IUI is a simple treatment option that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. IUI is often the initial step in fertility treatment, designed to help individuals or couples who have struggled to get pregnant naturally or have medical concerns that may reduce the chances of fertilisation.
There are many situations where sperm may not be able to effectively travel through the female’s reproductive tract to the egg, but assisted insemination allows us to bypass these factors and place sperm directly into the uterus. This helps sperm get closer to the egg and creates a higher probability of fertilisation occurring, although the sperm still needs to reach and naturally fertilise the egg on its own.
IUI may be the right treatment if you have or are experiencing:
Artificial insemination is also commonly used in situations where a female partner needs to use a partner’s frozen sperm or a donor’s sperm. IUI treatment is often the first process recommended by specialists during fertility treatment, due to its less invasive procedure compared to other treatments. Part of IUI also includes a process known as sperm ‘washing’, which involves using laboratory techniques to identify the most active and best quality sperm within a sample and separate them to be used in the insemination process.
An IUI cycle can be timed in two main ways: either by tracking the women’s natural menstrual cycle to pinpoint ovulation, or by using medication to produce ovulation. Our specialists can help you understand the differences and which will likely be more beneficial for you.
In a woman’s natural cycle, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days after the start of a period, but commonly does vary. Women can opt to complete the IUI procedure without medication by tracking their natural cycle and having sperm introduced to the uterus at the time of ovulation. Alternatively, medication may be prescribed to be more certain of the time of ovulation in women who have infrequent or irregular periods. Our IUI procedure step by step looks like:
As with any fertility treatment, it is not guaranteed that you will fall pregnant straight away. Many individuals and couples go through multiple cycles of IUI to give themselves the best chance of becoming pregnant and having a baby. We are there to support you and guide you through every step of the process.
IUI is a safe and simple procedure, and it carries a low risk of any complications. However, there is an increased risk of multiple pregnancy if medications are used to stimulate ovulation. There is a very minor risk of infection occurring, and mild spotting is not uncommon following the procedure as a result of the catheter being placed.
IUI also unfortunately cannot guarantee a pregnancy. While the process places sperm closer to the egg than we would be through regular intercourse, the sperm still have to reach the egg and fertilise it themselves, which cannot be assured. We wish we could guarantee fertilisation, but we do make every effort possible to give you the best chance of becoming pregnant and having a baby.
Artificial insemination can be the first step in your assisted fertility journey, but other treatment cycles may be needed if you are unable to fall pregnant. Above everything, we always prioritise your health and your needs in guiding our treatment recommendations.
In IVF, we stimulate your ovaries and retrieve a number of eggs in a simple procedure and then attempt to fertilise them with a sample of sperm. We attempt to create multiple viable embryos, implanting a successful one directly into the uterus and freezing any others.
ICSI is a similar process to IVF, but instead of using multiple sperm to try and fertilise an egg, a single sperm is injected directly into the centre of the egg. This attempts to overcome male infertility issues and increase the chance of fertilisation occurring.
As women age, it becomes less likely that they will be able to fall pregnant naturally, but freezing your eggs as early as possible can help you prolong your ability to reproduce and try for a baby when you’re ready. Whether for personal or medical reasons, egg freezing is a way to help you try and get pregnant in the future.
Tracking ovulation is an important process when trying for a baby. Ovulation induction is a minimally invasive treatment that involves taking medication in the form of tablets or a fine needle injection to induce ovulation and help women have more regular menstrual cycles.
The cost of IUI will vary for different individuals based on their circumstances and treatment needs. You can find out more about our estimated out-of-pocket IUI costs on our Fees page.
Many IUI costs are partially subsidised by Medicare, with patients able to receive a rebate if they have a referral letter for their treatment. The Extended Medicare Safety Net (EMSN) also provides an additional rebate on top of the regular amount when your costs go over an annual threshold. The EMSN threshold in 2024 is $2544.30. Our specialists can help you understand what you may be eligible for in terms of an IUI Medicare rebate.
The process of IUI is relatively painless, but some patients may experience discomfort, particularly when the catheter is being placed. This may be felt as a temporary pinching sensation or some cramping, but the speed of the procedure means that this discomfort is usually over quickly. Any pain after IUI can usually be treated with over the counter pain medication, but your doctor will advise of any particular aftercare instructions.
IUI is a less-invasive treatment option that involves helping sperm reach the egg around the time of ovulation by placing a sample directly into the uterus. IUI is usually one of the first fertility treatments attempted, prior to receiving IVF or other complex treatments. Fertilisation in an IVF cycle occurs outside of the body with an embryo being implanted, while in IUI, fertilisation occurs within the body, with sperm given assistance to reach the egg.
IUI can be a simple first step towards your pregnancy goals. If you are considering IUI, we’re here to help make the process as smooth and supportive as possible.
If you’re ready to discuss IUI or other fertility options, book an appointment with one of our fertility specialists and let us guide you through your fertility journey.
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359 Blackburn Rd, Mount Waverley VIC 3149
226 Clarendon St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Suite 3, 72 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick, VIC, 3806
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