Fulfilling dreams by building families

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of artificial insemination, is a reproductive option that helps a broad spectrum of potential parents build healthy and happy families.

Artificial insemination is a well-known procedure. It involves inserting the sperm directly into the uterus to fertilize the egg and achieve pregnancy.

What is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) introduces sperm into the uterus. This process differs slightly from artificial insemination because a physician injects sperm into the uterus and in close proximity to the egg. This ensures that the sperm only have to swim a short distance and face fewer obstructions. IUI is always performed with clinical support and uses washed sperm. Sperm washing is a form of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

This process occurs in a laboratory setting and removes seminal proteins, non-living sperm, and other debris. This results in a sample with only active and healthy sperm which can better initiate fertilization. The washed sperm is then inserted through the vagina and into the uterus using a thin catheter. There is minimal discomfort (although mild spotting is very common). After the procedure, there is a 45-minute rest period which allows the sperm to work towards the egg.

The entire process (including the rest period) takes less than 1 hour.IUI can be used for potential single-parents, couples, and same-sex female couples. Fertility medications are often used in IUI but they are not always necessary.

IUI is used to address the following reproductive challenges:

  • Male factor infertility
  • Endometriosis
  • Obstructive cervical mucus
  • Unexplained fertility

What are the advantages of IUI?

IUI is a relatively quick procedure that can address a wide variety of fertility issues. These include:

  • Infertility in men. The IUI process effectively optimizes sperm quality in male partners with low sperm count or sperm with low motility.
  • Cervical obstructions. IUI bypasses the cervix, which may obstruct the path of the sperm due to its shape, scar tissue, or mucus.
  • Ovulation challenges. IUI might be appropriate for women with certain ovulatory factors, including low egg count.
  • Unexplained infertility. When there is no diagnosed cause of infertility, often the first treatment stage involves ovulation stimulating medications and IUI.

Why should I consider IUI?

IUI is an excellent treatment option if you have: experienced reoccurring pregnancy loss or been unsuccessful in becoming pregnant after 12 months of trying.

At RGI, we are proud of our high success rates. Our success is a direct reflection of the compassionate and personalized treatments we offer parents and parents-to-be. We are confident that we will help you achieve a healthy and full-term pregnancy.

If you think IUI could be the right fertility solution for you, please contact the reproductive specialists at Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility at 866-862-5861 for an in-depth consultation.

Let's Get started on your IUI journey to parenthood

What Our Patients Say About Us

RGI made our dreams come true! And Samantha’s gift of hope….there really aren’t words to express how they changed our lives. We won their grant in 2019 and it has continued to bless us several years later. Every time we make a financial decision I think of SGH and how I don’t know if it’d be possible if it wasn’t for them.
RGI and Samantha’s Gift of Hope has forever changed our lives in the best way possible because they have given us the greatest gift we could ever get—our sweet daughter. We have this joy of being parents we had previously only dreamed about, and honestly weren’t sure we would ever have. Now, everyday is filled with baby giggles and snuggles, cheering her on to her next milestone (which is currently crawling), and trying to be the best parents we can be. We will never be able to repay RGI and Samantha’s Gift of Hope, but we will forever be grateful to them and are daily reminded of it.
RGI made it possible for us to experience the joys of becoming parents. There is no greater feeling or love in this world that we’ve experienced than bringing Liam into this world. We truly understand the miracle and blessings babies are. SGOH we will forever feel grateful for. We cannot thank Lisa, Matt and Sam enough for their generosity and helping couples pay towards their IVF journeys. Honestly, SGOH really does provide HOPE. Winning the grant also helped us to feel like this is really happening, it’s meant to be.
Because of Samantha’s Gift of Hope, our dream of having a child came true. We could focus more on each step of the process and keep a positive attitude through it all instead of constantly worrying about what things cost and how we would make it work. Now, our sweet Tenley girl is 1 week old and I continue to be thankful each day for the opportunity Samantha’s Gift of Hope gave us. We are now living out our favorite roles as mom and dad and are filled with so much love for our little girl!
“RGI is amazing, start to finish. They never make you feel anything but comfortable. Thank you all for your compassion and care!”
“Thank you for everything the RGI team has done for our family! Everyone has been amazing, and we are grateful for your skills.”
“A wonderful place! I would highly recommend RGI to anyone who is in the same position as me and my husband.”
“Thank you! Everyone is extremely caring and professional. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!”
“RGI went above and beyond to make my husband and me comfortable and happy with the care they gave us!”
“We had a wonderful experience with the RGI staff during our IVF cycle. All staff were kind, friendly and very informative! We felt comfortable at every visit and each procedure. The staff at RGI are wonderful and made our IVF journey a great experience. We are so thankful!”

RGI is a proud partner of