IUI

How IUI works

A sperm sample is collected on the day of the procedure from a partner or a sperm bank. The sample is processed in the laboratory to separate motile sperm from seminal fluid and other components. The concentrated sperm suspension is loaded into a thin catheter and placed directly into the uterine cavity through the cervix. Timing is coordinated with ovulation, whether natural or triggered with an hCG injection.

The procedure takes a few minutes and is generally described as similar to a cervical smear. Light cramping afterward is common. Most patients resume normal activities the same day.

Natural cycle IUI vs. stimulated IUI

A natural cycle IUI uses your own ovulation without medication. Ovulation is tracked using urine LH tests or monitoring ultrasounds. A stimulated IUI uses oral medications such as clomiphene or letrozole, or low-dose injectable gonadotropins, to encourage one or two follicles to develop. Stimulated cycles slightly increase the per-cycle chance of pregnancy but also carry a small risk of multiple pregnancy if more than one follicle matures.

Who IUI is suitable for

IUI is most appropriate for patients with unexplained infertility, mild to moderate male factor infertility where the total motile sperm count after processing meets a minimum threshold, ovulatory disorders that respond to ovulation induction, and cervical mucus problems. Single recipients and same-sex female couples using donor sperm frequently use IUI as a first-line option.

IUI is generally not recommended when both fallopian tubes are blocked, when there is severe male factor infertility, or when multiple IUI cycles have been unsuccessful without a clear reason for the failure.

Success rates and number of cycles

Per-cycle success rates for IUI vary widely depending on patient age, underlying diagnosis, and whether stimulation was used. Most reproductive endocrinologists recommend two to four attempts before reassessing whether to continue or move to IVF, particularly if no improvement in contributing factors is identified.

Cumulative success rates across multiple cycles are higher than per-cycle rates. Your specialist will review your response after the first cycle and adjust the protocol if needed before the next attempt.IUI abroad: how countries differ on access and donor sperm rules

Intrauterine insemination is one of the simpler fertility procedures, but the rules around who can access it and what sperm sources are permitted vary significantly between countries. These differences matter if you are single, in a same-sex relationship, or planning to use donor sperm.

In Cyprus, IUI is available to a broad range of patients including single women and same-sex female couples. Donor sperm can be sourced from licensed banks with both anonymous and open-identity donors available. Clinics in Cyprus have established experience treating international patients across a range of family structures.

Thailand permits IUI at accredited fertility clinics, but access for single women and same-sex couples is restricted under current medical guidelines. The procedure is generally available to heterosexual married or cohabiting couples. Donor sperm used in Thailand must remain within the country — transport of sperm samples abroad is not permitted under existing regulations.

In Mexico, IUI is widely available at private fertility clinics with relatively few restrictions on patient eligibility. Single women and same-sex couples can typically access IUI, and donor sperm is available through clinic banks or imported from registered international banks. Mexico City and Cancun are the most common destinations for international patients.

Denmark has a distinctive donor system: there are no egg banks, but Denmark has one of the most developed sperm banking industries in the world. Danish sperm banks export internationally, and IUI using donor sperm is widely accessible domestically. Importantly, access for single women and same-sex couples is permitted under Danish law — Denmark was among the first countries to extend assisted reproduction rights to these patient groups.

In Malaysia, IUI is available at private fertility centers, but donor sperm is not permitted for use in IUI under Malaysian medical and religious guidelines. IUI in Malaysia is therefore limited to couples using the male partner's own sperm. Muslim patients face additional restrictions under Islamic law guidance applied by many clinics.

If donor sperm is part of your plan, confirm the sourcing process, quarantine requirements, and any restrictions on sperm importation with your clinic before booking travel.