40w LaterGuide

A typical IUI process may look like this:

Initial consultation → Ovulation monitoring or stimulation, if needed → Timing ovulation → Intrauterine insemination (IUI) → Luteal support, if prescribed → Pregnancy test

Simply put, your healthcare team monitors or helps prepare for ovulation, prepares a semen sample, places selected sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, and later checks for pregnancy.

1) Preparing for ovulation

IUI can be performed during a natural cycle or with medications that stimulate ovulation. If medication is used, oral or injectable fertility medications may be prescribed, and ultrasound and sometimes blood tests are used to monitor follicle development.

When a follicle is ready, a trigger injection may be used to help time ovulation. The timing of IUI is determined according to your cycle, test results, and treatment protocol.

Unlike IVF, IUI does not aim to produce a large number of mature follicles. If too many follicles develop, the risk of multiple pregnancy increases, and your healthcare provider may adjust or cancel the cycle for safety.

People who ovulate regularly may be able to undergo IUI in a natural cycle without ovarian stimulation. Ovulation may be tracked using ultrasound, urine or blood hormone testing, or other methods depending on the clinic.

2) Preparing the sperm and performing IUI

A semen sample from a partner or donor is prepared in the laboratory to concentrate motile sperm and remove seminal fluid and other components. Specific collection instructions, including any recommended period of abstinence, vary by clinic and individual circumstances.

During IUI, a speculum is placed in the vagina and a thin catheter is passed through the cervix. The prepared sperm is then gently placed into the uterus. The procedure is usually brief and does not require anesthesia.

Some clinics use ultrasound guidance and may ask you to arrive with a comfortably full bladder, while others do not routinely require this. Follow the instructions provided by your clinic.

Most people can return to normal activities shortly after IUI. Prolonged bed rest is generally not required.

Progesterone may be prescribed after IUI in some stimulated cycles or depending on the treatment protocol, but it is not required for everyone.

3) Checking for pregnancy

A pregnancy test is usually performed about two weeks after IUI, according to your clinic's instructions. Testing too early after an hCG trigger injection can produce a false-positive result.

If you experience unusual bleeding, significant pain, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider rather than relying only on a home pregnancy test.

The chance of pregnancy with IUI varies considerably depending on age, fertility diagnosis, sperm quality, medication use, and other factors. The number of IUI cycles to try before considering IVF should therefore be decided individually with your fertility specialist.

In summary: IUI is a fertility treatment in which prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. The exact medication, monitoring, timing, and follow-up plan vary according to each person and clinic.