IUI (intrauterine insemination)

What IUI involves

The UK fertility regulator, the HFEA, describes IUI as “a type of fertility treatment in which the better quality sperm are separated from sperm that are sluggish, non moving or abnormally shaped. These sperm are then injected directly into the womb.” It adds: “This may be performed with your partner's sperm or donor sperm (known as donor insemination).”

The HFEA sets out the steps of a typical cycle, including:

• “Check fallopian tubes: You can only have IUI if your fallopian tubes are open and healthy.”
• “Fertility drugs: You can either have fertility drugs to boost your egg production or you can have IUI as part of your normal menstrual cycle.”
• “Insemination: Sperm are washed and prepared so that the best quality sperm are selected and injected into your uterus. The whole process takes just a few minutes and is relatively pain free.”

How it differs from IVF

In the HFEA's words: “In IUI, the highest quality sperm are selected and injected into the uterus where they are left to fertilise the eggs naturally. In IVF, the eggs are removed from the body and fertilised in the lab.” The IVF page explains that treatment.

When it is used, and when it is not

The HFEA says IUI may be used by “Couples who are unable (or would find it very difficult) to have vaginal intercourse, for example because of a physical disability or psychosexual problem.” It is also clear about where it does not fit: “If you have blocked fallopian tubes, severe endometriosis, low quality eggs, a low number of eggs (low ovarian reserve), or male factor infertility, IUI will not be appropriate for you.” Whether it is appropriate in a particular case is a clinical decision for the treating doctor. This directory does not make that judgement.

What the regulator says about risks

The HFEA states: “Generally, IUI is a very safe procedure. The main worry is that you might have a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or more), which carries serious health risks to both mother and babies.” On fertility drugs used with IUI, it says “If you are taking fertility drugs it's vital that you have scans to check the number of follicles and if too many are developing your treatment should be stopped.” The drugs themselves are covered on the ovulation induction page.

IUI with donor sperm is covered on the sperm donation page, which sets out what India's ART Act says about donors.

India’s ART (Regulation) Rules, 2022 describe a Level 1 clinic as one where “only IUI is carried out as part of treatment”, and a Level 2 clinic as one where “all/advanced investigations, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in ART are carried out”. So IUI is the one treatment both levels may carry out. Of the listings below, 204 are registered as Level 2, 39 as Level 1, and 112 have no level in the registry extract.