What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
The Complete 2026 Guide
Cost, Success Rates & Expert Insights for Delhi NCR
Understanding Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
The affordable, minimally invasive fertility treatment that helps thousands conceive annually
What is IUI Exactly?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), often called artificial insemination, is a foundational fertility treatment where specially prepared sperm is directly placed into the uterus during ovulation.
The core process involves:
- Sperm Washing: Concentrating the healthiest, most motile sperm
- Ovulation Timing: Precise synchronization with egg release
- Insemination: Direct sperm placement into uterus
- Fertilization: Occurs naturally inside the body
Who Should Consider IUI?
Ideal Candidates Include:
- Mild Male Infertility: Sperm count >10 million/mL post-wash
- Unexplained Infertility: When all tests are normal but conception hasn't occurred
- Cervical Factor Infertility: Hostile mucus or cervical scarring
- Ovulatory Disorders: PCOS or irregular ovulation
- Same-Sex Female Couples: Using donor sperm
- Single Women: Pursuing motherhood with donor sperm
- Semen Allergy: Rare allergic reaction to partner's semen
- Ejaculatory Dysfunction: Difficulty with natural ejaculation
Understanding IUI Terminology
Sperm Washing
Laboratory process separating healthy sperm from seminal fluid
Trigger Shot
hCG injection to induce ovulation at precise timing
Artificial Insemination
Broad term including IUI and other sperm placement methods
The Step-by-Step IUI Process
Complete journey from consultation to pregnancy test (2-4 weeks total)
Initial Consultation & Testing
Time: Days 1-7
Comprehensive fertility assessment including semen analysis, HSG for tubal patency, ovulation tracking, and personalized treatment planning.
Ovulation Stimulation
Time: Days 3-12
Oral medications (Clomid/Letrozole) or injectables stimulate ovaries to produce 1-2 mature follicles. Ultrasound monitoring tracks growth.
Trigger Shot & Timing
Time: Day 12-14
hCG injection triggers ovulation within 24-36 hours. IUI scheduled precisely 12-36 hours post-trigger for optimal timing.
Sperm Preparation
Time: IUI Day
Fresh semen sample undergoes sperm washing in lab to concentrate healthy, motile sperm and remove seminal fluid that could irritate uterus.
Insemination Procedure
Time: 5-10 minutes
Quick, painless procedure using thin catheter to place washed sperm directly into uterine cavity. No anesthesia required.
Key Advantages of IUI
- Minimally invasive (no surgery required)
- Significantly more affordable than IVF
- Short procedure time (5-10 minutes)
- Can be performed in natural or medicated cycles
- Lower medication requirements than IVF
- Can use partner or donor sperm
Patient Preparation
- Lifestyle optimization 1-3 months prior
- Basic fertility supplements (Folic Acid)
- Timing coordination with menstrual cycle
- Partner sperm collection instructions
- Understanding realistic expectations
IUI Cost Comparison & Top Delhi Clinics
Transparent 2026 pricing and clinic recommendations
IUI Cost in India (2026 Prices)
| Treatment Component | Cost Range (₹) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation & Tests | 3,000 - 10,000 | Doctor fees, blood tests, semen analysis |
| Oral Medications | 500 - 2,500 | Clomid or Letrozole for ovulation |
| Injectable Medications | 5,000 - 18,000 | FSH injections for stronger stimulation |
| Ultrasound Monitoring | 3,000 - 8,000 | Follicle tracking scans (2-3 per cycle) |
| Trigger Shot | 500 - 1,500 | hCG injection to induce ovulation |
| Sperm Washing | 2,000 - 6,000 | Laboratory sperm preparation |
| Complete IUI Cycle | 8,000 - 28,000 | All-inclusive with oral medications |
Top IUI Clinics in Delhi (2026)
SheIVF Centre
Specialty: Comprehensive IUI packages
Cost: ₹15,000 - 25,000
Best for: First-line treatment
Fertility First
Specialty: Natural cycle IUI
Cost: ₹12,000 - 20,000
Best for: Minimal intervention
Bloom Fertility
Specialty: Donor IUI programs
Cost: ₹25,000 - 35,000
Best for: Single women/couples
Motherhood Hospital
Specialty: Affordable quality
Cost: ₹10,000 - 18,000
Best for: Budget-conscious
How to Choose the Right IUI Clinic
ICMR Registration
Verify clinic registration with Indian Council of Medical Research
Lab Quality
Check sperm washing techniques and lab accreditation
Success Rates
Ask for age-specific IUI success rates
Patient Reviews
Assess online reviews and testimonials critically
Transparent Pricing
Ensure clear, itemized cost breakdown
Doctor Experience
Check specialist's experience with IUI procedures
IUI Success Rates in India (2026)
Understanding your chances based on age and factors
Live Birth Rates per IUI Cycle in India
| Age Group | IUI Success Rate | Key Factors Affecting Success | Recommended Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 35 years | 15-20% | Egg quality, sperm quality, timing | 3-4 cycles before IVF |
| 35-37 years | 10-15% | Declining egg quality, ovulation regularity | 2-3 cycles before IVF |
| 38-40 years | 5-10% | Significant egg quality decline | 1-2 cycles, then consider IVF |
| Over 40 years | Under 5% | Low ovarian reserve, poor egg quality | Consider donor eggs or IVF |
Cumulative Success Rates
- After 3 cycles: 30-40% for women under 35
- After 3 cycles: 20-30% for women 35-37
- After 4 cycles: 40-50% for optimal candidates
- With donor sperm: 20-25% per cycle
Factors Improving IUI Success
- Optimal timing (12-36 hours post-trigger)
- Good sperm parameters post-wash
- Healthy uterine lining (8-12mm)
- 1-2 mature follicles (not more)
- No tubal or severe male factors
- Lifestyle optimization
When to Choose IUI vs IVF
Making the right treatment decision for your situation
Treatment Decision Guide
Choose IUI When:
- Mild male factor infertility
- Unexplained infertility
- Cervical factor issues
- Ovulatory disorders (PCOS)
- Age under 35 with good reserve
- Single women/same-sex couples
- Budget constraints
Consider IVF Instead:
- Blocked/damaged fallopian tubes
- Severe male factor infertility
- Advanced maternal age (>38)
- Severe endometriosis
- Multiple failed IUI cycles
- Need for genetic testing (PGT)
- Low ovarian reserve
- Try 3-4 IUI cycles if under 35 with good parameters
- Consider 2-3 cycles if 35-37 with fair parameters
- Move to IVF after 1-2 cycles if over 38
- Immediate IVF if tubes blocked or severe male factor
IUI vs. IVF vs. Natural Conception
| Parameter | IUI | IVF | Natural Conception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Success Rate | 10-20% per cycle | 40-65% per cycle | 15-20% per month |
| Cost (India) | ₹8,000 - 28,000 | ₹1,50,000 - 3,50,000+ | Free |
| Procedure Time | 5-10 minutes | 2-3 weeks process | N/A |
| Invasiveness | Minimal (similar to Pap) | High (egg retrieval surgery) | Non-invasive |
| Medication Required | Minimal to moderate | High (injections daily) | None |
| Best For | Mild factors, unexplained, cervical issues | Severe factors, blocked tubes, advanced age | No fertility issues |
Top 10 FAQs on IUI
Everything you need to know about Intrauterine Insemination
Answer: No, IUI is generally not painful. Most women describe it as a quick procedure (5-10 minutes) similar to a routine Pap smear. You might experience mild cramping during or shortly after the catheter insertion, but this typically subsides quickly. No anesthesia is required.
Answer: Most fertility specialists recommend trying 3 to 4 IUI cycles. If pregnancy is not achieved after this many cycles, the success rate for subsequent IUIs significantly plateaus, and it's usually advisable to consider more advanced treatments like IVF. Your age and specific diagnosis may shorten this recommendation.
Answer: Yes, IUI with fertility medications slightly increases the chance of twins (or higher-order multiples). This is because fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries to produce more than one egg.
- Natural conception: ~1-2% chance of twins
- IUI with medication: 5-10% chance of twins
- High-order multiples: Less than 1% with careful monitoring
Your doctor will monitor follicle growth to minimize the risk of high-order multiples by canceling cycles with too many mature follicles.
Answer: Women under 35 years old generally have the highest success rates with IUI (15-20% per cycle). Success rates steadily decline after age 35:
- Under 35: 15-20% per cycle
- 35-37: 10-15% per cycle
- 38-40: 5-10% per cycle
- Over 40: Under 5% per cycle
For women over 38, IVF is often recommended as a more effective treatment.
Answer: You should discuss switching to IVF with your doctor if:
- You've had 3-4 failed IUI cycles
- Your diagnostic tests reveal severe issues (blocked tubes, severe male factor)
- You are over 38-40 years old
- Your response to ovulation medications is poor
- You have severe endometriosis
- You need genetic testing (PGT)
IVF offers higher success rates in these scenarios, making it a more efficient next step.
Answer: Essential tests before IUI include:
- Semen Analysis: Evaluates sperm count, motility, morphology
- HSG (Hysterosalpingogram): Checks fallopian tube patency
- Ovulation Assessment: Blood tests (FSH, LH, AMH) and ultrasounds
- Uterine Evaluation: Ultrasound to assess uterine cavity
- Infectious Disease Screening: HIV, Hepatitis B/C, etc.
- Basic Blood Work: Thyroid, prolactin, vitamin D levels
These tests help determine if IUI is appropriate and optimize timing.
Answer: Yes, IUI is commonly performed with donor sperm for:
- Single women pursuing motherhood
- Same-sex female couples
- Heterosexual couples with severe male factor infertility
- Genetic disorder carriers avoiding transmission
Donor sperm is obtained from ICMR-approved sperm banks with thorough screening for genetic diseases, infectious diseases, and overall health. Success rates with donor sperm are often higher (20-25% per cycle) due to excellent sperm quality.
Answer: Lifestyle optimization can improve IUI success:
Do's:
- ✔ Maintain healthy BMI (18.5-24.9)
- ✔ Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid
- ✔ Eat antioxidant-rich foods
- ✔ Exercise moderately
- ✔ Manage stress (yoga, meditation)
- ✔ Sleep 7-9 hours nightly
Don'ts:
- ✖ Smoke or vape (stop 3 months prior)
- ✖ Drink alcohol during treatment
- ✖ Use recreational drugs
- ✖ Over-exercise (intense workouts)
- ✖ Take hot baths/saunas (affects sperm)
- ✖ Make drastic diet changes
Answer: The recommended waiting period is 14 days after IUI for accurate testing.
- Blood test (Beta-hCG): Most accurate, detects pregnancy 10-14 days post-IUI
- Home pregnancy test: Can be used 14 days post-IUI, but may give false negatives if taken too early
- Early testing risks: Testing before 14 days may detect chemical pregnancies that won't progress
The "Two-Week Wait": This period between IUI and testing can be emotionally challenging. Stay busy, avoid symptom-spotting, and maintain normal activities.
Answer: First IUI failure is common. Consider these steps:
- Review the cycle: Analyze ovulation response, sperm parameters, timing
- Adjust medication: Change dosage or type of ovulation drugs
- Improve sperm quality: Add supplements, lifestyle changes
- Consider additional testing: More detailed hormone panels
- Try 2-3 more cycles: Cumulative success improves with multiple attempts
- Consult about IVF: If appropriate based on age/diagnosis
Patient Success Stories
"After two challenging years of trying to conceive naturally with unexplained infertility, our fertility specialist at SheIVF suggested IUI. The process was surprisingly simple, very affordable, and much less stressful than we anticipated. We were absolutely thrilled when our second IUI cycle resulted in a positive pregnancy! It was the perfect first step for us."
– Riya & Ankit, Gurugram (2025 IUI Success)
Key Takeaways
Most Affordable Treatment
IUI costs 85-90% less than IVF, making it accessible for first-line fertility treatment.
Quick & Minimally Invasive
5-10 minute procedure, no anesthesia, minimal recovery time compared to IVF.
Good Cumulative Success
40-50% success after 3-4 cycles for well-selected candidates under 35.
Your IUI Journey Starts Here:
Get Fertility Testing
Semen analysis, HSG, hormone tests
Research Clinics
Check ICMR registration, success rates
Financial Planning
Budget ₹25,000-80,000 for 3 cycles
Schedule Consultation
With fertility specialist
Get Personalized IUI Consultation
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Your Path to Parenthood Starts Here
Why Choose SheIVF for IUI Treatment?
- Proven Success Rates: 15-20% per cycle for women under 35
- Advanced Sperm Washing: State-of-the-art lab techniques
- Expert Timing: Precise ovulation tracking and insemination
- Transparent Pricing: All-inclusive packages, no hidden costs
- Donor Sperm Options: ICMR-approved sperm bank access
- Personalized Protocols: Tailored medication and monitoring