Treatment
IUI
Intrauterine Insemination
A gentle, minimally invasive procedure that places prepared sperm directly into the uterus — timed to your natural or stimulated ovulation cycle.
What is IUI?
A First-Line Fertility Treatment
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure where a laboratory-prepared sperm sample is placed directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. By bypassing the cervix and concentrating the healthiest sperm, IUI increases the chance of sperm reaching the egg at the right time.
The procedure itself takes 10–15 minutes, requires no anaesthesia, and is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients rest for 5–10 minutes afterwards and return to normal activities the same day. A pregnancy test is scheduled approximately two weeks later.
IUI is often the recommended starting point before more complex treatments like IVF — particularly for patients under 35 with open fallopian tubes and adequate sperm parameters.
Who is IUI for?
Candidates & considerations
IUI may be suitable if you have
- Unexplained infertility (under 35)
- Mild male factor infertility
- Ovulation disorders (e.g. PCOS)
- Cervical mucus abnormalities
- Mild endometriosis (Stage I–II)
- Sexual dysfunction preventing intercourse
- Immunological infertility factors
IUI may not be recommended if
- Both fallopian tubes are blocked
- Severe endometriosis is present
- Severe male factor infertility (very low count/motility)
- Age over 40 (IVF typically more effective)
- Previous pelvic infections affecting tubes
- 3–6 prior IUI cycles have been unsuccessful
What you will need
- Confirmed open fallopian tubes (HSG test)
- Baseline hormone panel
- Semen analysis for the male partner
- Original passports of both spouses
- Marriage certificate (scanned copies accepted)
How IUI works
Step by step
1
Initial Consultation & Assessment
Your fertility specialist reviews your medical history, hormone levels, and semen analysis. An HSG test confirms that at least one fallopian tube is open. Together, you determine whether IUI is the right starting approach.
2
Ovarian Stimulation (Days 2–4)
Low-dose oral medication (e.g. Clomiphene or Letrozole) is started on days 2–4 of your menstrual cycle to encourage 1–3 follicles to develop. In some cases, a natural cycle without medication may be used.
3
Follicle Monitoring (Days 8–11)
Transvaginal ultrasound tracks follicle growth and endometrial thickness. Monitoring typically requires 2–3 clinic visits over several days. Blood work may be added to check hormone levels.
4
Trigger & Timing
When the lead follicle reaches 18–20 mm, an hCG trigger injection is administered to induce ovulation within 36 hours. The IUI procedure is scheduled precisely around this window.
5
Sperm Preparation & Insemination (Days 11–14)
On the day of the procedure, the sperm sample is washed and concentrated in our laboratory — separating the most motile sperm from seminal fluid. The prepared sample is gently placed into the uterus through a thin catheter. The procedure takes 10–15 minutes and is typically painless.
6
Luteal Phase Support
Progesterone supplementation may be prescribed to support the uterine lining during the implantation window. You continue normal daily activities during this period.
7
Pregnancy Test (Day 28–30)
A blood hCG test is performed approximately two weeks after insemination. If the result is positive, an early ultrasound is scheduled. If unsuccessful, your doctor will discuss whether to repeat IUI or consider IVF.
What to expect
IUI outcomes — honest numbers
IUI is a lower-intervention treatment. Success rates per cycle are modest compared to IVF — this is the trade-off for a simpler, less invasive process. Understanding these numbers helps you make an informed decision about which path is right for you.
15–20%
Clinical pregnancy rate per cycle (general population)
20–25%
Per-cycle rate, patients under 35
10–15%
Per-cycle rate, patients 35–40
3–6
Recommended cycles before considering IVF
Important context: If IUI has not been successful after 3–6 cycles, your specialist will typically recommend transitioning to IVF, which offers significantly higher per-cycle pregnancy rates. IUI is not a substitute for IVF in cases involving tubal damage, severe male factor, or advanced maternal age — it is a less intensive starting point when clinical criteria are met.
Figures based on published reproductive medicine literature and clinical averages. Individual outcomes depend on age, diagnosis, and response to stimulation. ABC reports verified cycle data to the Thai Ministry of Public Health.
Find out if IUI is right for you
Not every fertility journey needs to start with IVF. Book a consultation with our team to review your results, discuss your options, and determine the best first step — whether that is IUI, IVF, or further investigation.