Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
This gentle, low-intervention treatment can offer a simpler path to pregnancy—especially for those facing fertility challenges or using donor sperm. It’s often a meaningful first step, and we’re here to guide you through it with compassion, expertise, and personalized care.
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), sometimes called artificial insemination, involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This helps bring the sperm closer to the egg, increasing the chances of fertilization. It’s a minimally invasive, lower-cost procedure that can be done in our clinic—usually without the need for sedation or recovery time.
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), sometimes called artificial insemination, involves placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. This helps bring the sperm closer to the egg, increasing the chances of fertilization. It’s a minimally invasive, lower-cost procedure that can be done in our clinic—usually without the need for sedation or recovery time.
Who might benefit from IUI?
IUI may be recommended for a variety of individuals and families, including:
Individuals with ovulation challenges, cervical mucus issues, or mild endometriosis
People with a uterus under age 35, when egg quality is typically higher
Male partners with low sperm count or reduced sperm motility
Couples with unexplained infertility
Single individuals and LGBTQ+ couples using donor sperm to conceive
At Laurel Fertility Care, we take time to fully understand your reproductive history and health before recommending IUI or any other treatment—because thoughtful, personalized care is at the heart of what we do.
The IUI process—
what to expect
Our expert team will guide you through each phase of the IUI journey with clarity and support.
Step 1: Monitoring ovulation (with or without medication)
IUI is carefully timed to align with ovulation, when your body is most fertile. We may use ovulation tracking alone, or prescribe medication to stimulate the growth of multiple egg follicles. We’ll monitor your cycle through bloodwork and ultrasounds to ensure we’re inseminating at just the right time.
Step 2: Sperm preparation
On the day of the procedure, the sperm sample—either from a partner or donor—is specially prepared in our lab. This “washing” process separates healthy, motile sperm from the rest of the sample, increasing the chance of success.
Step 3: The insemination procedure
This quick in-office procedure takes just a few minutes. Using a thin, flexible catheter, your doctor will gently place the washed sperm directly into the uterus. It’s typically painless and requires no anesthesia. Afterward, you may rest briefly in the exam room before continuing your day.
Step 4: The two-week wait
Roughly two weeks after the procedure, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit or lab test to determine if the insemination led to pregnancy. Regardless of the outcome, we’ll be right there with you to talk through next steps and offer support.
The IUI process—
what to expect
Our expert team will guide you through each phase of the IUI journey with clarity and support.
Step 1: Monitoring ovulation (with or without medication)
IUI is carefully timed to align with ovulation, when your body is most fertile. We may use ovulation tracking alone, or prescribe medication to stimulate the growth of multiple egg follicles. We’ll monitor your cycle through bloodwork and ultrasounds to ensure we’re inseminating at just the right time.
Step 2: Sperm preparation
On the day of the procedure, the sperm sample—either from a partner or donor—is specially prepared in our lab. This “washing” process separates healthy, motile sperm from the rest of the sample, increasing the chance of success.
Step 3: The insemination procedure
This quick in-office procedure takes just a few minutes. Using a thin, flexible catheter, your doctor will gently place the washed sperm directly into the uterus. It’s typically painless and requires no anesthesia. Afterward, you may rest briefly in the exam room before continuing your day.
Step 4: The two-week wait
Roughly two weeks after the procedure, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit or lab test to determine if the insemination led to pregnancy. Regardless of the outcome, we’ll be right there with you to talk through next steps and offer support.
Why patients choose IUI
It’s not just about the medical side of things—your emotional readiness, family goals, and financial needs all matter too. If IUI feels like the right starting point for your journey, we’ll make sure you feel informed, supported, and cared for every step of the way. Here’s why many patients choose this treatment:
It’s non-surgical and low-risk
Often a first-line treatment before IVF
Ideal for patients using donor sperm
More affordable than other fertility options
Ready to learn more?
If you’re exploring fertility options, IUI may be a gentle and effective first step. Let’s talk about your goals and whether this path is right for you.