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Intrauterine insemination

Placement of a prepared sperm sample into the uterus at an appropriate time.

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Timing and clinic visits

An insemination cycle takes about two weeks from the start of your period.

Risks and limitations

Every medical procedure has possible risks and limitations. Personal risks and alternatives should be discussed before consent.

Who may be assessed?

Couples with at least one open tube and adequate sperm values
Unexplained infertility, as a first-line option
Mild male-factor findings
Patients with irregular ovulation who respond to medication
Difficulty with intercourse, or a cervical barrier to conception

Treatment process

01
Assessment
Tubal patency and the semen analysis results are reviewed. Whether insemination is suitable is determined at this stage.
02
Cycle monitoring
Follicle development is followed by ultrasound. Mild medication may be given to support ovulation if needed.
03
Timing
The time of ovulation is established and the procedure day is planned accordingly.
04
Sperm preparation
The sample provided that day is washed in the laboratory and the motile sperm are separated.
05
The procedure
The prepared sample is placed into the uterus through a fine catheter. It takes a few minutes; no anaesthesia is needed.
06
Follow-up
The result is assessed by a blood test around two weeks later.

**Clinical assessment**We begin by listening and reviewing previous results together.

Laboratory processEggs and sperm are followed by the laboratory team according to the selected protocol.

Frequently asked questions

Is the procedure painful?

Most people describe a sensation similar to having a smear test. Brief mild cramping is possible; no anaesthesia is required.

Should I rest afterwards?

You may be asked to lie down briefly, after which you can return to your usual day. Prolonged rest is not necessary.

How does it differ from IVF?

With insemination there is no egg collection and no laboratory fertilisation; sperm is placed directly into the uterus and fertilisation is left to occur in the body.

How many attempts are made?

If a number of attempts do not succeed, the plan is reviewed. Your doctor decides on that number taking your age and diagnosis into account.

Detailed information

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the placing of a prepared sperm sample directly into the uterus through a fine catheter, timed to coincide with ovulation. It is simpler than IVF: there is no egg collection and no fertilisation stage in the laboratory.

When is it considered?

For insemination to be worthwhile, at least one fallopian tube needs to be open and the sperm values need to be above a certain level. If these conditions are not met the method is not recommended and IVF is considered instead.

How does it proceed?

The cycle can be monitored naturally, or mild medication may be given to support ovulation. Follicle development is followed by ultrasound and the procedure is carried out at the right moment. It takes a few minutes, requires no anaesthesia, and you can return to your normal day afterwards.

How many attempts?

After unsuccessful attempts the plan is reviewed. How many cycles are appropriate is decided by your doctor, taking age, diagnosis and previous response into account together.

This page is for general information and does not replace an examination, a diagnosis or personal medical advice.