Treatments
How IUI works
IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a common fertility treatment that places prepared sperm into the uterus around the time of ovulation. It is usually simpler and less costly than IVF, but success rates are generally lower and depend a lot on age, timing, and the reason you are having trouble conceiving.
What IUI is, in simple terms
During IUI, a fertility clinic collects a sperm sample, "washes" and concentrates the healthiest-moving sperm in the lab, and then places that sperm into the uterus using a thin catheter. The goal is to help more sperm get closer to the egg at the right time.
IUI itself is a short office procedure. Many people describe it as brief and manageable, though experiences vary. A licensed fertility doctor can explain whether IUI makes sense for your situation and what your clinic's process looks like.
If you want a broader overview of your options, see treatments or compare IUI and IVF in this guide.
- IUI = sperm placed into the uterus at ovulation
- Usually done in a clinic office
- Often less invasive than IVF
- Success rates vary widely by person and clinic
Who IUI may help
IUI is sometimes used when there are mild sperm issues, ovulation timing problems, unexplained infertility, or when people are using donor sperm. It may also be considered for single parents by choice or LGBTQ+ families, depending on the path they are taking.
IUI is not the best fit for everyone. For example, if there are blocked fallopian tubes, significant sperm issues, or certain age-related concerns, a fertility doctor may talk with you about other options first.
This is one reason fertility care can feel confusing: the same treatment can make sense for one person and not for another. A clinic can review your history and testing and explain the tradeoffs in plain language.
- Mild male-factor fertility issues
- Ovulation timing support
- Unexplained infertility
- Donor sperm cycles
What an IUI cycle usually involves
A typical IUI cycle starts with cycle tracking. Some people do IUI in a natural cycle, while others use medication to help ovulation or to produce one or more mature eggs. Monitoring may include bloodwork and ultrasound, depending on the plan.
When ovulation is approaching, the sperm sample is prepared in the lab. Then the clinic places the sperm into the uterus during a short visit. After that, you usually go home the same day and wait for the pregnancy test timing your clinic recommends.
The exact steps, medication use, and number of monitoring visits vary. Ask the clinic how many appointments are typical, what is included in the price, and how they decide whether to try another IUI or move to IVF.
- Tracking or monitoring before ovulation
- Possible fertility medicines
- Sperm preparation in the lab
- Short insemination visit
- Pregnancy test about two weeks later
How IUI compares with IVF
IUI is usually less complex, less invasive, and less expensive than IVF. It also usually has lower success per cycle. IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, and transferring an embryo, so it offers more control but also more steps and higher costs.
Because of that tradeoff, some people start with IUI, while others move straight to IVF based on age, diagnosis, time, or budget. There is no one right path for everyone.
For a side-by-side explanation, read IVF vs. IUI or our guide on understanding success rates.
- IUI is usually cheaper than IVF
- IVF usually has higher success per cycle
- Best next step depends on age, diagnosis, and goals
Typical costs and what to ask
A single IUI cycle may cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in general, depending on the clinic, monitoring, medications, sperm washing, and whether donor sperm is involved. Some clinics quote one price for the procedure alone, while others bundle more of the cycle.
Insurance coverage varies a lot by state, plan, and employer. Even when fertility care is covered, medications, testing, or donor sperm may be billed separately.
Before you start, ask for a written estimate and make sure you understand what is and is not included. Our costs page can help you think through the common line items. If you want help finding clinics near you, CoralConceive is a free matching service, not a clinic, and you can get matched at no cost.
- Ask if monitoring is included
- Ask about medication costs
- Ask about donor sperm costs if relevant
- Ask what happens if the cycle is canceled
IUI is a simpler fertility treatment than IVF, but it does not work for everyone and success depends on your age, diagnosis, and timing.
Common questions
Is IUI painful?
Many people say it feels brief and manageable, like a quick office procedure, but experiences differ. A fertility clinic can explain what to expect in their setting.
How many IUI cycles do people usually try?
That varies. Some people try a few cycles before reassessing, but the right number depends on age, diagnosis, cost, and how urgently you want to move forward. A licensed fertility doctor can advise you about your own case.
Is IUI cheaper than IVF?
Usually yes. IUI is generally less expensive than IVF, but total cost still depends on monitoring, medications, donor sperm, and clinic pricing.
Can IUI guarantee pregnancy?
No. No fertility treatment can guarantee pregnancy or a baby. IUI success varies widely based on age, fertility factors, timing, and the clinic.
Do I need a referral for IUI?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on your insurance and the clinic. If you are unsure, ask your plan or read more at /answers/do-i-need-a-referral/.