Natural-cycle IUI
Your natural ovulation is monitored and the insemination is timed accordingly.
IUI Treatment at Sehgal IVF Centre
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared sperm are placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. The aim is to bring sperm closer to the egg and provide an opportunity for fertilisation to occur naturally inside the body.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ruchi Malhotra, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology) · Reg. No. 6111 · Last reviewed October 2026
Simple outpatient procedureUsually takes only a few minutes
A gentler first step
Less invasive fertility care, when it's right for you
IUI is a relatively simple fertility procedure and is generally less invasive than IVF. It may be considered for selected patients depending on the cause of infertility, ovulation, fallopian-tube health and sperm parameters.
At Sehgal IVF Centre, the decision to recommend IUI is based on an individual fertility assessment. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may recommend natural-cycle IUI, IUI with ovulation medicines, IVF, or another fertility treatment.
The basics
What is IUI?
IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination. A semen sample is processed in the laboratory to concentrate suitable, motile sperm. The prepared sperm are then placed directly inside the uterus using a thin catheter, usually around the time of ovulation. The basic IUI process is:
- 1Fertility assessment
- 2Ovulation monitoring
- 3Sperm preparation
- 4IUI procedure
- 5Pregnancy test
Unlike IVF, fertilisation does not take place in the laboratory during IUI. After the sperm are placed in the uterus, fertilisation, if it occurs, takes place inside the reproductive tract.
Is IUI right for you?
Who may benefit, and when IUI may not be suitable
IUI is not appropriate for everyone. A fertility assessment is important before treatment because the condition of the fallopian tubes, ovulation and sperm quality can affect whether IUI is suitable.
IUI may be discussed when there is
- Unexplained infertility
- Mild male-factor infertility
- Certain ovulation problems
- Difficulty having vaginal intercourse because of a physical or psychosexual condition
- A need to use donor sperm, where legally and medically appropriate
- Certain situations where IUI is considered before moving to IVF
IUI may be less suitable when there is
- Blocked fallopian tubes
- Significant damage to the fallopian tubes
- Severe male-factor infertility
- Certain advanced stages of endometriosis
- Certain ovarian or reproductive conditions
- A very low number of usable sperm
- Other medical factors where IUI is unlikely to be effective
In these situations, your doctor may recommend IVF or another treatment instead. The right treatment depends on your diagnosis, age, fertility history and test results.
Step by step
IUI treatment process
Here is what typically happens during an IUI cycle.
- 1
Fertility assessment
Before IUI, your fertility specialist will review your medical and reproductive history. Tests may include:
Checking whether the fallopian tubes are open is particularly important, because IUI relies on sperm travelling through the reproductive tract to reach the egg.
Your doctor will use these findings to determine whether IUI is an appropriate option.
- 2
Monitoring ovulation
IUI needs to be carefully timed around ovulation. Some patients may have IUI during a natural cycle, where ovulation is monitored without fertility medicines. In other cases, medication may be used to stimulate ovulation. Monitoring may include:
The treatment plan depends on your individual circumstances.
- 3
Sperm collection
If your partner's sperm is being used, a semen sample is usually collected around the time of the IUI procedure. If donor sperm is being used, the appropriate medical, legal and regulatory requirements are followed.
The sperm sample is then prepared for insemination.
- 4
Sperm preparation
The semen sample contains sperm as well as other components. In the laboratory, the sample is processed to concentrate suitable, motile sperm for insemination. The prepared sample is then ready for the IUI procedure.
- 5Takes only a few minutes
IUI procedure
The prepared sperm is placed into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. During the procedure:
- You will usually lie comfortably on an examination bed.
- A speculum may be used to gently hold the vaginal walls apart.
- A thin catheter is passed through the cervix.
- The prepared sperm is slowly placed into the uterus.
- The catheter is removed.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort or temporary cramping.
- 6
After IUI
You can generally return home after a short period of rest. Your doctor may provide instructions about:
A pregnancy test should be performed at the time recommended by your fertility team.
IUI, IVF or something else?
Find the right first step for you
A fertility specialist can assess both partners and determine whether IUI, IVF, medication, surgery or another treatment may be appropriate for you.
Two approaches
Natural-cycle IUI vs stimulated IUI
IUI can be performed during a natural ovulatory cycle or alongside medicines that stimulate ovulation.
Stimulated IUI
Fertility medicines may be used to encourage follicle development and ovulation. This requires appropriate monitoring, because developing multiple follicles can increase the chance of multiple pregnancy and other complications.
Your fertility specialist will determine which approach, if any, is appropriate for you.
IUI success
How successful is IUI?
IUI does not guarantee pregnancy. The chance of pregnancy can vary considerably between patients and depends on factors such as:
- Age
- Cause of infertility
- Ovulation
- Sperm quality
- Number of mature follicles
- Fallopian-tube health
- Duration of infertility
- Previous fertility treatment
- Overall reproductive health
Because these factors differ from patient to patient, a single IUI success rate should not be used to predict an individual's outcome. Your fertility specialist can explain the factors that may affect your expected outcome after reviewing your test results.
Know your chances
Advantages
What are the benefits of IUI?
IUI may have several advantages for appropriately selected patients.
Less invasive than IVF
IUI does not involve egg retrieval or fertilisation outside the body.
Simple procedure
The insemination itself is usually a short outpatient procedure.
Partner or donor sperm
Depending on your circumstances and applicable medical and legal requirements, IUI can use prepared partner sperm or donor sperm.
Can be combined with ovulation treatment
For selected patients, IUI may be combined with medicines used to stimulate ovulation.
May be considered before IVF
Particularly for unexplained or mild male-factor infertility, IUI may be tried before moving to more advanced treatment such as IVF.
Comfort & safety
Is IUI painful? Is it safe?
Is IUI painful?
IUI is generally considered a relatively simple procedure. The experience can vary from person to person. Some patients experience:
If you experience significant or persistent pain, heavy bleeding, fever or other concerning symptoms after the procedure, contact your fertility clinic for medical advice.
Is IUI safe?
IUI is generally considered a safe fertility procedure, although no medical treatment is completely without risk. A small risk of infection exists after the procedure, but infection is uncommon. When fertility medicines are used to stimulate ovulation, additional risks can include:
- Multiple pregnancy
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Ectopic pregnancy
Appropriate monitoring can help identify excessive ovarian response and reduce avoidable risks. Your doctor will explain the potential benefits, limitations and risks before treatment.
Comparison
IUI vs IVF
IUI and IVF are different fertility treatments.
IUI
IVF
Prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus
Eggs are collected and fertilised in a laboratory
Fertilisation takes place inside the body
Fertilisation takes place outside the body
Does not require egg retrieval
Requires egg retrieval
Generally less invasive
More involved treatment
May be suitable for selected fertility problems
May be recommended when IUI is unsuitable or has not worked
Can use partner or donor sperm where appropriate
May involve partner or donor eggs/sperm depending on the treatment plan
The choice between IUI and IVF depends on the cause of infertility and your individual circumstances. Read about IVF treatment
Specific situations
How IUI may help in different cases
IUI for unexplained infertility
Sometimes fertility investigations do not identify a clear reason for difficulty conceiving. In selected patients, IUI may be considered as part of treatment. ASRM guidance describes IUI with appropriate ovulation treatment as an established option for unexplained infertility.
Treatment is individualised: age, duration of infertility and previous treatment can influence whether IUI or IVF is recommended.
IUI for male-factor infertility
When sperm count or movement is mildly affected, IUI may be considered because the semen sample is processed and suitable motile sperm are concentrated before insemination.
IUI may not be appropriate for severe male-factor infertility. Your specialist may then discuss IVF with ICSI or another treatment.
IUI with donor sperm
IUI may be performed using donor sperm in appropriate circumstances. Before treatment, patients should receive medical and fertility counselling and follow all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
If you are considering donor sperm, discuss the process with your specialist first. About our donor program
Next steps
What happens if IUI does not work?
An unsuccessful IUI cycle does not necessarily mean that pregnancy is impossible. Your fertility specialist may review:
Depending on your circumstances, the doctor may recommend another IUI cycle, a change in treatment approach, further testing or IVF. The next step is based on your individual assessment rather than a fixed plan for everyone.
Planning
How many IUI cycles may be needed?
There is no single number of IUI cycles that is appropriate for every patient. The number of cycles depends on factors such as:
Your fertility specialist can explain whether another IUI cycle is reasonable or whether a different treatment should be considered.
Why choose us
Why choose Sehgal IVF Centre for IUI treatment?
Choosing a fertility centre is an important decision. Consider the fertility team's experience, assessment, monitoring protocols, laboratory procedures, communication and patient support. Our IUI approach focuses on:
Individualised fertility assessment
Treatment begins with understanding the possible cause of infertility and your individual reproductive health.
Careful ovulation monitoring
Correct timing is key. Your doctor may use ultrasound, ovulation testing and other monitoring methods when appropriate.
Proper sperm preparation
The semen sample is processed to prepare a concentrated sample of suitable motile sperm.
Personalised treatment planning
Not every patient needs the same medicines or protocol. Your plan is based on your medical assessment.
Clear communication
You'll understand the procedure, timeline, benefits, limitations, risks and costs before treatment.
Patient-centred fertility care
Fertility treatment can be emotionally challenging. Clear communication and support help you through the process.
Timing
When should you consider an IUI consultation?
You may consider a fertility consultation if you have been trying to conceive without success or if you already know that you have a fertility-related concern. A fertility specialist can assess both partners where applicable and determine whether IUI, IVF, medication, surgery or another treatment may be appropriate.
If you have known blocked fallopian tubes, significant sperm abnormalities or other factors that may make IUI less suitable, your doctor may recommend a different treatment approach.
Trying without successDifficulty conceiving despite trying
Known concernAn existing fertility-related condition
What is IUI?
IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination. It is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared sperm are placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation.
Is IUI the same as IVF?
No. IUI places prepared sperm into the uterus and fertilisation occurs inside the body. During IVF, eggs are collected and fertilised in a laboratory.
Is IUI painful?
IUI is usually a short procedure. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or cramping during or after the procedure.
Does IUI guarantee pregnancy?
No. IUI can provide an opportunity for fertilisation, but it cannot guarantee pregnancy or a live birth.
Who is a good candidate for IUI?
IUI may be suitable for selected patients with unexplained infertility, mild male-factor infertility, certain ovulation problems or situations where donor sperm is being used. A fertility assessment is needed before treatment.
Can IUI be done without fertility medicines?
Yes. IUI can be performed during a natural ovulatory cycle when appropriate. Some patients may instead receive medicines to stimulate ovulation.
How is sperm prepared for IUI?
The semen sample is processed in the laboratory to concentrate suitable, motile sperm before the insemination procedure.
Can IUI be used for male infertility?
IUI may be considered for selected cases of mild male-factor infertility. When sperm problems are more severe, another treatment such as IVF with ICSI may be more appropriate.
How soon can I take a pregnancy test after IUI?
Your fertility team will tell you when to test. Testing too early may give an unreliable result, particularly if medicines used during treatment affect the test.
What happens if IUI fails?
Your doctor can review the treatment cycle and discuss whether another IUI cycle, further evaluation or IVF may be appropriate.
Related treatments
Other options you may discuss
Start your fertility journey
Start your fertility journey with the right information
IUI can be a useful fertility treatment for appropriately selected patients. However, it is not suitable for everyone and does not guarantee pregnancy. Understanding the possible cause of infertility is an important first step.
At Sehgal IVF Centre, you can discuss your fertility concerns, test results and treatment options with a qualified fertility specialist, and find out whether IUI may be suitable for you.
Medically reviewed
Dr. Ruchi Malhotra, MBBS, MS (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Gynaecologist & fertility specialist at Sehgal IVF Centre · Reg. No. 6111 · Last reviewed October 2026