How IUI works
IUI gives sperm a shorter path to the egg. The sperm sample is washed in the lab to remove seminal fluid and concentrate the best moving sperm.
A thin, soft tube then places this sample high inside the uterus on the day of ovulation. Fertilisation still happens naturally inside the fallopian tube. This is why at least one healthy, open tube is essential.
Who IUI suits
IUI is often the first assisted treatment for couples whose tests show only mild problems. It may be suggested for:
- Ovulation problems such as PCOS, together with ovulation tablets or injections
- Mild reduction in sperm count or motility
- Unexplained infertility, where routine tests are normal
- Cervical factors that make it hard for sperm to pass
- Difficulty with intercourse, or ejaculation problems
- Couples using donor sperm from a registered ART bank
When IUI is not the right choice
IUI cannot work if the egg and sperm cannot meet. It is usually not advised in these situations:
- Both fallopian tubes blocked or badly damaged
- Severe male factor, with very low count or very few moving sperm
- Moderate to severe endometriosis
- Low egg reserve, where waiting several cycles may waste valuable time
In these cases, IVF or IVF with ICSI usually gives a better chance. The doctor explains this after reviewing both partners' reports.
The IUI process, step by step
An IUI cycle follows the woman's menstrual cycle and takes about two weeks of active treatment.
- Basic testsA scan, hormone tests and a tube test (HSG or similar) for the woman. A semen analysis for the man.
- Ovulation supportTablets or low-dose injections from early in the cycle help one or two follicles grow. Some natural-cycle IUIs use no medicine.
- Follicle scansTwo or three scans track the follicle size and the uterine lining.
- Trigger injectionWhen the follicle is ready, an injection triggers ovulation. IUI is timed for the next day or so.
- Sperm washThe husband gives a sample at the clinic. The lab prepares it in about an hour.
- InseminationThe sample is placed in the uterus through a thin tube. It takes a few minutes and needs no anaesthesia.
- Pregnancy testA blood or urine pregnancy test about two weeks later.
Most women describe the insemination as similar to a Pap smear. You can return to normal daily activity the same day.
Progesterone support is sometimes prescribed after IUI. Take any medicine exactly as advised until the pregnancy test.
IUI with and without medicines
Not every IUI uses the same plan. The choice depends on whether the woman ovulates on her own and on the cause of infertility.
| Type | How it works | Often used for |
|---|---|---|
| Natural cycle IUI | No fertility medicine; scans find the natural ovulation day | Regular cycles, cervical factor, or donor sperm |
| IUI with tablets | Ovulation tablets for about five days early in the cycle | PCOS, irregular ovulation, unexplained infertility |
| IUI with injections | Low-dose hormone injections with closer monitoring | Women who did not respond to tablets |
Medicines aim to grow one or two good follicles, not many. If too many follicles grow, the doctor may advise cancelling the IUI that month to avoid a risky multiple pregnancy.
Preparing for the IUI day
The husband is usually asked to abstain from ejaculation for 2 to 5 days before the sample. If he cannot be present on the day, a sample can be frozen in advance.
Keep the trigger injection time exactly as advised, because the IUI is timed from it. Folic acid, good thyroid control and stopping smoking help both partners before any cycle.
When to move from IUI to IVF
IUI is simpler and less costly than IVF, but its chance per cycle is lower. It makes sense only for a limited number of cycles.
Many doctors suggest reviewing the plan after about three to four well-timed IUI cycles that have not worked. Moving to IVF sooner may be wise if the woman is older, her egg reserve is falling, or new test results show a tubal or sperm problem.
Time is also a cost
Repeating IUI many times can delay more effective treatment. If you have already had several IUIs elsewhere, share those reports so the doctor can judge whether another attempt is worthwhile. Our blog post on IUI vs IVF explains this choice in more detail.
Chances of success
No honest clinic can promise a pregnancy from IUI. The chance depends mainly on the woman's age, her egg reserve, sperm quality and the health of her tubes.
The reason for infertility also matters. After your tests, the doctor explains your realistic chances and how many cycles are reasonable.
Risks of IUI
- Multiple pregnancy: fertility medicines can release more than one egg. Scans help avoid going ahead when too many follicles grow.
- OHSS: rare with the low doses used in IUI, but possible with injections.
- Mild cramps or spotting after the procedure, which usually settle within a day.
- Infection: uncommon, as the procedure uses sterile equipment.
IUI cost in Delhi
One IUI cycle at our clinic usually costs ₹10,000 – ₹25,000. The figure depends mainly on whether tablets or injections are used and how many scans are needed.
| Treatment | Includes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IUI, per cycle | Including washed sperm preparation | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Egg freezing (one cycle) | Stimulation, collection and freezing; storage extra | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
Tests done before treatment, such as the tube test and semen analysis, may be charged separately. You get a written, itemised estimate before the cycle begins.
Most of the early tests can be done in your own city. You can share the reports on WhatsApp for the doctor to review before you travel to Delhi.