Intrauterine Insemination Treatment Guide: Costs, Success Rates, and What Matters Most

Thinking about trying intrauterine insemination (IUI)? You’re not alone. Around 10–20% of couples in India face infertility issues, and IUI is often one of the first fertility treatments recommended (Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction, 2023).

IUI is also a popular choice for same-sex female couples or individuals wanting to conceive without a partner.

It's simpler, more affordable, and less invasive than IVF—but that doesn't mean it's straightforward. Between cost confusion, sperm sample prep, and the emotional rollercoaster of the two-week wait, there’s a lot to unpack.

That’s why we’ve built this guide—to help you understand what really matters with IUI, from the insemination procedure to success rates and what to expect afterward. Let’s make it less overwhelming, shall we?

What Is Intrauterine Insemination Treatment—and Why Consider It Today?

Intrauterine insemination treatment, also called artificial insemination, is a common way to help couples have a baby when they’re facing fertility problems.

IUI increases the chances of pregnancy by bringing the sperm closer to the fallopian tubes. It is particularly effective for women with unexplained conditions affecting the cervix. IUI is often used when cervical mucus problems make it hard for sperm to travel naturally.

Here’s how it works in simple terms:

• A doctor places healthy sperm directly into the woman’s uterus using a thin tube.
• This helps the sperm get closer to the fallopian tubes, where it can meet the egg more easily.
• It’s often used when there are issues like low sperm count, unexplained infertility, or problems with semen sample quality. During IUI, a catheter is used to place sperm directly into the uterus.

According to the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), nearly 10–15% of couples in India face fertility challenges—and IUI is one of the first treatments offered.

People may use donor sperm from a sperm bank, or sperm from the male partner, depending on their situation. Before the procedure, you may need fertility medications or a blood test to check hormone levels and track egg development.

The use of fertility medications during IUI can increase the chances of having multiples, such as twins or triplets.

How Insemination Procedure Works: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Initial Fertility Tests

Before starting, your doctor will do some tests to understand your fertility health. These help determine if insemination treatment is the right option.

• A blood test is done to check your hormone levels.
• A semen analysis looks at the sperm’s movement, shape, and count.
• For the woman, an ultrasound helps check egg development and whether the fallopian tubes are open.
• These results also show if there are issues like low sperm count or severe sperm abnormalities.
• Sperm preparation involves washing and concentrating the sperm sample prior to the IUI procedure. The sperm sample is treated to produce a concentrated sample of healthy sperm.

“We always check both partners carefully so we can choose the best treatment,” says Dr. Anshu Agrawal, a top fertility specialist in India.

2. Sperm Sample Collection

Once your tests are complete, it's time to collect the sperm sample. The IUI procedure can use either donor sperm or the partner’s sperm, a sperm bank depending on the situation. , especially if there’s a concern like semen allergy or infertility treatment need.

• The sample is cleaned using a method called sperm washing.
• This removes weak sperm cells, seminal fluid, and other unwanted substances.
• Only healthy sperm are kept to improve the chance of fertilization.

Did you know? A sperm sample may have millions of cells, but only a small percentage are good enough to reach and fertilize an egg.

3. Fertility Drugs or Medications (If Needed)

Not everyone needs medication, but many people find that fertility treatment options, including fertility drugs or taking fertility medications to stimulate ovulation, are beneficial.

• These medicines help the ovaries produce mature eggs or even one or more eggs to boost success chances.
• A hormone shot, often human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), is used to induce ovulation at the right time.

This step is especially useful in cases of unexplained infertility or mild male factor infertility, where timing and egg quality matter a lot.

4. Ovulation Monitoring

Timing is everything in insemination treatment. Your doctor will carefully track when you’re about to ovulate (release an egg).

• You might get regular blood tests to check hormone levels.
• An ultrasound will check if the egg growth looks right and if the egg is mature.
• If needed, your doctor may give a shot of luteinizing hormone (LH) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to help the egg release at the perfect time.

This step is important because the sperm bypasses many hurdles and needs to meet the egg at just the right moment in the woman’s uterus for the best chance of a successful pregnancy.

“Ovulation timing is key. One day early or late can affect success,” says Dr. Anshu Agrawal, fertility specialist.

5. The Insemination Procedure

This part of the iui procedure is simple and usually done at the doctor’s office. It feels like a regular checkup and takes less than 10 minutes.

• A thin, soft tube places processed sperm directly into the woman’s uterus.
• The sperm may come from the male partner or a sperm donor.
• If there were sperm quality issues or few sperm, washing helps keep only the best.

This is where the sperm tries to reach the egg through the fallopian tubes. The process is painless for most, but you might feel a small cramp. This step is what people often mean when they say IUI procedure.

6. Post-Procedure Rest

After undergoing iui, you may rest for 15–30 minutes at the clinic. Then you can go home and continue with your day.

The IUI procedure is relatively simple and only takes a few minutes once the sperm sample is ready. The entire IUI process, including preparation and insemination, takes approximately four weeks.

• You might feel mild cramping or see a little vaginal bleeding, both are common.
• Avoid heavy exercise or travel right away.
• Take your prescribed fertility medicines or prenatal vitamins if advised.

Don’t overthink every symptom—wait about 14 days before taking a pregnancy test. This waiting period is tough, but you’re not alone.

7. Pregnancy Test After 2 Weeks

After your iui treatment, it’s natural to feel hopeful—and anxious. But here’s the deal: you need to wait about two weeks before taking a pregnancy test. Testing too early can give you a false result.

What to Expect from the Test

• A positive result might mean a successful pregnancy, but follow-up blood work is still needed.
• If the test is negative, it doesn't always mean the treatment failed. Your doctor may advise a repeat test after a couple of days.
• In some cases, your pregnancy rate may increase in future IUI cycles, especially when stimulate ovulation methods are optimized.

Meet the Expert: Dr. Anshu Agrawal on Insemination Treatment

If you’re considering insemination treatment, it’s important to consult a trusted expert—and Dr. Anshu Agrawal is one of the leading names in fertility care. With over 18 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology, she has helped hundreds of couples navigate their path to parenthood.

Dr. Agrawal offers highly personalized care, especially in treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI), fertility medication planning, and cycle monitoring. Her clinic is known for its patient-first approach and evidence-based methods.

Here’s how Dr. Anshu Agrawal can help:

• Expert in IUI, IVF, and infertility evaluations
• Uses the latest techniques in sperm washing and ovulation tracking
• Provides clear guidance on partner’s sperm vs. donor insemination options
• Offers compassionate care for couples with unexplained infertility
• Trusted by patients for her ethical, transparent, and empathetic approach

Dr. Agrawal consults at Medifirst Hospital, Ranchi, Jharkhand. You can easily book an appointment online via her official website:
👉 www.dranshuagarwal.com
📞 Or call: +91 72939 37999

Preparing for IUI: Key Tests and Monitoring

1. Blood Test to Track Hormones

Your doctor will ask for a blood test to check your hormone levels. Hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen are important because they help your eggs grow and mature.

• LH tells your doctor when ovulation is near.
• Estrogen shows how well your body is responding to any fertility medications you might be taking.
• If the hormone levels are too low or too high, your doctor may adjust your treatment plan.

“We time insemination with hormone tracking so sperm meets the egg at the right moment,” says Dr. Anshu Agrawal, a leading fertility specialist in India.

2. Ultrasounds for Egg Growth

Your clinic will also do ultrasounds to watch your egg growth.

• These scans help your doctor see how many eggs are maturing and how big they are.
• If your eggs don’t grow enough, insemination procedure might be delayed.
• If you have too many mature eggs, there’s a risk of multiple pregnancies.

Ultrasounds also help check that your fallopian tubes and woman’s uterus look normal and ready for the next step.

3. Ovulation Trigger Shot

Once your egg is ready, your doctor may give you an ovulation trigger shot. This shot usually contains human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that helps the egg release from the ovary.

• This step ensures the sperm sample is timed perfectly to meet the egg.
• The shot is usually given 36 hours before the IUI procedure.
• This timing is key for a successful pregnancy.

You’ll then be scheduled for the insemination treatment within the next day or so. Everything is timed so the sperm fertilizes the egg just when it matters most, allowing for the possibility that the fertilized egg implants successfully .

4. IUI Cycle Timing and IUI Day Planning

Timing matters a lot during your insemination treatment. That’s why clinics carefully track your IUI cycle and help you plan exactly when the procedure should happen.

• Your cycle is tracked through blood tests, ultrasounds, and hormone levels.
• When your body is close to releasing an egg, your doctor will schedule your IUI procedure.
• Sometimes, a trigger shot is given to help induce ovulation so the egg releases on time.
• The IUI is usually done within 24–36 hours after that.

5. Semen Sample Prep in Parallel

On the day of your IUI, a semen sample is needed—either from the male partner or a sperm donor. Here’s what happens:

• The sample is collected and goes through sperm washing. Sperm washing helps healthy sperm reach the egg by removing unnecessary seminal fluid.
• This removes weak sperm and seminal fluid, keeping only strong and healthy sperm.
• The cleaned sample is then used during the insemination procedure.

If you’re using donor sperm, called donor insemination, the clinic will handle everything with the sperm bank in advance. Timing is matched closely with your IUI day, so both the egg and sperm are ready at the same time.

After the IUI: Symptoms and Early Signs

1. Mild Cramping or Spotting: You might feel light cramps or see a small amount of spotting. This is normal and usually caused by the catheter or ovulation—not a bad sign.
2. Breast Tenderness or Bloating: These are common after IUI, especially if you’re on fertility medications. They might also feel like early pregnancy symptoms, but it’s too soon to tell.
3. Increased Vaginal Discharge: A slight increase in clear or white discharge can happen. It’s typically harmless and part of your body’s natural cycle after insemination.
4. Feeling Tired or Moody: Hormonal changes after IUI—or just the stress of waiting—can make you feel more tired or emotional. Totally normal during this phase.
5. Implantation Signs (Maybe): Some women notice light spotting or cramps 6–12 days post-IUI. This could be implantation, when the embryo attaches to the uterus, but it’s not guaranteed.
6. Don’t Rely Too Much on Symptoms: Many early pregnancy signs mimic PMS or side effects from fertility meds. The most accurate way to know? A pregnancy test after 14 days.

What Affects IUI Success Rates?

The success of IUI varies depending on age, diagnosis, and overall reproductive health. The truth is, insemination treatment doesn’t work the same for everyone. Some couples get pregnant in one cycle, while others may need several tries. Let’s break down what really affects IUI success rates.

Over half of women under 40 using IUI will get pregnant within 6 cycles. On average, the success rate of IUI ranges from 10% to 20% per cycle.

• Age of the female partner: Women under 35 usually have higher success rates.
• Sperm quality: Low motility or abnormal shape reduces chances. That’s why sperm washing and selecting healthy sperm are so important.
• Timing of the IUI procedure: It must be done when ovulation is happening. That’s why doctors use hormone tracking and trigger shots to induce ovulation.
• Egg quality: Women with more mature eggs tend to have better results.
• Fertility clinic experience: A trusted clinic and skilled fertility specialist can make a big difference.
• Underlying conditions: Issues like unexplained infertility, severe sperm abnormalities, or low birth weight history may affect outcomes.

“IUI works best when everything is carefully timed and tracked,” says Dr. Anshu Agrawal, one of India’s top fertility experts.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be a powerful first step for many on the path to parenthood. It’s safe, affordable, and often effective—especially when done under expert care. With the right timing, support, and understanding of the process, your chances of a successful pregnancy can greatly improve.

If you're feeling unsure, talk to a trusted fertility specialist like Dr. Anshu Agrawal to get the guidance you need. You’re not alone—and with the right care, your journey forward can begin with confidence.

‍