Why So Many Couples Choose IUI First (And You Might Too)
If you’ve been trying to conceive and it just isn’t happening—don’t lose hope. For many couples, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is the gentle first step that brings them closer to pregnancy.
It’s less invasive than IVF, more affordable, and often just what your body needs to make conception happen.
What is IUI?
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a fertility treatment where healthy, specially selected sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation.
By helping sperm get closer to the egg at just the right time, IUI improves the chances of pregnancy—especially when natural conception hasn’t worked.
Often called “artificial insemination,” IUI is simple, safe, and widely used around the world as a first-line of treatment in infertility cases.
How is IUI Different From IVF?
IUI: Sperm is placed inside the uterus, and fertilization happens naturally inside the body.
IVF: Eggs are taken out, fertilized with sperm in a lab, and the resulting embryo is placed back into the uterus.
So, while IVF involves more steps and costs, IUI is:
- Less invasive
- More affordable
- Often recommended when the problem isn’t too severe
Is IUI For all Couples Struggling with Infertility?
IUI is ideal for:
- Couples with unexplained infertility
- Mild male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility)
- Women with PCOS who don’t ovulate regularly
- Mild endometriosis
- Cervical scarring that prevents sperm from entering naturally
- Single women or same-sex couples using donor sperm
Tests Before IUI
Before starting IUI, a complete fertility assessment is done for both partners. This may include:
- Ultrasounds
- Semen analysis
- STI screening
- Hormonal blood tests
- HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) to check if fallopian tubes are open
It is also recommended to start folic acid supplements at least 3 months before IUI.
The Process of IUI (Step by Step)
- Ovulation Induction You will be given mild fertility medications to help your ovaries produce 1–3 mature eggs. The follicle growth is monitored via ultrasound.
- Trigger Injection Once the follicles are ready, a trigger shot is administered to release the eggs at the right time.
- Sperm Collection & Washing On insemination day, a semen sample is collected, washed, and only the healthiest sperm are selected.
- Insemination A quick, painless procedure is done where a thin catheter is used to place the sperm directly into the uterus.
The entire process takes only a few minutes. No anesthesia. No downtime
How is IUI Beneficial?
- Quick and painless
- No surgery or anesthesia
- Affordable
- Natural and low-risk
- A great starting point before considering IVF
- Especially useful with donor sperm or mild fertility issues
IUI Treatment Cost in Mumbai
The average cost of IUI in Mumbai ranges between ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per cycle, depending on your clinic and treatment plan.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Basic IUI Cycle: ₹10,000–₹25,000 (includes scans and procedure)
- Medications: ₹5,000–₹10,000 per cycle
- Add-ons (if needed): Sperm washing, extra hormones, or tests may add ₹2,000–₹5,000
Some clinics offer IUI packages for multiple cycles to lower the cost per attempt.
What Are the Success Rates?
Success depends on age, fertility factors, and how many cycles you try.
- Unexplained infertility: 7–10% per cycle (can go up to 25% with fertility meds)
- PCOS patients: Higher success as ovulation is corrected
- Male factor infertility: Around 16.9% per cycle
Success by age:
- Under 35: ~13%
- 35–37: ~10%
- 38–40: ~9%
- Over 40: ~3–9%
Success may be lower if:
- You have low AMH or are over 37
- You have moderate/severe endometriosis
- Male partner’s sperm count is below 5 million
- Fallopian tube disease or repeated pelvic infections are present
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just unsure of where to start—IUI might be your answer.
It’s gentle, affordable, and science-backed