
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a straightforward, minimally invasive fertility treatment that places specially prepared sperm — either from a partner (self) or from a rigorously screened donor — directly into the uterus at the time of ovulation. By reducing the distance sperm must travel and concentrating the most motile sperm, IUI significantly increases the chances of fertilisation compared to timed natural intercourse.
IUI is often the first treatment recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, cervical mucus issues, or ovulation disorders. It is also the primary route to parenthood for single women and same-sex female couples who wish to use donor sperm. The procedure itself takes around 10 minutes, requires no anaesthesia, and allows you to return to your normal activities immediately afterwards.
IUI can be performed in a natural cycle, tracking your own ovulation, or in a stimulated cycle using mild fertility medications to encourage the development of one or two follicles — improving the timing and increasing the chance of conception. Our team monitors each cycle carefully to ensure the best possible timing and to manage the risk of multiple pregnancy.
Our IUI programme is built on precision timing, expert sperm preparation, and careful monitoring — all delivered with the personal care and privacy your treatment deserves.
Whether you choose a natural or stimulated IUI cycle, your follicle growth and ovulation timing are tracked with regular ultrasound scans and blood tests, ensuring the insemination is performed at exactly the right moment for maximum effect.
All sperm — partner or donor — is washed and prepared in our laboratory to select the most motile and healthy sperm. This concentrates the best sperm into a small volume, which is then placed directly into the uterus via a fine, flexible catheter.
IUI treatment is available at all of our regional centres. Our licensed donor sperm bank gives you access to a full catalogue of thoroughly screened, medically cleared donors. Donor selection, sperm preparation, and insemination are all managed from a single location by our experienced clinical team.
IUI follows a simple, well-defined process over the course of one menstrual cycle. Here is what to expect at each stage of your treatment.
Ultrasound and blood tests track follicle growth and confirm the optimal time for insemination.
Sperm is washed in the lab, then introduced directly into the uterus via a gentle 10-minute procedure.
Luteal phase support is provided; a blood pregnancy test is taken 14 days after insemination.
We understand that every IUI cycle carries hope and, sometimes, disappointment. Our team is with you through every outcome, offering clinical expertise, emotional sensitivity, and clear guidance on what to try next.
Your nurse coordinator will explain the difference between self (partner) and donor IUI, help you understand your monitoring results at each appointment, and ensure you feel completely informed and comfortable before each insemination.
Our fertility specialists review your progress after each cycle and will advise honestly when IUI is likely to continue to be beneficial, and when it may be time to consider moving to IVF for a better chance of success.
We create a written cycle plan for each IUI treatment, covering your medication schedule (if applicable), monitoring appointment dates, insemination day instructions, and post-procedure support — so you always know exactly what happens next.
Most specialists recommend trying 3–6 IUI cycles before moving on to IVF, depending on the reason for treatment and how each cycle responds. If after 3–4 cycles there has been no pregnancy and no clear improvement in response, your specialist will discuss whether IVF would give you a significantly better chance. We will never keep you in a treatment that is not working for you.
IUI Self uses sperm collected from your male partner on the day of insemination, which is then washed and prepared in our lab. IUI Donor uses sperm from an anonymous or known donor who has been comprehensively screened for infectious diseases and genetic conditions. Donor IUI is the preferred route for single women, same-sex couples, and cases of severe male factor infertility where partner sperm cannot be used.
Schedule a consultation with our fertility experts and take the first step toward your parenthood journey.
Schedule a consultation with our fertility experts and take the first step toward your parenthood journey.
Schedule a consultation with our fertility experts and take the first step toward your parenthood journey.
Book your consultation with our fertility experts the first step toward your parenthood journey.