Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a gentle and effective fertility treatment that helps sperm and egg meet at just the right time. It’s often one of the first steps in fertility care—and for many, it’s all that’s needed to turn hope into a heartbeat.
At Audubon Fertility, IUI is a versatile option that supports many paths to parenthood, including couples experiencing infertility, single parents, LGBTQ+ individuals and couples using donor sperm. During an IUI cycle, a carefully prepared sperm sample—whether from a partner, a known donor, or an anonymous donor bank—is placed directly into the uterus during your most fertile window. This precise timing improves the chances of sperm reaching the egg and can be especially helpful for mild male-factor infertility, cervical or mucus-related issues, irregular ovulation, or situations where donor sperm is needed to build a family. Throughout the process, our team makes every step clear, comfortable, and personalized—so you can move forward feeling supported and confident in your care.
Who Might Consider IUI?
IUI may be recommended for individuals or couples experiencing:
Individuals or couples using donor sperm
LGBTQ+ family building
Single parents by choice
Mild male-factor infertility
Cervical or mucus-related fertility challenges
Irregular ovulation (often combined with ovulation induction medications)
Unexplained infertility
IUI can also be an ideal next step for those who have not conceived after trying timed intercourse or ovulation induction alone.
How IUI Works
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the process of placing sperm into a woman’s uterus at the time that an egg is released from the ovary (ovulation). Sperm used during this procedure are either from your male partner or from a sperm donor.
The sperm is “washed” or separated from the seminal fluid to make the sperm more mobile and increase the number of sperm. The greater the number of moving sperm means a higher likelihood that sperm will locate an egg.
To place the sperm inside the uterus, a speculum is gently inserted into the vagina, and a very thin catheter is passed through the cervix into the uterus. This procedure causes no more discomfort than a pap smear. The washed sperm is then released from the catheter.
The IUI process does not guarantee that the egg and sperm will come together to form an embryo (fertilization). The sperm must reach and fertilize the egg on its own.
Timing is everything.
Your physician closely monitors your cycle through ultrasounds and hormone testing to pinpoint ovulation. The insemination is then timed precisely to coincide with egg release, maximizing the opportunity for sperm and egg to meet.
If medications are used to stimulate ovulation, your care team will guide you through dosing and monitoring to ensure the safest, most effective approach for your body. The result is a process that feels both natural and supported—guided by expertise, compassion, and attention to detail.
What to Expect During an IUI Cycle
Ovarian Stimulation
Depending on your treatment plan, gentle fertility medications such as Clomid or Letrozole may be used to encourage egg development.
Monitoring
Ultrasounds and hormone testing are used to pinpoint the exact timing of ovulation.
Insemination
At the time of ovulation, the prepared sperm sample is placed directly into the uterus through a soft catheter—a quick, virtually painless procedure that requires no anesthesia.
Follow-Up
About two weeks later, a simple pregnancy test can determine if the treatment was successful.
Compassionate Care, Expert Guidance
While IUI doesn’t guarantee fertilization, it offers a meaningful and less invasive opportunity for conception—with personalized monitoring and support every step of the way. At Audubon Fertility, your IUI cycle is guided by an experienced team that blends advanced science with genuine care—so you can move forward in your fertility journey feeling confident, calm, and supported.
