IUI is one of the simpler fertility treatments. A prepared sperm sample — washed and concentrated in the lab so the healthiest sperm are selected — is placed directly into the uterus with a thin, soft catheter, timed to ovulation. Fertilization still happens naturally inside the body; IUI simply gives sperm a head start.
When it's chosen
IUI suits couples with mild sperm problems, cervical-mucus problems, ovulation problems being treated with medicine, or unexplained infertility. The tubes need to be open and the semen test results reasonable. It's often tried before moving to IVF when your test results and history support it.
What to expect
The procedure itself takes only a few minutes, feels similar to a routine pelvic exam, and needs no anaesthesia. It may be done in a natural cycle or combined with ovulation-stimulating medicines and a trigger injection for timing.