The chance of an IUI procedure resulting in pregnancy will depend on a lot of different factors. For example, the cause of infertility could hinder the success rate of the procedure, as could the man’s sperm quality or the count. 

Like many other types of fertility treatment, IUI does tend to be more successful the younger you are. However, there’s still a good chance that you can get pregnant even if you are slightly older when you go through IUI. 

It’s worth noting that the older you are, the more cycles you may need to try before falling pregnant. 

IUI as a procedure is very safe, as it’s minimally invasive and the risk of any serious complications is pretty low. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks attached.

The risks of an IUI procedure are:

- Multiple pregnancies/births
- Infections
- Spotting
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) – this is extremely rare

The risks of the procedure will be explained to you before you start the treatment, so you’ll be able to decide if you’re willing to go ahead or not.

IUI is less invasive than IVF. In IVF, the eggs are taken out of the body and fertilised in a lab — making the process much lengthier, as the fertilised eggs then have to be placed back into the womb. 

IUI is essentially natural fertilisation that takes place within the body, rather than outside of it. Hence, your fallopian tubes need to be patent in order for the egg and sperm to meet.

Another key difference is that in IUI, only the highest quality sperm are selected and placed into the uterus. These sperm can then naturally fertilise the egg, allowing the woman to become pregnant. 

The process of IUI treatment is relatively simple and pain-free. The length of the treatment should be the average length leading to ovulation, which is 14 days.

Before the insemination takes place, the woman’s egg reserve will be checked, as well as the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity. The quality of the sperm will also be assessed. All of these checks ensure you’re giving your body the best chance of getting pregnant.

Once the checks have been completed, you will receive scans and blood tests until you’re ready to have the trigger injection. This hormonal injection stimulates the body to ovulate — allowing the sperm the best shot at reaching it. The sperm sample is then placed into the womb via a catheter, to encourage fertilisation.

After the IUI procedure you will have to wait to see if the treatment has worked as you normally would by taking a pregnancy test 16 days later.

When preparing for your IUI treatment, you can expect to have fertility tests to ensure the treatment is right for you.

These tests can include and aren’t limited to:

• Ultrasounds of the ovaries and uterus
• Dye test to check your fallopian tubes and uterus
• Semen analysis
• Blood tests
• STI tests
  

After the IUI procedure has been completed, there may be some mild side effects, which can include mild cramping and light spotting, If either of these side effects becomes severe, seek medical attention right away.

Most people find that they can get back to their everyday routine fairly quickly after their IUI has been completed, but it is best to follow any specific instructions given to you by your consultant.

Please refer to our Treatment Prices section for further information.