Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a gentle, straightforward fertility treatment that gives sperm and eggs a helping hand, improving the chances of fertilisation and pregnancy. For many people, it can be an encouraging first step on the journey to parenthood.
At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, we recognise that every fertility journey is unique. Our experienced team is here to provide clear guidance, compassionate care and all the information you need to help you decide whether IUI is the right treatment for you.
Page Guide
We understand that fertility treatment can be a complex and emotional journey. Our team is dedicated to providing you with all the information and support you need throughout the process.
How does it work?
IUI treatment process: how does it work?
IUI is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to help increase your chances of pregnancy. The sperm can come from your partner or a sperm donor, depending on your individual circumstances.
The procedure is carefully timed to coincide with ovulation, when one or more eggs are released from your ovaries. By bringing the sperm closer to the egg, we help improve the likelihood of fertilisation. IUI can be particularly helpful for women experiencing unexplained infertility or for couples where the male partner has reduced sperm motility (movement).
In some cases, your fertility specialist may recommend medication to stimulate egg production and support the uterus in preparing for implantation.
Natural conception relies on sperm and egg meeting at just the right time in the fallopian tube. IUI gently supports this process by giving sperm a little extra help to reach the egg, increasing the chances of successful fertilisation.
What happens during IUI?
During the IUI procedure, you’ll be asked to lie back comfortably while a speculum, a small medical instrument, is used to gently open the vagina.
A prepared sample of sperm is attached to a thin, flexible tube called a catheter, which is carefully guided through your cervix into the uterus. Once the sperm is released, both the catheter and speculum are removed.
After the procedure, you’ll be invited to rest briefly before heading home. It’s normal to experience some light spotting for a few days following treatment.
Is IUI right for me?
IUI may be a good option if you’re under 35 and would like to increase your chances of conceiving with a little extra support.
It may be particularly suitable if you:
- Have unexplained infertility
- Have mild endometriosis, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside it, such as on the fallopian tubes, ovaries or bladder
- Have a partner with male fertility issues or who is unable to ejaculate during intercourse
- Are a single woman wanting to start a family
- Are part of a female same-sex couple
- Would like to try a simpler treatment before considering in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
- Are unable to have vaginal intercourse
Before starting IUI, we may recommend initial fertility tests, such as checking your ovarian health and, if you have a male partner, performing a semen analysis. These tests help us create a personalised treatment plan that gives you the best chance of success.
At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, our team will take the time to explain each treatment option and answer any questions you have. Together, we’ll find the fertility pathway that feels right for you.
What next?
Why choose us for your IUI treatment?
At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, you’ll receive expert care from one of the UK’s most experienced fertility teams. Founded by the pioneers of IVF, we’ve been helping people grow their families for more than 40 years.
When you choose us for your IUI treatment, you’ll benefit from:
- Personalised care – your treatment plan is tailored to your unique circumstances and fertility goals
- Expert guidance – our team includes leading fertility specialists, nurses and embryologists, all dedicated to helping you succeed
- Inclusive support – we welcome individuals and couples of all backgrounds and orientations
- Holistic approach – we care for your emotional wellbeing as well as your physical health, offering counselling and lifestyle advice to support your fertility
- Proven experience – with decades of expertise in fertility care, our success rates reflect our commitment to excellence and compassionate care
Whether you’re starting your first round of fertility treatment or exploring your next step, our team will be with you throughout your journey.
Book your IUI treatment today
If you’re ready to take the next step towards parenthood, we’re here to help.Book your IUI treatment or a free Discovery call with one of our fertility experts today. We’ll discuss your options, answer your questions and help you feel confident about the path ahead.
Flexible Pricing Options
To help make your treatment affordable and achievable, we offer fixed price treatment package options and a variety of finance solutions for patients looking to spread all or part of the cost of their treatment.
Explore our prices
Discover our prices and finance options, making treatments more accessible for you.
Book a 15 minute Discovery call
Schedule a Discovery call to find out which tests and treatments are right for you.
Fertility funding partners we work with:
We’re incredibly proud of our success rates
At Bourn Hall, you can be assured of the best chances of having a baby within the shortest possible time. If you are under 35, you have a 73%* chance of falling pregnant within one year.
*Data from 2021
Younger than 35
If you are under 35, you have a 73% chance of falling pregnant within one year.
35 to 39 years old
If you are 35-37 years old and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have a 63% (50% for 38-39 year olds) chance of getting pregnant (pregnancy seen on scan) within one year.
40+ years old
If you are a female aged over 40 and you continue treatment with Bourn Hall, you have about a 25% chance of getting pregnant within one year.
We provide world-class support throughout the fertility journey.
As one of the UK’s top fertility treatment centres, our values ensure we put our patients first.
Passion
Adaptability
Commitment
Teamwork and Collaboration
Our excellence in fertility treatment
1978
The world's first IVF baby
1980
Year founded by IVF pioneers
25000
Babies born through Bourn Hall
Patient reviews you can trust
Genuine experiences from real patients. See why so many trust us with their fertility care.
“We went to an open evening at Bourn Hall Wickford and came away feeling really positive about the place. The staff were really friendly and the presentation was clear about the statistics regarding success rates and live birth rates; their data was very transparent. We came away feeling like we would really be looked after.”
Katy and Leigh are parents to Charlie after IVF
Patient 2023
“We chose to make an appointment at Bourn Hall Wickford because of the favourable reviews. When we got there and met the staff they were just so lovely, making us feel welcome and explaining to us what tests would need to be done and what our options were; we just thought ‘yes, let’s get the ball rolling!”
Jess and Fran are mums to Nathan after IVF with donor sperm
Patient 2023
Your Stories
Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we are always inspired by the success stories they have to share. Hear directly from our previous patients as they share their unique journeys to parenthood.
Everything Happens for a Reason: Laura and Kevin’s Journey
Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn that changes everything. When Laura discovered a lump and was diagnosed…
Shared Motherhood Journey: Jessica & Orlagh
Jessica and Orlagh’s path to becoming parents wasn’t straightforward, but through treatment at Bourn Hall, their dream…
Rebecca and Tadeusz’s journey to parenthood was long and challenging
Rebecca and Tadeusz’s journey to parenthood was long and challenging. After seven attempts and multiple chemical miscarriages,…
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Join our experts at a range of events including support groups, webinars and open evenings.
Learn more about the options available to you, from fertility tests to treatments, and find answers to any questions you might have.
Related Content
If you qualify for NHS-funded fertility treatment under the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, our fertility diagnostic pathway is the same as the services offered by your local NHS hospital but with much shorter waiting times and in an environment dedicated to fertility services.
Our male couples fertility testing package includes semen analysis tests for you both, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist and a private consultation.
We offer fertility health and wellbeing packages at our clinics in Cambridge, Norwich, Wickford, or at home. Our male package includes a semen analysis, a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist, and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female couples fertility testing package includes options to provide you both with results on your fertility. These include AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Our female package includes the option of AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone, an ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results. Additionally, we include a free 30-minute consultation with our fertility nutritionist to provide you with nutrition and lifestyle advice.
For heterosexual couples, our female and male fertility testing package includes the option of semen analysis; AMH blood tests for ovarian reserve; TSH to assess your thyroid stimulating hormone; ultrasound scan; and personalised doctor-written report explaining your results.
Once you’ve made the decision to extend your family, even thinking that you might have a fertility issue can be stressful. And for a man, the thought that your sperm might not be in tip-top condition is definitely a cause for concern.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered. Find clarity on every step of your fertility journey.