IUI & OI FAQs

Are there lifestyle changes I can make to improve IUI or OI success?

Yes. Small, consistent changes can support fertility and general health:

Aim for a healthy weight where possible
Follow a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet
Reduce stress using exercise, mindfulness, therapy or other supports
Avoid smoking and vaping
Limit alcohol and high caffeine intake

Dr Mackenzie-Proctor can also advise on supplements and preconception care based on your individual situation.

Can I still exercise while undergoing IUI or OI?

Yes - exercise is beneficial, particularly in PCOS.

General guidance:

Moderate exercise is encouraged
Avoid high-impact, intense workouts if ovaries become tender or enlarged
Yoga, walking, cycling and Pilates are excellent options

Your specialist will advise if activity needs to be modified.

Can I travel after an IUI procedure?

Yes, many people travel after IUI. In general:

Light activity and normal daily tasks are fine
Avoid very strenuous exercise or heavy lifting in the immediate days afterwards
If you’re planning long-haul travel or anything physically demanding, discuss this with your specialist in advance

Does IUI always involve medication?

Not necessarily.

Natural-cycle IUI uses your own spontaneous ovulation, with careful monitoring - this has lower success rates.
Stimulated IUI uses fertility medications to encourage egg development and better timing

Dr Mackenzie-Proctor will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your age, cycle pattern, sperm parameters and other fertility factors.

How do I know if IUI has worked?

A blood pregnancy test is usually arranged 10–14 days after the IUI.

Testing earlier (for example with home urine tests) can be misleading and may:

Miss a very early pregnancy
Pick up residual trigger medication and falsely appear positive

You’ll be given specific instructions and a test date.

How is sperm collected for IUI?

Sperm can be obtained by:

Ejaculation into a sterile container at the clinic
Ejaculation at home (if the sample can be delivered to the lab within the required timeframe)
Thawing a previously frozen sperm sample
In some cases, surgical sperm retrieval (for example, if sperm are not present in the ejaculate)

The laboratory then prepares (“washes”) the sperm so the best, most motile sperm are used for insemination.

Is IUI painful?

IUI is usually a quick, minimally invasive procedure. Most people describe:

Mild cramping, similar to period pain, during or soon after the procedure
Discomfort that settles quickly without needing strong pain relief

You’ll be talked through each step, and you can let the team know if you’re anxious about procedures so they can support you.

What should I avoid after IUI?

After IUI it’s recommended that you:

Avoid hot tubs, saunas and very hot baths
Avoid high-impact or very intense exercise for a short period
Limit alcohol, cigarettes/vaping and recreational drugs
Use only medications approved by your fertility specialist

Gentle movement and everyday activities are usually fine.

Can I still do IUI if my periods are irregular?

Yes. Many people with irregular periods can still have IUI, but usually with additional monitoring and/or medication.

Options may include:

Medications to regulate or trigger ovulation
Closer ultrasound and blood test monitoring to time the insemination accurately

Dr Mackenzie-Proctor will review your cycle history, hormone tests and ultrasound to decide on the safest and most effective approach.

What are the success rates of IUI?

Success rates for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) vary depending on several factors - especially age, cause of infertility, ovarian stimulation method, and sperm quality. IUI can be a very effective option when the primary barrier to conception is timing or mild fertility issues, but it is not equally effective for everyone.

Most high-quality research and clinical guidance suggest:

Patient profile / Approx. pregnancy rate per cycle*

Women <35 with good ovarian reserve: 10–20% per cycle

Women 35–39: 8–15% per cycle

Women ≥40: 5–10% per cycle (or lower)

Success over 3–6 cycles (cumulative): up to 30–40% in appropriate candidates

*These figures are generalised across international IVF/IUI registries and published outcome data. Results vary by individual circumstance.

Success is usually highest when:

Ovarian stimulation is used (rather than natural cycle IUI)
Tubes are open on both sides
Semen parameters are normal or only mildly reduced
Treatment is performed at the optimal ovulation window
No additional infertility factors are present (e.g. endometriosis, low ovarian reserve)

Success may be lower when:

Age is >38–40 years
AMH or egg reserve is low
Moderate–severe male-factor infertility exists
Tubal pathology or severe endometriosis is present
Irregular cycles require heavy medication or ovulation does not occur regularly

If pregnancy does not occur after 3–6 cycles, many patients will move to IVF to maximise efficiency - particularly where age or fertility diagnosis is less favourable.

Ovulation Induction

How many cycles of OI are usually recommended?

Most fertility specialists recommend around 3–6 cycles of OI before considering more advanced options like IVF, but this varies.

The ideal number depends on:

Age
Response to medication
Partner’s fertility factors
Any other gynaecological or medical issues

Dr Mackenzie-Proctor will review your progress regularly and discuss when it might be appropriate to escalate or change treatment.

Do I need blood tests and ultrasounds during Ovulation Induction?

Monitoring is essential to achieve safe and accurate treatment outcomes.

Monitoring allows your specialist to:

Confirm follicle development
Prevent overstimulation or multiple pregnancy
Time intercourse or trigger injections accurately
Adjust medication doses to optimise response

Most patients have 1–3 ultrasound/blood test monitoring visits per cycle.

Can Ovulation Induction cause twins or multiple pregnancy?

Yes — although the risk is low with modern protocols.

Approximate risk by treatment type:

Letrozole / Clomiphene: ~5–8% risk of twins
Gonadotropins: higher risk if not carefully monitored

The goal of treatment is one healthy baby at a time. Monitoring scans help prevent overstimulation, and cycles may be cancelled or adjusted if too many follicles develop.

How many follicles do you aim for in OI cycles?

In most cases:

1 mature follicle is ideal
Occasionally 2 follicles may be acceptable depending on age and clinical context

If >2 lead follicles develop, your specialist may recommend avoiding conception that cycle to reduce the risk of multiples.

What is the success rate of Ovulation Induction?

Success varies based on age, diagnosis and whether intercourse or IUI is used.

Average estimates (per cycle):

Range from 10-20% per cycle in younger patients (<35) with anovulatory infertility
Lower success as age increases or where additional male-factor issues exist
Many patients conceive within 3–6 cycles

If pregnancy hasn’t occurred after several cycles, IVF may be recommended to improve efficiency.

Are Medicare rebates available for Ovulation Induction treatment?

In some cases — many components of OI treatment can receive Medicare rebates, but the cycle itself is not. Possible rebates including:

- Initial and review consultations if referred by your GP
- Ultrasound monitoring (if external)
- Pathology/hormone blood tests
- Some or all fertility medications depending on indication and medication used

You will receive an itemised quote before beginning treatment, and the clinic can help you understand expected out-of-pocket costs.