Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment and a type of artificial insemination where sperm that have been washed and concentrated are placed directly into the uterus, via a thin, flexible tube through the cervix into the uterus. A small syringe inserts the sperm through the tube directly into your uterus. This occurs at an optimized time in a women’s’ cycle to increases the chances of conception. IUI is less expensive than IVF and if often a treatment for patients with unexplained infertility, ovulation issues, mild endometriosand mild male infertility.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is a medical procedure in which sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a small catheter. The goal of this treatment is to improve the chances of fertilization by increasing the number of healthy sperm that reach the fallopian tubes when the woman is most fertile. IUI is most often performed in conjunction with medicated and timed ovulation.

IUI success rates are measured in a variety of ways (rate of pregnancies, live births, or the odds of multiples). When evaluating treatment options, it’s essential to understand how reported rates (which can conflate various patient types) relate to you as an individual. 

Your chances of success with IUI will depend on several factors including age, cause of infertility, and fertility medications (if used). Repetition can increase your chances of conception, but it’s also important to consider how multiple IUI cycles will impact you financially, emotionally, and physically.

 IUI is a less expensive and less invasive option than IVF and it may be used to treat patients with unexplained infertility, ovulation issues, mild endometriosis, and mild male infertility.

  1. Stimulation & Monitoring: Patients may receive fertility medications over 5-14 days that stimulate the ovaries to increase the number of eggs released into the fallopian tubes (a natural monthly cycle typically produces a single egg). Stimulation typically causes 1-3 follicles to release an egg to mitigate the incidence of multiples. Regular monitoring (blood tests and ultrasound) is essential to track follicle growth and egg development at this stage.
  2. Trigger Shot: Once follicle development and estrogen levels reach optimal levels, some patients also receive a hormone injection (or trigger shot) to initiate the final stage of egg maturation.
  3. Sperm Collection & Preparation: On the day of the IUI procedure, fresh sperm is collected (or a frozen sample is thawed) and then washed to create a highly concentrated sample.
  4. Insemination: Washed sperm are then placed into the uterus. The procedure only takes minutes and does not require anesthesia. Patients usually have no discomfort but may experience mild cramping.
  5. Pregnancy Test: After 2 weeks, the patient takes a pregnancy test. Those who do not become pregnant may choose to repeat IUI treatment or explore alternative treatment options.

The Kindbody cost for IUI treatment is $1,700-$2,000. This price range does not include the oral or injectable medications which are necessary for the treatment process.