Service

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Assisted Reproduction Least Invasive ART No Surgery Required 12+ Years Experience

What is IUI?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is the simplest form of assisted reproduction. A semen sample is collected, washed and concentrated in the laboratory to select the most motile sperm, and then placed directly inside the uterus using a thin catheter — at the time of ovulation. This shortens the distance sperm must travel and places them closer to the fallopian tube where fertilisation happens.

IUI does not involve surgery, egg retrieval, or embryo culture. For eligible couples, it is a natural, well-tolerated first-line option that can be attempted for two to three cycles before escalating to IVF. It is performed here at Cloudnine Hospital Kompally by Dr Bhavana Nallapu, MBBS, DGO, FRM, MRCOG — with 12 years of experience in fertility care.

Who is IUI suitable for?

IUI works best when the underlying anatomy is intact. The following criteria make a couple good candidates:

At least one open fallopian tube (confirmed on HSG or laparoscopy) Mild to moderate male factor infertility (low-normal sperm count or motility) Unexplained infertility — no identified cause after investigations Ovulatory disorders — managed with ovulation induction Cervical hostility — thick cervical mucus blocking sperm entry Use of donor sperm Women with irregular ovulation who respond to hormonal stimulation

When IUI is not suitable

IUI will not be recommended if any of the following apply, as the success rate in these situations does not justify delaying more effective treatment:

Both fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged Severe male factor infertility (very low sperm count or zero sperm) Moderate-to-severe endometriosis affecting the tubes or pelvis Advanced maternal age (38+) with diminished ovarian reserve Prior IVF failure — IUI is a step backward in this situation Three or more failed IUI cycles — time to review and escalate

How IUI is performed — step by step

Baseline AssessmentDay 2–3 ultrasound and blood tests confirm ovarian status and cycle start. If ovulation induction medications are prescribed, they begin at this point.

Follicular MonitoringSerial ultrasound scans (typically 2–3 per cycle) track follicle growth. The goal is one or two dominant follicles reaching 18–20mm — the size at which ovulation is triggered.

Trigger InjectionWhen follicles are mature, a trigger injection (hCG or recombinant LH) is administered to induce ovulation precisely. IUI is timed 36–40 hours later.

Sperm PreparationA semen sample is collected at the clinic on the day of IUI. It is processed in the laboratory using a "swim-up" or density gradient technique to concentrate the fastest-moving sperm into a small volume.

Insemination ProcedureThe prepared sperm are loaded into a thin catheter and passed gently through the cervix into the uterine cavity. The procedure takes 5–10 minutes. No anaesthesia is required. Mild cramping during the procedure is normal.

Post-IUI Rest & Luteal SupportYou rest for 10–15 minutes after the procedure. Progesterone luteal phase support may be prescribed. Normal activity resumes the same day.

Pregnancy TestA urine or blood pregnancy test is done 14 days after IUI. If negative, Dr Bhavana reviews the cycle and advises whether to repeat IUI or move to IVF.

Duration & Timelines

Cycle duration	One IUI cycle spans one full menstrual cycle — approximately 28–35 days.
Monitoring scans	2–3 ultrasound visits per cycle from Day 2 to ovulation trigger.
Procedure day	The IUI itself takes 5–10 minutes. Total clinic visit is about 60 minutes including rest time.
How many cycles?	IUI is typically tried for 2–3 cycles before reviewing. More than 3 cycles without success is a signal to escalate to IVF.
Admission required?	No. IUI is entirely outpatient. No sedation, no overnight stay.

Recovery & Aftercare

Return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. There are no restrictions on movement or diet.

Mild cramping for a few hours post-IUI is normal. Paracetamol is sufficient if needed.

Take prescribed progesterone or luteal support medications as directed — do not skip.

Avoid heavy exercise and high-stress activities during the two-week wait — a precaution, not a strict requirement.

Light spotting around Day 14 can be implantation bleeding or the start of a period — a pregnancy test will clarify.

If you develop fever, severe pelvic pain, or heavy bleeding after IUI — contact the clinic the same day.

Success & Outcomes

Per-Cycle Success

IUI success rates typically range from 10–20% per cycle for eligible couples — comparable to natural conception rates in a given month. Success depends on age, diagnosis, sperm quality, and number of follicles. Results vary by individual case.

Cumulative Success

Across three cycles, cumulative pregnancy rates for well-selected couples can reach 35–45%. After three unsuccessful IUI cycles, Dr Bhavana reviews whether IVF is the more appropriate next step.

Factors That Help

Younger maternal age, at least one patent fallopian tube, a total motile sperm count (TMSC) above 5–10 million after preparation, and good follicular response to stimulation all improve IUI outcomes.

If IUI Doesn't Work

A failed IUI cycle is not a failure of treatment — it is diagnostic information. Dr Bhavana reviews each cycle individually to decide whether to repeat IUI with protocol adjustments or move to IVF for a higher chance of success.

Frequently Asked Questions

IUI places washed sperm inside the uterus at ovulation — fertilisation still happens inside the body, naturally. IVF retrieves eggs from the ovaries, fertilises them in a laboratory, and transfers the resulting embryo back into the uterus. IUI is simpler, less invasive, and less expensive — but has lower per-cycle success rates than IVF. The right choice depends on your diagnosis and how long you have been trying.

Most women describe IUI as feeling similar to a smear test or mild period cramp. The procedure takes 5–10 minutes. No sedation or anaesthesia is required. The catheter passing through the cervix causes brief, mild discomfort for most patients. You leave the clinic within an hour.

A short rest of 10–15 minutes in the clinic after the procedure is standard. After that, you can resume normal daily activities — including desk work. There is no evidence that bed rest after IUI improves outcomes. Avoid strenuous physical activity for the rest of the day as a general precaution.

Most fertility specialists recommend a maximum of three IUI cycles for eligible couples. If three attempts have not resulted in pregnancy, the probability of IUI succeeding decreases significantly and IVF becomes the better investment of time and resources. Dr Bhavana reviews your case after each cycle — if the factors suggest IVF is more appropriate, she will say so clearly.