IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) in Turkey
IUI places prepared sperm directly into the uterus with a thin catheter, timed to ovulation. It is a simpler assisted reproduction step that may be considered before moving to IVF.
IUI at a Glance
IUI (intrauterine insemination) places washed and concentrated sperm directly into the uterus with a thin, soft catheter, timed to ovulation. The aim is to shorten the distance motile sperm must travel to reach the egg. The procedure itself takes a few minutes and usually needs no anaesthesia.
- What is it? Prepared sperm placed into the uterus at the time of ovulation.
- Who is it for? Unexplained infertility, mild male factor, ovulation disorders and cervical factor.
- Duration The procedure takes minutes; monitoring runs across one menstrual cycle.
- Anaesthesia Usually not required; a short rest follows the procedure.
- Difference from IVF Fertilisation happens inside the body, not in the laboratory.
What Is IUI?
IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a procedure in which a semen sample is washed and prepared in the laboratory, then placed directly into the uterus with a thin catheter at the time of ovulation.
Normally sperm must travel through the cervix to reach the fallopian tubes. IUI shortens that route: laboratory preparation separates the motile sperm, which are then released straight into the uterine cavity. Fertilisation still takes place inside the fallopian tube, within the body. This is the fundamental difference from IVF treatment.
IUI is the less invasive end of assisted reproduction. In suitable patients it may be considered as a step before moving to IVF. Whether it is appropriate depends on the couple's test results and history, and is decided by the physician.
Who Is IUI Suitable For?
For IUI to be meaningful, at least one fallopian tube should be open and sperm parameters should be above a certain level. Situations commonly assessed include:
- Unexplained infertility
- Mild to moderate male factor infertility
- Ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome
- Problems related to cervical mucus
- Difficulty with intercourse, including vaginismus
- Mild endometriosis
Where both tubes are blocked, male factor is severe, or ovarian reserve is significantly reduced, IVF is considered instead of IUI. Tubal patency is usually assessed before treatment, and ovarian reserve is reviewed alongside it, see low AMH and ovarian reserve.
Which Tests Are Done Before IUI?
The couple is assessed together before a treatment decision. Tests usually requested are:
- Hormone assessment and ultrasound review of ovarian reserve, including AMH
- An imaging test to confirm the fallopian tubes are open
- Semen analysis for the male partner, see fertility testing
- Infectious disease screening for both partners
- Thyroid and prolactin assessment where indicated
Once the results are interpreted together, the physician decides whether IUI is appropriate and, if so, plans the cycle.
How Is IUI Performed? Step by Step
An IUI cycle is completed within one menstrual cycle and generally follows these steps:
- Cycle monitoring and mild stimulation: Treatment starts in the first days of the period. The cycle may be followed naturally, though low dose medication is often used to gently stimulate the ovaries.
- Follicle tracking by ultrasound: Egg development is monitored with scans. The aim is to keep the number of mature follicles controlled.
- Trigger injection: When a follicle reaches the right size, an injection triggers ovulation and the insemination is timed accordingly.
- Sperm preparation: The sample given on the day is washed in the laboratory; motile, healthy sperm are separated and concentrated into a small volume.
- The insemination: The prepared sample is passed into the uterus through a thin, soft catheter. This takes a few minutes, is usually painless and needs no anaesthesia.
- Afterwards: After a short rest you can return to daily life. Progesterone support is given where indicated, see luteal support.
The outcome is assessed roughly two weeks later with a beta-hCG blood test.
What to Expect After IUI
No special bed rest is required. Normal daily life, work and light exercise can continue. General advice:
- Take prescribed medication regularly
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exertion
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Do not take medicines your doctor has not recommended
- Contact the clinic for severe pain, fever or unusual discharge
Mild cramping or spotting can occur. For nutrition and lifestyle guidance see this guide.
How Many IUI Cycles Are Attempted?
IUI is generally attempted for a limited number of cycles. If pregnancy is not achieved after that, the situation is reviewed and moving to IVF is considered. The number of attempts is individualised according to age, duration of infertility and test results.
The decision rests not only on the number of cycles but on the response seen in each one, which is why regular contact with your physician matters throughout.
IUI or IVF?
The two treatments answer different problems. In IUI fertilisation happens inside the body and the process is simpler. In IVF the eggs are collected, fertilisation takes place in the laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.
- IUI: tubes open, sperm parameters adequate, and a less invasive step is the goal.
- IVF: tubes blocked, significant male factor, reduced ovarian reserve, or IUI attempts have not resulted in pregnancy.
- ICSI: a laboratory step within IVF used where male factor is pronounced, see our ICSI page.
Which route is appropriate is determined by reviewing the couple's tests and previous treatment response. Results vary from person to person, so the decision is made individually. A fuller comparison is in IUI vs IVF.
What Are the Risks of IUI?
IUI is a low risk procedure. There are still points to be aware of:
- Multiple pregnancy: if more than one follicle develops during stimulation, the chance of twins or more increases. Follicle numbers are therefore monitored closely by ultrasound.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): uncommon with low dose protocols, but monitoring matters, see OHSS.
- Mild cramping and spotting: can occur briefly after the procedure.
- Infection: very rare, as the procedure is performed under sterile conditions.
Op. Dr. Ali İhsan Gönenç
Obstetrics & Gynaecology · IVF, Medical Park Bahçelievler IVF Centre
Op. Dr. Ali İhsan Gönenç is an obstetrician and gynaecologist focused on infertility and IVF. The medical information on this page has been reviewed by him.
View doctor profile →Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions we hear most.
The procedure is usually painless and needs no anaesthesia. It feels similar to having a smear test, with possible brief mild discomfort or cramping.
The insemination itself takes a few minutes. After a short rest you can return to daily life the same day. The preparation phase runs with monitoring across the cycle.
Prolonged bed rest is not necessary. A short rest after the procedure is enough and normal activities can continue.
Usually about two weeks after the procedure, with a beta-hCG blood test. Testing earlier can give misleading results.
At least one tube should be open, because fertilisation takes place in the tube. Tubal status is assessed with imaging before treatment.
No. Some patients are followed in a natural cycle. In most cases low dose medication is preferred to support egg development.
If more than one follicle develops during stimulation, the chance of a multiple pregnancy can increase. Follicle development is therefore monitored closely by ultrasound.
If pregnancy is not achieved after a set number of cycles, the tests are reviewed and moving to IVF is considered. The decision is individual.
Related Reading
- IUI vs IVF: Differences and How to Choose
- Ovulation Explained: When It Happens and How to Find Your Fertile Window
- Fertility Testing: How to Know If You Are Fertile (Female and Male)
- Unexplained Infertility: Meaning and Options
Sources
The information on this page is supported by the following independent, authoritative sources:
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