Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which processed sperm is introduced directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. The procedure shortens the distance sperm must travel to reach the fallopian tubes and egg. IUI is performed during a monitored natural or stimulated ovulatory cycle.
IUI is considered when sperm needs assistance reaching the egg or when ovulation requires controlled stimulation. Common indications include:
IUI requires at least one functioning fallopian tube and adequate ovarian function. Severe male-factor infertility, significant tubal disease, advanced endometriosisor markedly reduced ovarian reserve often require evaluation for IVF or another assisted reproductive treatment.
The fertility evaluation includes medical history, ovulation assessment, ovarian reserve testing, pelvic ultrasound and semen analysis. Tubal patency is assessed when clinically indicated.
The cycle is monitored through ultrasound and, when required, hormone testing. Ovulation medicines such as letrozole or clomiphene are used in selected patients to support follicular development.
When the dominant follicle reaches the appropriate stage, an hCG trigger injection is given to induce ovulation at a planned time. Natural ovulation cycles do not require a trigger when timing is appropriate.
A semen sample is collected on the scheduled day. The laboratory processes the sample to concentrate motile sperm and remove seminal fluid and unwanted cellular material.
The prepared sperm is placed into the uterus through a thin catheter. The procedure takes only a few minutes and does not require anaesthesia in routine cases.
A pregnancy test is performed approximately two weeks after insemination. Further evaluation is arranged based on the result.
After IUI, routine activities can generally be resumed unless the fertility specialist provides specific restrictions. Mild cramping or light spotting can occur after the procedure. Patients prescribed progesterone or other luteal-phase support should continue the medication as directed.
Pregnancy testing is scheduled around two weeks after insemination. Testing too early can produce an inaccurate result, particularly when an hCG trigger injection has been used.
A positive pregnancy test is followed by a repeat beta-hCG blood test when required to assess the pregnancy hormone level. An ultrasound is then scheduled to confirm the location of the pregnancy and assess early development.
Once an intrauterine pregnancy is confirmed, antenatal care is initiated. Medications prescribed during the IUI cycle are continued or adjusted according to the fertility specialist's instructions.
IUI Success Rate is influenced by maternal age, ovarian reserve, ovulation, sperm quality, the cause and duration of infertility, tubal function and the treatment protocol used.
IUI After 35 requires timely fertility assessment because female fertility declines with age, alongside changes in ovarian reserve and egg quality. Evaluation should include ovarian reserve, ovulation, tubal function and semen parameters. The number of appropriate IUI cycles is determined according to age, fertility findings and previous treatment response.
IUI After 40 has lower pregnancy rates because ovarian reserve and egg quality decline substantially with advancing age. A detailed fertility assessment is important before starting treatment. Ovarian reserve, ovulation, tubal function, sperm parameters and previous fertility history should be reviewed to determine whether IUI is appropriate or whether IVF provides a more suitable treatment pathway.
A negative pregnancy test after IUI requires a review of the complete treatment cycle rather than simply repeating the same protocol. The fertility specialist reviews follicular development, ovulation timing, endometrial thickness, sperm preparation and post-ovulation support.
Common IUI Failure Reasons include:
After one or more unsuccessful cycles, the treatment plan should be reassessed using the findings from previous attempts.
A Second IUI Cycle is considered after reviewing the response to the first cycle and confirming that IUI remains medically appropriate. The fertility specialist evaluates follicular response, ovulation, endometrial development, semen parameters and the reason for infertility.
The next cycle can involve adjustments to ovulation medication, monitoring, insemination timing or luteal-phase support. Repeated unsuccessful cycles require reassessment and discussion of alternative treatments such as IVF.
IUI is less invasive than IVF and does not require egg retrieval or laboratory embryo culture. At KIMS Fertility IVF Centre, IUI is performed following fertility assessment and cycle monitoring.
The treatment pathway includes:
KIMS Fertility IVF Centre provides fertility services across its centres in Hyderabad, Vizag, Guntur, Kurnool and Nagpur.
IUI is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications. Potential risks include:
The risk of multiple pregnancy increases when ovulation-stimulating medicines produce multiple mature follicles. Careful ultrasound monitoring helps determine whether the cycle should proceed.
Medical Tests
Before IUI, the fertility evaluation can include:
Both partners should undergo appropriate evaluation because female and male factors contribute to infertility.
Preparation for IUI includes maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and maintaining adequate sleep. Tobacco and recreational drug use should be stopped, and alcohol should be avoided during fertility treatment.
Existing medical conditions should be appropriately controlled. Patients should provide their fertility doctors with a complete list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements before beginning treatment.
IUI Cost varies according to the treatment protocol, investigations and medicines required. Factors that contribute to the total cost include:
The cost should therefore be discussed after the fertility assessment because the number of medicines, monitoring scans and laboratory procedures differs between patients.
KIMS Fertility IVF Centre provides fertility treatment services across multiple locations. Current centre locations listed by KIMS Fertility include:
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
4th Floor, Road No. 2, Banjara Hills, Opp. Park Hyatt, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500034
Vizag
D/No: 1-113-20/1, MVP Colony, Ushodaya Junction, Opp. Kidz Garden Public School, Vizag, Andhra Pradesh –
530017
Guntur
Yadavalivari Street, lane beside HDFC Bank, Kothapet, Guntur District – 522001
Kurnool
Survey No. 560/2, 560/2B, beside Skandanshi Office, Birla Guest House, Kurnool
Nagpur
1st Floor, KIMS Kingsway Hospital, Kingsway Road, Mohan Nagar, Nagpur, Maharashtra – 440001
First, our doctors will track your cycle using ultrasound scans and blood tests. This will help our fertility specialist pinpoint when exactly you will ovulate, so that they can introduce the sperm into your uterus at the right time. Next, our specialist will take a sperm sample from your partner and run a few tests on it. You will then be inseminated with a flexible catheter that contains your partner's sperm. Then, you will need to rest for a bit, before you go home.
Multiple cycles may be needed. Combining with ovulation induction may slightly improve outcomes.
IUI Treatment Cost Starting from ?11,250 Onwards
Available at our Hyderabad, Vizag, Guntur, Kurnool, and Nagpur centres.
Book a consultation to know the complete treatment plan and cost details. The final cost may vary depending on the patient's condition, medications, and additional procedures required.
Fertility Doctors in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Maharashtra
With over 15 years of experience helping couples achieve their family-oriented goals, we at KIMS Fertility IVF Centre aim to provide patient-centric treatment approaches. Our team has shown high success rates for IUI treatments. We believe in providing evidence-based solutions as we believe it is our duty to provide a safe, supportive and effective path towards parenthood. Come to KIMS Fertility IVF Centre, as we have the best fertility doctors in our clinic!