Artificial Insemination or Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI)
What is IUI?
IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination. It is also called artificial insemination. The procedure involves collecting a sperm sample, processing it in the laboratory to concentrate the fastest-moving sperm, and placing that prepared sample directly into the uterus through a thin, flexible catheter at the time of ovulation.
Normally, sperm deposited during intercourse must travel through the cervix and up through the uterus to reach the fallopian tubes, where fertilization takes place. IUI bypasses the cervix entirely, placing sperm much closer to the tubes – shortening the distance, improving the odds, and timing the arrival to coincide precisely with ovulation.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a simpler, less invasive, and considerably less expensive procedure than IVF or ICSI.
The procedure at Conceive Hospital takes just a few minutes, requires no sedation, and is essentially painless. Most patients describe it as no more uncomfortable than a routine gynaecological examination.
Who is IUI suitable for?
IUI works best when the underlying conditions support it. Conceive Hospital’s specialists assess each couple carefully before recommending IUI. It tends to be the right choice in the following situations –
Unexplained infertility. If investigations haven’t identified a clear reason for not conceiving, and both the tubes and sperm are broadly normal, IUI combined with ovulation stimulation is a reasonable and low-risk first treatment step.
Mild to moderate male-factor infertility. When sperm count or motility is below optimal but not severely compromised.
Cervical factor infertility. The cervix and cervical mucus can sometimes be hostile to sperm – due to antibodies, previous surgery, or scar tissue from an earlier procedure. IUI bypasses the cervix completely, making this obstacle irrelevant.
Difficulty with intercourse. Including erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, or ejaculation difficulties – IUI allows conception without requiring intercourse during the ovulation window.
Ovulation problems with otherwise normal fertility. Women who are not ovulating regularly, or whose ovulation timing is unpredictable, can have their cycle stimulated and monitored, with IUI timed precisely to the moment the egg is released.
* IUI is not recommended when the fallopian tubes are blocked, sperm quality is severely compromised, or when the woman’s ovarian reserve is significantly diminished. In these cases, IVF or ICSI gives a much better chance of success.
How IUI works at Conceive Hospital
Step 1 – Monitoring and stimulation (if required) In a stimulated IUI cycle, hormone injections (gonadotrophins) are used to encourage the ovaries to develop follicles. The cycle is monitored closely with ultrasound scans and blood tests to track follicle growth and hormone levels. In natural-cycle IUI, the woman’s own cycle is monitored without stimulation.
Step 2 – Triggering ovulation When the follicle reaches the right size, a trigger injection is given to cause ovulation at a predictable time. The IUI is then scheduled precisely around this window – usually 36 to 40 hours after the trigger.
Step 3 – Sperm preparation On the morning of the procedure, a semen sample is collected. In the laboratory, the sample is processed using a technique called sperm washing – the fastest-moving, healthiest sperm are concentrated into a small volume of fluid, removing seminal plasma and slower sperm that could otherwise cause cramping if placed directly in the uterus.
Step 4 – Insemination The prepared sperm sample is drawn into a thin, flexible catheter and gently placed into the uterus. The procedure takes around five minutes. There is minimal discomfort and no sedation is needed. Most patients go about their day normally afterwards.
Step 5 – The two-week wait A blood pregnancy test is performed approximately two weeks after the IUI. Conceive Hospital’s team is available throughout this period for any questions or concerns.
Frequently asked questions about IUI
IUI places prepared sperm inside the uterus; fertilization still happens naturally inside the body. IVF retrieves eggs and fertilizes them in the laboratory, with the resulting embryo transferred back. IUI is simpler, less invasive, and less expensive. IVF is more controlled and generally offers higher success rates. For many couples, IUI is the right first step before considering IVF.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. The catheter insertion can cause mild cramping, similar to period pain, which passes quickly. No anesthetic or sedation is required, and you can drive yourself home and return to normal activity the same day.
It depends on the protocol. IUI can be performed in a natural cycle (monitoring ovulation without medication) or a stimulated cycle (using hormone injections to encourage follicle growth). Stimulated cycles are more common because they give us more control over timing and slightly improve success rates.
A stimulated IUI cycle takes approximately two to three weeks from the start of injections to the pregnancy test. A natural-cycle IUI is timed around the woman’s own cycle and typically involves fewer clinic visits.
Reach us
Sharjah – Near Arab Mall (Old Al Taawun Mall), Al Taawun, Sharjah Tel: +971-6-5771822 | Mobile: +971-50-8475666
Dubai (JLT) – Near Damas Jewellery Showroom, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai Tel: +971-4-5545 820 | Mobile: +971-50-5817003