Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a gentle fertility treatment that improves the chance of conception by placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus at the right time. It can be a supportive option for individuals and couples navigating mild male-factor infertility, irregular cycles, donor sperm, or unexplained fertility challenges. I guide you through the IUI process with clear, compassionate, evidence-based care, helping you feel informed, supported, and confident as you move toward growing your family.
“IUI is a gentle way to give your journey a stronger start, offering guidance, support, and a little extra help at the moment it matters most.”
A gentle step toward conception
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a simple and effective fertility treatment that helps sperm and egg meet at exactly the right time.
For many couples and individuals, IUI offers an accessible, low-intervention pathway to pregnancy before considering IVF.
Dr Rebecca Mackenzie-Proctor uses advanced sperm preparation techniques, precise ultrasound-guided timing, and compassionate support to give every IUI cycle the best chance of success.
What Is IUI?
IUI involves preparing a semen sample (from a partner or donor) in the lab, concentrating the healthiest sperm, and gently placing them into the uterus using a thin catheter around the time of ovulation.
This short, painless procedure improves the chance of sperm reaching and fertilising the egg.
IUI can be performed in:
A natural cycle, when you ovulate spontaneously
A stimulated cycle, when ovulation is induced with medication (often letrozole or FSH injections)
Who Might Benefit from IUI
Couples with mild male factor infertility
Unexplained infertility
Cervical mucus issues or mild endometriosis
Single women or same-sex female couples using donor sperm
Patients not yet ready for or requiring IVF
The IUI Process
Pre-cycle assessment
Includes hormonal testing, ultrasound, and tubal patency check to confirm suitability.Ovulation tracking
We monitor your cycle with ultrasounds and may use medication to control timing.Sperm preparation
The sperm sample is “washed” to select the healthiest motile sperm for insemination.Insemination procedure
A soft catheter gently delivers sperm into the uterus. The process takes only a few minutes and doesn’t require anaesthetic.Luteal support & follow-up
Progesterone may be prescribed after the procedure. A pregnancy test follows in 10–14 days.
Success Rates
IUI success depends on several factors — age, sperm quality, ovulation response, and underlying fertility issues.
Women under 35 may expect pregnancy rates of 10–20% per cycle.
Cumulative success improves with multiple cycles.
Combining IUI with mild stimulation often increases success rates.
Risks & Considerations
Multiple pregnancy if ovulation is stimulated
Mild discomfort or spotting after the procedure
Cycle cancellation if timing is suboptimal or over-response occurs
Lower success in severe sperm or tubal factor infertility (IVF may be recommended)
All procedures are performed in a supportive, low-stress environment to optimise comfort and outcomes.
Why Choose IUI
Advanced sperm preparation using density-gradient and swim-up methods
Precise ovulation timing through ultrasound and hormonal tracking
Gentle, patient-centred approach aligned with best-practice fertility care
Inclusive fertility pathways for individuals, couples, and same-sex families
Transparent advice about success rates, costs, and next steps
