PCOS Fertility Print How Intrauterine Insemination Works Increase the Chances of Getting Pregnant With IUI Written by facebook twitter linkedin Written by Nicole Galan, RN Nicole Galan, RN, is a registered nurse and the author of "The Everything Fertility Book." Learn about our editorial policy Nicole Galan, RN Updated on October 21, 2019 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Fertility Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Blend Images/Getty Images Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is a procedure where sperm is introduced directly into the uterine cavity around the time of ovulation, in the hopes of producing a pregnancy. Sometimes in the course of fertility treatment, your doctor may recommend that you have an IUI with the goal of increasing the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes to increase the chance of fertilization. It can also be used as an additional intervention if “the traditional method” has been insufficient to produce a pregnancy after a few cycles. The procedure is also used by same-sex couples or single women that want to become pregnant without a male partner. How the Procedure Is Done Before the IUI, the sperm specimen will need to be prepared (where the semen sample is washed by the lab to separate the semen from the seminal fluid). You will be asked to identify the specimen to ensure that it is the correct one. Once ready, the physician will introduce a speculum into the vagina to visualize the cervix. A mild cleaning solution may be used to clean the cervix and surrounding vaginal tissue. A small amount of the washed sperm will be drawn into a syringe with a tiny catheter attached. The catheter is passed through the cervix and then the sperm injected into the uterus. The catheter and speculum will then be removed and you may be asked to rest for a short period of time. This procedure can be done with or without medication. For patients requiring ovulation-stimulating medication, careful monitoring will be necessary to determine when the eggs are mature. The IUI procedure will then be performed around the time of ovulation (usually 24-36 hours after a surge in the LH hormone indicating ovulation). Why Your Doctor May Recommend IUI There are numerous reasons why a doctor would recommend an IUI, for example: If the male partner’s sperm count, motility or shape is less than adequate, IUI may give the sperm a better chance at meeting the egg. If a woman’s cervical mucus is scant or thick and tacky (ovulatory mucus is normally thin and stretchy), IUI will allow the sperm to bypass the mucus.Cervical scar tissue (from past procedures) may hinder the sperms’ ability to enter the uterus.A single woman or same-sex couple may elect to use donor sperm to conceive a child.IUI is a less invasive and less expensive option compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF). There are some instances where an IUI is not recommended by doctors. Women who have severe disease of the fallopian tubes, or a history of pelvic infections are not recommended for the IUI procedure, as well as women with moderate to severe endometriosis. Risks Associated With IUI The risks associated with having an IUI procedure are: An increased chance of becoming pregnant with multiples if you take fertility medication.There is also a small risk of infection after having the procedure Does IUI Hurt? The IUI procedure should only take a few minutes and it shouldn’t hurt. Some mild discomfort may occur when the speculum is inserted, or you may experience cramping when the catheter passes through the cervix. The discomfort is temporary and should be gone by the end of the procedure. What You Can Expect Afterwards You may notice a little spotting if the catheter scrapes the cervix. This is nothing to be concerned about and should stop shortly. Make sure to check with your physician if you need to follow any special instructions. The next step will be to watch for signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Panda B, Mohapatra L, Sahu MC, Padhy RN. Success in pregnancy through intrauterine insemination at first cycle in 300 infertile couples: an analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2014;64(2):134-42. doi:10.1007/s13224-013-0484-1 Turek PJ. Male Infertility. Yen & Jaffes Reproductive Endocrinology. 2009:547-559. doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-4907-4.00022-x Baradwan S, Baradwan A, Bashir M, Al-jaroudi D. The birth weight in pregnant women with Asherman syndrome compared to normal intrauterine cavity: A case-control study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(32):e11797. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000011797 Van der houwen LE, Schreurs AM, Schats R, et al. Efficacy and safety of intrauterine insemination in patients with moderate-to-severe endometriosis. Reprod Biomed Online. 2014;28(5):590-8. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.01.005 Fertility: Assessment and Treatment for People with Fertility Problems. London: Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists; 2013. Additional Reading American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Intrauterine insemination (IU). RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. (n.d.). IUI. Smith, D. (2013). Intrauterine Insemination: Will It Help Me Conceive? RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. Continue Reading