries — similar to IVF.
  
  
• For certain groups, including female same sex couples and couples where unprotected sex is not advised, IUI can be fully or part-funded by the NHS.

IUI is an assisted reproductive technique (ART) that gives sperm a better chance of fertilising an egg. It's the most direct form of artificial insemination, and involves placing the sperm directly into the uterus with the help of a catheter. This way, sperm bypasses the vagina and the cervix, and gets a head start on its journey to the egg.

IUI is less invasive than IVF, and fertilisation takes place inside the body — unlike in IVF, where fertilisation takes place in a lab.

There are two types of IUI:

• Stimulated IUI involves taking medication to promote egg growth, and a trigger shot is used to start ovulation.
  
  
• Unstimulated IUI doesn't involve medication. Instead, an ovulation test is taken to time insemination at the right point of ovulation within a natural menstrual cycle.

IUI is usually not the preferred treatment for those suffering with infertility. However, IUI is used regularly when:

• Donor sperm is being used. For single people, same-sex couples, or where a partner doesn’t produce sperm, IUI is often the first step to help achieve pregnancy with donor sperm. In some areas, NHS funding for IVF may only be available once a set number of self-funded IUI cycles (up to 12) have been completed, as a way of “demonstrating infertility.”
  
  
• Sperm quality is low. Where sperm count or motility is reduced, IUI can improve the chances of fertilisation by placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus.
  
  
• Infertility is unexplained: IUI is often the first treatment recommended to individuals and couples where there is no confirmed reason for infertility.
  
  
• Where unprotected sex isn't an option: This could be for physical or emotional reasons, such as an allergy to semen (it happens!), or a pre-existing condition like HIV.
  
  
• Where IVF isn't an option: There could be cultural or religious reasons that rule out IVF as well as physical reasons, like the fact that you don't respond well to hormone medication.

• IUI is most commonly used as an alternative to sex: IUI is less demanding than IVF, which is why it is often used as an alternative to sex for people who are otherwise fertile, but who are unable to have sex. However, some people do choose to try IUI before IVF because it is less invasive.
  
  
• It's cheaper than IVF (kind of), but less successful per cycle: Some people decide to use IUI to treat infertility rather than IVF because it's cheaper per cycle. The average advertised package cost of an IUI cycle is £1,265, compared to £3,898 for a single cycle package for IVF. However, multiple cycles of IUI may be required, and if you're using donor sperm, costs can creep up significantly.
  
  
• IUI is time consuming: With IUI, timing is everything. Your cycle needs to be closely monitored to ensure that insemination happens at exactly the right time. This is especially true with Stimulated IUI, where you'll spend a lot of time at your clinic for pre-treatment tests and scans.
  
  
• It's not for everyone: IUI won't be successful if you have been diagnosed with male factor infertility, fallopian tube blockages or any issues with ovulation.

Knowing what to expect can make IUI feel a little less daunting. The process is broken down into simple stages — from early checks and monitoring, through to insemination and the two-week wait — so you know what’s coming and how long each step usually takes.

Step 1: Pretreatment

Time: Varies, but approx. 2 weeks

Location: Clinic

For females, or those assigned female at birth (AFAB), your clinic will run pre-treatment blood tests and ultrasound scans. These predict your body's response to treatment and help to understand the number and quality of eggs available (this is known as your ovarian reserve). [1]

Tests include:

• Blood tests for Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). These are used to understand the number of eggs you have available.
  
  
• A pelvic scan, which involves an Antral Follicle Count (AFC). This looks at the number of immature follicles that can be matured (and develop eggs) in the IVF cycle.

For men, tests check the quantity and quality of sperm. This is measured as motility (movement) and morphology (shape). Depending on the results, you may need additional treatments, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injections (ICSI).

Both partners undergo mandatory screening for blood-borne viruses, like HIV and hepatitis. [2]

Next, you'll need a follow-up consultation with a doctor to discuss the results and prepare your cycle.

Step 1a: Cycle monitoring for unstimulated cycles

Time: 2 weeks

Location: Home, with minimal clinic visits

Even if you're following an unstimulated natural cycle, this will still need to be tracked to optimise the timing of insemination. You can do this through blood and urine tests performed at your clinic — so be prepared to visit your clinic multiple times over your predicted week of ovulation (days 10-16 of your menstrual cycle). Alternatively, you can use an ovulation prediction kit at home.

Step 2: Ovarian stimulation

Time: 2-4 weeks

Location: Home, with in-clinic monitoring

Depending on your treatment plan, your doctor may recommend a stimulated or unstimulated (natural) IUI cycle.

In a stimulated cycle, most protocols begin on day 1–2 of your period. You’ll take medication — usually self-injections into your abdomen — for around two weeks. This helps multiple follicles develop at the same time, rather than just one “lead” follicle as in a natural cycle.

In an unstimulated cycle, no medication is used. Instead, your doctor will simply track your natural ovulation through blood tests and ultrasound, and time the insemination accordingly.

In both approaches, monitoring is key. Follicle size is the main indicator of whether an egg is ready (eggs themselves are too small to see on a scan), so your doctor will use ultrasound and hormone blood tests to decide the right time for insemination.

Step 3: Sperm preparation

Time: A few hours, just prior to insemination

Location: Clinic

On the morning of the IUI procedure, the male partner needs to produce a sperm sample. This can be a previously frozen sample.

The sample is then 'washed' in the lab to create a higher quality, concentrated sperm package. This process also removes naturally occurring substances in the semen that can prevent fertilisation, and removes any pathogens, like a sexually transmitted diseases, that could be passed on.

If you're using donor sperm, the sample will arrive at your clinic frozen and already washed.

Step 4: Insemination

Time: 5 minutes

Location: Clinic

The insemination procedure is very quick, and is usually carried out without anaesthesia or sedation.

A catheter is inserted into the uterus via the vagina, and the prepared sperm is sent through this fine tube into the uterus. Your doctor will use an ultrasound to guide the catheter, and to help them visualise it clearly, you will be asked to arrive at your appointment with a full bladder.

Step 5: The two week wait

Time: 2 weeks

Location: Home

After insemination, fertilisation and implantation will hopefully be successful. The 'two week wait' refers to the period you'll need to wait until a pregnancy test can be taken to provide you with a reliable result.

Typical timeline: 6 weeks

This is based on a single round of IUI, from pre-treatment to taking a pregnancy test.

The length of your IUI treatment is the same, whether you opt for stimulated or unstimulated IUI.

The time it takes to complete pre-treatment tests may vary depending on whether your doctor feels it necessary to run further tests, and you may choose to take a break between this phase and starting treatment. Regardless, you'll need to wait until the start of your next menstrual cycle to begin treatment.

If you need further cycles, you won't necessarily need to run the same tests as the first time, bringing the treatment timeline for any subsequent IUI cycles to around 4 weeks.

Like other fertility treatments, success rates are not the same for everyone. Age, the IUI method you use, any underlying conditions, and the quality of care at your clinic all play a big factor.

However, IUI success rates typically range between 5-15% per cycle for women up to 40 years old, making it about a third as successful as IVF. This is why IUI is often carried out as an alternative to sex in those with no evidence of infertility, rather than as a treatment for infertility. This is because if someone is suffering from infertility this would only further reduce the chance of success with IUI.

There's a higher cumulative success rate with IUI compared to a per cycle success rate. That means your chances of conceiving via IUI increase for every additional cycle after your last — with the highest success rates typically seen in the 3rd and 4th cycles.

Stimulated vs. unstimulated IUI success rates

Up to 37 years of age, stimulated IUI cycles are generally considered more effective. The success rate of stimulated cycles is 13%, compared to 6.5% for unstimulated cycles.

However, for anyone over 37, unstimulated cycles tend to lead to a greater chance of pregnancy than a stimulated cycle (12% versus 8.5%). [3]

IUI and maternal age

Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. Unlike other cells in the body, like skin cells, eggs don't regenerate. This means our eggs age like the rest of us, reducing the number and quality of eggs available over time.

But it's not just women who experience an age-related decline in fertility.

Emerging research shows age affects sperm. Men over 30 are more likely to have decreased sperm motility compared to younger men, and men over 40 are more likely to have lower sperm counts.

There's also mounting evidence that sperm quality has been declining generally over recent generations. The exact cause is unknown, but thought to be caused by greater levels of pollutants, changing diets and increased stress levels.

How successful is IUI on first try?

There are no guarantees that IUI will work on the first try. One study found around 17% of people conceived on their first IUI cycle when conditions were favourable. Because success rates per attempt are relatively modest, doctors often recommend looking at IUI as a process: according to the NHS, more than half of women under 40 will conceive within six cycles, with cumulative chances increasing as you repeat treatment. [5,6]

Life after IUI looks different for everyone.

If your cycle was unsuccessful, it can be heartbreaking. Many people may feel the need to take a break before trying another cycle, while others go straight back into planning. Your clinic should provide follow up appointments and counselling sessions to help support you.

While the chance of success increases with every IUI cycle, it's important to contact your GP if you aren't getting anywhere. When accessing care on the NHS, failed IUI cycles can be used to demonstrate infertility, and may help you become eligible for IVF treatment.

Like IVF, IUI can be a lonely process — and multiple cycles can make it even more isolating. While your clinic can offer excellent support along the way, connecting with the fertility community online or offline can offer invaluable friendship, connection and support.

Overall, IUI is pretty safe because its minimally invasive, and if you're using donor sperm, all sperm is screened to exclude certain diseases — like HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. However, there are some risks to be aware of:

• Cramping and spotting: While IUI treatment shouldn't be painful, some people experience cramping after the treatment. Similarly, a small amount of vaginal bleeding — AKA spotting — may occur. This is usually the result of placing the catheter during treatment, and usually doesn't affect the chances of pregnancy.
  
  
• Infection: There is a small chance of infection following IUI treatment.
  
  
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) — if following stimulated IUI: OHSS occurs when your ovaries become overactive in response to hormonal medication, and start releasing their own chemicals. This is very rare, and in the case of stimulated IUI, the course of hormone medication is shorter than for IVF — making OHSS rarer still. If it does occur, OHSS can usually be treated at home. In rare cases, it can lead to hospitalisation and pregnancy complications.
  
  
• Multiple pregnancy — if following stimulated IUI: Hormone medication used in stimulated IUI increases the number of mature eggs released in a cycle, which each have the possibility of being fertilised. A 2020 study found that if the number of mature follicles was increased from 1 to 5 at the time of IUI, the chance of multiple pregnancy per cycle increased from 0.6% to 6.5%. Multiple pregnancies are associated with a heightened risk of health problems for both mother and babies — such as late miscarriage, premature delivery, gestational diabetes, stillbirth and death. Unstimulated cycles do not increase the chance of having a multiple pregnancy. [4]
  
  

How painful is the IUI procedure?

The IUI procedure itself is usually quick and not considered painful. Most people describe it as similar to having a cervical smear test — you may feel some pressure from the speculum and a brief cramping sensation when the catheter is placed, but it typically passes within minutes. The whole process takes less than 10 minutes, and while mild cramping or spotting afterwards can happen, these side effects are short-lived and don’t affect your chances of success. [6]

The NHS may fund IUI as an alternative to natural conception, for certain groups who cannot safely have sex. These groups include:

• Those who are physically or psychologically unable to have vaginal intercourse
  
  
• Couples who may be unable to have unprotected sex (for example, where one partner has HIV)
  
  
• Female same-sex couples

Funding for IUI is depends on your postcode and determined by your local Integrated Care Board — the number of rounds of IUI that your ICB will fund can vary from 0-12. To find out your eligibility, use our NHS Fertility Funding Calculator.

IVF may later be accessed if these cycles are not successful. The number of unsuccessful cycles that are required before accessing IVF varies depending on where you live.

IUI may also be offered as an alternative to IVF, where individuals have cultural or religious objections to IVF.

On average, an advertised package price of IUI is £1,265 — but can range from £550 to £2,310, and vary significantly between clinics.

If donor sperm is used, whether from a bank or a known donor, the sperm must be screened and prepared for the process. This will add to the total cost of your IUI treatment. The average price of donor sperm at a fertility clinic is advertised as £1,230 per sample, and you may also have to pay an additional £37.50 per cycle to cover the HFEA fee associated with donor insemination.

Given the chance of conceiving with IUI is around 5-15% per cycle, some clinics offer multi-cycle packages, but remember: whether you purchase a single or multi-cycle package, these are unlikely to include the cost of initial tests, consultations or any medication required.

Start by exploring our Find a Clinic page, where you can browse IUI clinics across the UK. Each clinic is scored using real patient experiences, with in-depth reviews and clear data on costs and success rates to help you compare your options.

If you’d like a more personalised search, try our Clinic Matching Tool. You can filter by everything from location and treatment type to budget and specialist care, then save your favourite clinics to review later. You’ll also have the option to connect with clinics directly, free of charge, so you can compare and ask questions before making your decision.

Already signed up? Simply log in to continue your search and find the IUI clinic that’s right for you.

Not everyone conceives on their first IUI cycle — and that doesn’t mean the treatment won’t work for you. Many people need more than one attempt, and over half of women under 40 will become pregnant within six cycles. If your initial round wasn’t successful and there are no known fertility concerns, your doctor may encourage you to try again. Some choose to go straight into another cycle, while others take a pause to rest and process before continuing. [7]

If you’ve completed several rounds (around six) without success, further testing is usually recommended to check for any factors that might be affecting your chances. Depending on the results, your doctor may advise considering IVF, which has higher per-cycle success rates. Whatever the next step looks like for you, support is available — both medically and emotionally — to help guide you through the decisions ahead. [6]

Understanding where IUI sits alongside other fertility treatments can make your options feel clearer. This table highlights the key differences — from who each treatment is designed for, to the time, medication, and costs involved.

Why do people choose IUI over IVF?

People often choose IUI over IVF because it’s less invasive, involves fewer medications, and is usually much more affordable — often around a quarter of the price of IVF. For some, it also feels closer to natural conception, since fertilisation still happens inside the body rather than in a lab. While per-cycle success rates are lower than IVF, IUI can be a good first step for those using donor sperm, in same-sex relationships, or where unprotected sex isn’t possible — especially if there aren’t any significant underlying fertility problems. [7]

IUI is a relatively non-invasive way to help people fall pregnant. It's the most successful form of artificial insemination, making it a popular alternative to sexual intercourse.

However, it's not necessarily the most effective option to treat infertility. And you'll need to keep an eye on costs — if you plan to use donor sperm or require multiple cycles, costs can increase quickly.

What is the age limit for IUI in the UK?

There’s no legal age limit for IUI in the UK, but clinics set their own policies — so the cut-off can vary. Some may offer treatment into your early 40s, while others are stricter, basing their decision on factors like ovarian reserve and overall health. If you’re hoping to access NHS-funded IUI, age criteria are usually part of the eligibility rules and differ depending on where you live, so it’s best to check with your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) or speak directly to clinics about their approach. [8]

Can you pick gender with IUI?

In the UK, you cannot choose your baby’s sex through IUI or any other fertility treatment unless it’s to prevent a serious inherited condition. This is strictly regulated by law, and any clinic offering non-medical sex selection would be breaking it. Some small studies have suggested IUI may naturally result in a slightly higher number of male births, but this isn’t something clinics can control or guarantee — and it shouldn’t be seen as a method of gender selection. [9,10,11]

Can IUI cause twins?

Yes — IUI can increase the chance of twins, but mainly when fertility medication is used to stimulate the ovaries. These drugs can cause more than one egg to develop, which means more than one could be fertilised after insemination. That’s why clinics closely monitor follicle growth with scans and may advise pausing treatment if too many eggs are developing. While multiples might sound appealing to some, twin or triplet pregnancies do carry higher risks for both parent and babies, so your doctor will always aim to keep those risks as low as possible. [6]

Do you have to lose weight for IUI?

No, you don’t have to lose weight to have IUI, but body weight can play a role in how successful treatment is. Research shows that being underweight (with a BMI below 18.5) is linked to lower pregnancy and live birth rates with IUI, while people in the normal or slightly higher BMI ranges may have better outcomes. Most clinics will assess your overall health, age, and ovarian reserve when recommending treatment, rather than focusing on weight alone. If your BMI is very low or very high, your doctor may talk to you about how this could affect your chances and whether making changes could help before starting IUI. [12]

Are miscarriages less likely with IUI?

Miscarriage rates after IUI are broadly similar to those seen in natural conception — IUI itself doesn’t reduce the risk. In a large study of nearly 32,000 cycles, around 17% of IUI pregnancies ended in miscarriage, with the main factors being age (particularly over 35), a history of miscarriage, and the type of ovarian stimulation used. Natural cycle IUI (without fertility drugs) was linked to slightly lower miscarriage rates, while certain medication combinations may influence outcomes for people with previous losses. Ultimately, the likelihood of miscarriage with IUI depends more on individual factors like age, egg quality, and medical history than on the procedure itself. [13]

Can you do IUI at home?

No, IUI itself can’t be done at home — it has to take place in a licensed clinic, because the sperm is prepared in a lab and placed directly into the uterus using a catheter. What some people do at home is intracervical insemination (ICI), sometimes called “home insemination,” where sperm is introduced into the vagina with a syringe. While this may feel simpler or more affordable, it isn’t the same as IUI and doesn’t have the same safeguards: sperm isn’t washed or quarantined for infections, and there can be legal issues around donor parenthood if it’s done outside of a clinic. For safety, success rates, and legal protection, IUI should always be carried out in a licensed fertility clinic. [6,14]