Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) gives sperm and eggs a gentle helping hand, increasing the chances of fertilisation and pregnancy. We’re here to provide all the information you need to feel confident about whether it’s the right path for you.
Page Guide
We understand that fertility treatment can be a complex and emotional journey. Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the information and support you need throughout the process.
How does it work?
IUI treatment: how does it work?
IUI is a type of fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to enhance your chances of pregnancy. The sperm used in IUI can be either from a partner or a sperm donor.
We carry out IUI treatment around the time of ovulation – when your ovaries naturally release one or more eggs. By placing sperm closer to the egg, the likelihood of fertilisation improves. This can be especially helpful in cases of unexplained fertility or when sperm motility (the ability to move) is reduced.
In some cases, fertility medications may be recommended to stimulate egg production, trigger ovulation and help prepare your uterus for implantation.
How does IUI work?
Natural conception relies on sperm and a mature egg meeting just in the right place at just the right time. That place is the top of the fallopian tube, and the ideal time is shortly after ovulation – when the egg has been released.
During the IUI procedure, you’ll be asked to lie back comfortably while a tool called a speculum is gently inserted into your vagina to open its walls. A prepared vial of sperm is then attached to a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, which is carefully guided into your vagina, through your cervix and into the uterus.
The sperm sample is introduced through the catheter and into the uterus. Once the insemination is complete, both the catheter and speculum are removed. You’ll be asked to rest for a brief period before heading home. It’s normal to experience some light spotting for a few days after your IUI treatment.
IUI is a straightforward, painless and relatively inexpensive fertility treatment option offered by our highly experienced team at Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic.
Is IUI right for me?
IUI may be a suitable option for you if you have functioning fallopian tubes, are under 35 years old and:
- Have a diagnosis of ‘unexplained infertility’
- Have mild endometriosis – a common condition where tissue similar to the uterus lining (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, such as on the fallopian tubes, ovaries or bladder
- Your partner has mild male factor infertility issues or is unable to ejaculate during intercourse
- Are a single woman
- Are part of a female same-sex couple
- Want to try a less complex treatment before embarking on in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment
- Are unable to have vaginal sex
Before starting IUI treatment, we may advise some preliminary fertility tests, such as checking the health of your ovaries and assessing your partner’s sperm motility.
Our team will be more than happy to talk you through the different fertility treatment options we offer, including IUI, to help you choose the one that best suits your unique needs.
Flexible Pricing Options
To help make your treatment affordable and achievable, we offer fixed price treatment package options and a variety of finance solutions for patients looking to spread all or part of the cost of their treatment.
Explore our prices
Discover our prices and finance options, making treatments more accessible for you.
Book a 15 minute Discovery call
Schedule a Discovery call to find out which tests and treatments are right for you.
Fertility funding partners we work with:
We’re incredibly proud of our success rates
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 73%* chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2021
Younger than 35
If you are under 35, you have a 73% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
35 to 39 years old
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 63% (50% for 38-39 year olds) chance of getting pregnant (pregnancy seen on scan) within one year.
40+ years old
If you are a female aged over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
We provide world-class support throughout the fertility journey.
As one of the UK’s top fertility treatment centres, our values ensure we put our patients first.
Passion
Adaptability
Commitment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Our excellence in fertility treatment
1978
The world's first IVF baby
1980
Year founded by IVF pioneers
25000
Babies born through Bourn Hall
Patient reviews you can trust
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023
Your Stories
Real journeys, real hope. Hear from our patients as they share their paths to parenthood.
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Lorna and Gemma’s journey to becoming parents was filled with hope, love, and support
With the help of IVF and donor sperm, they welcomed their beautiful baby Stevie into the world….
A Journey to Motherhood: One Mother’s Story of Hope Having Fertility Treatment Using Donor Services
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Our Fertility Events
Join our experts at a range of events including support groups, webinars and open evenings. Learn more about the options available to you, including fertility tests and treatments, and get the answers to any questions you might have.
Related Content
If you qualify for NHS-funded fertility treatment under the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, our fertility diagnostic pathway is the same as the services offered by your local NHS hospital but with much shorter waiting times and in an environment dedicated to fertility services.
Our male couples fertility testing package includes semen analysis tests for you both, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist and a private consultation.
We offer fertility health and wellbeing packages at our clinics in Cambridge, Norwich, Wickford, or at home. Our male package includes a semen analysis, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist, and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female couples fertility testing package includes options to provide you both with results on your fertility. These include AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female package includes the option of AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone, an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results. Additionally, we include a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist to provide you with nutrition and lifestyle advice.
For heterosexual couples, our female and male fertility testing package includes the option of semen analysis; AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Once you’ve made the decision to extend your family, even thinking that you might have a fertility issue can be stressful. And for a man, the thought that your sperm might not be in tip-top condition is definitely a cause for concern.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered. Find clarity on every step of your fertility journey.