What Is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?
IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination. It is a relatively simple fertility procedure in which a laboratory-prepared sample of sperm is placed directly into the uterus through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter — at the exact time of ovulation.
In natural conception, sperm must travel from the vagina, through the cervix, across the uterus, and into the fallopian tube to meet an egg. Along the way, the majority of sperm are filtered out. IUI bypasses these barriers — putting a concentrated sample of the healthiest sperm directly into the uterus, dramatically reducing the distance to the egg.
IUI does not involve egg retrieval, laboratory fertilisation, or embryo culture — fertilisation still happens naturally inside the body. This makes it the simplest, least invasive, and most affordable assisted fertility treatment available.
💡 IUI vs Natural Conception: In natural intercourse, roughly 100,000 sperm survive to reach the uterus. With IUI, a prepared sample of 5–20 million highly motile sperm is placed directly there — giving sperm a significant head start while requiring the egg and sperm to complete fertilisation naturally.
Who Is IUI Suitable For?
IUI is not appropriate for everyone. It works best in situations where the core fertility mechanics are largely intact — where sperm and egg quality are reasonable and at least one fallopian tube is open. Here are the most common clinical situations where IUI is recommended:
⚠️ IUI requires at least one open fallopian tube. Before starting IUI, your doctor will typically request an HSG (hysterosalpingography) X-ray to confirm tubal patency. If both tubes are blocked, IVF — which bypasses the tubes entirely — is the appropriate treatment. See the IVF Treatment Guide →
IUI Procedure — Step by Step
An IUI cycle takes 2–3 weeks from start to procedure. Here is exactly what happens at each stage:
✅ The IUI procedure itself takes just 5–10 minutes. Patients often describe it as similar to having a cervical smear — mild pressure with no pain. No sedation, no recovery time, no hospital stay. You can go home immediately and return to light normal activities the same day.
Cost of IUI in India
IUI is one of the most affordable fertility treatments available in India. Here is a clear cost breakdown and what drives variation between clinics and cities:
| Cost Component | Typical Range (India) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUI Procedure (1 cycle) | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | Sperm wash, catheterisation, clinic fee |
| Ovulation-stimulating medications | ₹2,000 – ₹8,000 | Clomiphene or Letrozole tablets; FSH injections if used |
| Monitoring ultrasounds (2–3 scans) | ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 | Follicle tracking scans per cycle |
| Trigger injection | ₹500 – ₹1,500 | hCG trigger to induce ovulation |
| Blood tests & hormone panel | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 | Initial FSH, LH, AMH, thyroid (one-time before first cycle) |
| HSG (fallopian tube check) | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | One-time before first IUI — required to confirm tube patency |
| Total per stimulated IUI cycle | ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 | Procedure + meds + scans per cycle |
| 3-cycle IUI package (common) | ₹25,000 – ₹55,000 | Many clinics offer package pricing for 3 cycles |
Factors that affect IUI cost
IUI Success Rates
IUI success rates are lower per cycle than IVF. However, because IUI is low-cost and low-risk, multiple attempts are practical — and cumulative success across 3–6 cycles is meaningful for the right patients.
| Patient Group | Per Cycle | After 3 Cycles | After 6 Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 35 — Unexplained infertility | 15–20% | 35–45% | 50–60% |
| Under 35 — Mild male factor | 12–18% | 30–42% | 45–55% |
| 35–37 — Unexplained or mild factor | 10–15% | 25–35% | 38–48% |
| 38–40 — Any cause | 7–12% | 18–28% | 28–38% |
| Over 40 | 3–8% | 10–18% | 15–22% |
| Donor sperm (any age) | 15–25% | 40–55% | 55–70% |
* Estimates based on published clinical literature and India-specific fertility data. Individual results vary based on diagnosis, ovarian reserve, sperm parameters, clinic protocols, and age. These are population-level averages — not individual predictions.
What affects IUI success?
IUI vs IVF — What Is the Difference?
IUI and IVF are both fertility treatments, but they differ dramatically in how they work, how invasive they are, what they cost, and who they are suitable for. This comparison helps you understand where IUI fits in your fertility journey.
| Factor | 🔵 IUI | 🟣 IVF |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Sperm placed in uterus; fertilisation inside the body | Eggs retrieved; fertilised in a lab; embryos transferred |
| Invasiveness | Minimal — no sedation, no egg retrieval | Moderate — egg retrieval under IV sedation; embryo transfer |
| Stimulation | None or mild (oral tablets / low-dose injections) | Intensive 10–12 day hormone injection protocol |
| Monitoring visits | 2–3 ultrasound scans per cycle | 4–6 monitoring visits + retrieval + transfer |
| Procedure time | 5–10 minutes (insemination only) | 15–20 min retrieval + 5 min transfer (separate days) |
| Success rate per cycle | 10–20% | 40–55% |
| Cost per cycle (India) | ₹8,000–₹20,000 | ₹1,00,000–₹1,80,000 |
| Recovery | Same-day return to normal activity | 1–2 days rest after retrieval |
| Best for | Unexplained infertility, mild male factor, ovulatory issues, donor sperm | Failed IUI, blocked tubes, severe male factor, poor reserve, age over 38 |
| When to choose | First-line treatment — especially under 35 | After failed IUI, complex diagnosis, or time is critical |
💡 Which should you choose? IUI is almost always tried first — it is less invasive, far cheaper, and the right starting point for most couples. IVF is recommended when IUI fails, when there is a specific diagnosis that makes IUI unlikely to work, or when time is a critical factor (e.g., age over 38). Read the complete IVF guide →
Risks and Side Effects of IUI
IUI is one of the safest medical procedures offered in fertility clinics. The risks are low and mostly associated with the stimulation medications used alongside the procedure, not the insemination itself.
When Should You Move from IUI to IVF?
IUI is a starting point, not a lifelong treatment. There are clear signals — based on age, diagnosis, and results — that indicate when escalating to IVF is the right next step.
💡 Moving to IVF is not a failure. IUI is a step in the process — for many couples, it works within 3 cycles. For others, it clarifies the diagnosis and makes the path forward clearer. IVF after IUI is a continuation of the journey, not a setback. Read the IVF Treatment Guide →
Related Guides & Tools
These guides and tools will help you take the next step with confidence:
IVF Treatment Guide
Complete 2026 guide to IVF — process, cost, success rates, and how to choose a clinic
Ovulation Calculator
Estimate your fertile window — useful when timing IUI or natural conception attempts
Natural Conception vs IVF
Understand when to try naturally vs when to start fertility treatment
All Fertility Tests
AMH, FSH, HSG, semen analysis — what to test before starting IUI
IVF Failed — What Next?
If IUI or IVF has failed, this decision guide maps your next steps
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Frequently Asked Questions About IUI
What is IUI treatment?
IUI (intrauterine insemination) is a fertility treatment where washed, concentrated sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation — either in a natural cycle or after mild hormone stimulation. It shortens the distance sperm must travel to reach an egg and increases the number of motile sperm near the fallopian tubes. It is less invasive and less expensive than IVF.
How much does IUI cost in India?
IUI in India typically costs ₹3,000–₹8,000 per cycle for the procedure itself. With ovulation-stimulating medications, total per-cycle costs are ₹8,000–₹20,000. Most doctors recommend 3–6 cycles. Metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi run slightly higher than tier-2 cities.
What is the success rate of IUI?
IUI success rates in India range from 10–20% per cycle for most patients. Women under 35 with unexplained infertility or mild male factor typically see 15–20% per cycle. Cumulative success after 3 cycles is approximately 30–45%, and after 6 cycles up to 50–60%. Success declines with age — women over 40 have lower per-cycle rates of 5–10%.
Is IUI painful?
The IUI procedure itself takes 5–10 minutes and is usually described as mild discomfort or pressure — similar to a cervical smear test. Most women can drive home and return to normal activities the same day. No anaesthesia is needed. Mild cramping for a few hours after is common.
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
In IUI, sperm is placed directly in the uterus and fertilisation happens naturally inside the body. In IVF, eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, and embryos are transferred to the uterus. IVF has a much higher success rate per cycle (40–55% vs 10–20% for IUI), but costs 5–10 times more and is more invasive. IUI is usually the first-line treatment. IVF is recommended when IUI fails or the diagnosis requires it.
How many IUI cycles should you try before moving to IVF?
Most fertility specialists recommend 3–6 IUI cycles before considering IVF, depending on age and diagnosis. Women over 38 are often advised to limit IUI attempts to 2–3 cycles and move to IVF earlier. More than 3–4 failed IUI cycles without a change in diagnosis or protocol is typically a signal to escalate to IVF.
Who is IUI suitable for?
IUI is most suitable for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility (low motility, slightly low sperm count), ovulatory dysfunction amenable to mild stimulation, or those using donor sperm. It is generally not recommended for blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, or poor ovarian reserve.
Do I need to rest after IUI?
No strict bed rest is required after IUI. Most clinics ask you to remain lying down for 10–15 minutes after the procedure, then you can leave. Normal daily activities can be resumed the same day. Strenuous exercise may be advised against for a day or two.