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.

Questions

Can a Level 1 clinic do IUI?

Yes. Under the ART (Regulation) Rules, 2022 a Level 1 clinic is one where “only IUI is carried out as part of treatment”. Level 2 clinics may offer it too.

Is IUI the same as IVF?

No. The HFEA says that in IUI the sperm are “left to fertilise the eggs naturally”, while in IVF the eggs are fertilised in the lab.

How much does IUI cost?

This directory does not publish prices, because it holds none. Ask each clinic for an itemised written quote, including whether scans and drugs are billed separately.

Sources

• HFEA, Intrauterine insemination (IUI), read 25 September 2026.
• The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Rules, 2022, G.S.R. 419(E), 7 June 2022, para 10.1 (not changed by the Amendment Rules, 2026, G.S.R. 491(E)), read 25 September 2026.
• Clinic data: each clinic's own website, as read by this directory; registry level from the National ART & Surrogacy Registry extract.