How Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Can Increase Your Fertility Success

For many experiencing fertility issues, exploring treatment options can feel overwhelming. While it's reassuring that there are so many solutions available nowadays to help maximise your chances of having a baby, knowing what type of fertility treatment is best for you and where you should start on your journey isn’t always easy. 

One of the more accessible and less invasive choices is intrauterine insemination (IUI). At Sims IVF, we have access to some of the most advanced reproductive technology in the world, but where possible, we use the simplest option to help couples and individuals conceive. We are committed to helping patients understand their options and we can recommend treatments based on your personal circumstances. 

In this post, we have explored intrauterine insemination in more detail, explaining how it might be able to increase your fertility success. 

What is Intrauterine Insemination?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination (AI), is a fertility treatment designed to increase the chances of pregnancy. It involves placing specially prepared sperm directly into the uterine cavity around the time of ovulation. Since the sperm has a shorter distance to travel to reach the egg, it can significantly increase the chances of fertilisation.

IUI treatment can be used to help a variety of people trying to have a baby, including single women or same-sex couples using donor sperm.

How IUI Works

The first step in any fertility journey is a comprehensive fertility test. The results of this test will be used to decide whether IUI is likely to be successful and for this particular treatment, a semen analysis is important to ensure the sperm is healthy. Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) is also beneficial to make sure the fallopian tubes are functioning correctly. 

If your doctor recommends IUI as the right treatment option for you, the process may begin with using small doses of fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries. Sometimes, oral medication is used, other times hormone injections are recommended depending on your circumstances. Ultrasound scans are then used to monitor follicle development and determine the best time for insemination. 

On the day of insemination, a semen sample is collected and prepared in a laboratory. The best quality sperm is selected for use in IUI, focusing on factors like motility and progression to increase the likelihood of fertilisation. A doctor or fertility nurse will then insert the prepared sperm into the uterus using a fine catheter. For the majority of people, this is a quick and painless procedure and it doesn’t require anaesthesia.

The Advantages of IUI

When compared to other fertility treatments, there are several benefits to IUI, particularly for those just starting out on their assisted journey to parenthood. Here are some of the main benefits of choosing IUI:

• Less invasive - Unlike IVF and ICSI, there is no need for egg retrieval or procedures under local anesthesia. 
• Suitable for donor sperm - For couples with male factor infertility, single women or female couples, donor sperm can be used for IUI. 
• Minimal recovery time - IUI treatment doesn’t impact your body as much as other options and it doesn’t usually require any downtime after the procedure. 

If you’re concerned about IUI costs in Ireland, it’s worth looking into the HSE Publicly Funded Fertility Treatment Programme. Eligible individuals and couples across Ireland could get up to three rounds of IUI treatment for free. 

Who Can Benefit from IUI?

Not all fertility treatments are suitable for everyone and it’s always important to get some professional advice to help you determine which treatments are likely to be most successful for you. As mentioned above, a fertility test can help you make the right choice for your specific circumstances. Generally speaking, IUI is a popular option for those with: 

• Mild male factor infertility, such as low sperm count. 
• Cervical mucus hostility. 
• Ovulatory disorders, like PCOS. 
• Unexplained infertility.

Can IUI Increase Fertility Success?

For many who are struggling to conceive naturally, it can be incredibly effective, especially for women with functioning fallopian tubes and men with healthy sperm. IUI offers a more targeted approach by introducing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation, increasing the likelihood of the sperm fertilising the egg at the optimal time. Success rates vary depending on factors like the cause of infertility and age, but on average, IUI success rates range from 10–15% per cycle.

Supporting You with IUI in Ireland 

At Sims IVF, we understand that every fertility journey is unique. We offer personalised care tailored to your individual needs and circumstances, and will be happy to help you decide whether IUI treatment could be a good option for you. Our team is here to support you every step of the way with expert advice, compassion, and exceptional care.

If you’re considering IUI, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local Sims IVF clinic today. You can also request an appointment on our website and we will get back to you as soon as possible.