Fertility treatments
IUI (Intrauterine insemination)
What is IUI?
IUI is an assisted conception technique which involves the placement of prepared sperm into your womb at the time of ovulation (release of eggs).
IUI can improve your chances of becoming pregnant
How does it work?
Firstly, your ovaries are gently stimulated by self-administered hormone injections. At Bourn Hall, we show you how to do your injections and answer any questions you may have. The hormone dosage is tailored to you according to age and if applicable, previous response to ovary stimulation.
Your progress will be monitored with ultrasound scans. We’ll track the number and size of follicles on your ovaries. We’ll also monitor the thickness of the endometrium (lining of your womb).
Once the follicles reach optimum size, you have the ‘trigger shot’ injection which induces ovulation (release of eggs).
Approx 36-48 hours after the ‘trigger shot’ injection, IUI is performed in the clinic.
The IUI procedure is swift and relatively comfortable. Therefore, it does not require sedation or pain relief. It involves a medical practitioner inserting a small plastic instrument (called a speculum) through the vagina (birth canal) and passing a small straw (catheter) through the neck of the womb and releasing sperm into the womb. The procedure only takes a few minutes.
You will be given some vaginal suppositories containing progesterone to be used daily. These support your womb environment so that it’s ready for pregnancy.
A pregnancy test is taken two weeks after IUI.
Who is IUI for?
IUI may be appropriate for women who:
Have unexplained subfertility
Have mild endometriosis
IUI is also ideal for couples who:
Are experiencing difficulties with intercourse
Are experiencing mild male factor fertility issues
IUI is not recommended in cases of severe male factor infertility, women over age 35 and for women who have severe endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes.
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) Frequently Asked Questions
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a fertility treatment where specially prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chance of fertilisation.
IUI may be recommended for couples with mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or ovulation issues.
The procedure involves monitoring ovulation, preparing the sperm sample in the laboratory, and inserting it into the uterus using a thin catheter. This helps place sperm closer to the egg at the optimal time.
No. IUI involves placing sperm into the uterus and relies on fertilisation occurring naturally inside the body. IVF involves fertilisation in the laboratory before an embryo is transferred to the uterus.
IUI can be performed in a natural cycle or with fertility medication to stimulate ovulation. Your specialist will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your medical history and fertility assessment.
Most people find IUI quick and relatively comfortable. You may feel mild cramping during or shortly after the procedure, but it usually passes quickly.
An IUI cycle typically follows your natural menstrual cycle and may take a few weeks from the start of monitoring to the insemination procedure.
Success depends on factors such as age, sperm quality, timing of ovulation, tubal health, and whether fertility medication is used. IUI is generally recommended for selected cases where these factors are favourable.
Some couples conceive in the first cycle, while others may need several attempts. If pregnancy does not occur after a certain number of cycles, your specialist may discuss alternative treatments such as IVF.
Yes. IUI is often used as an initial fertility treatment when natural conception has not occurred, especially when no clear cause of infertility is identified.
At Bourn Hall, IUI treatment is personalised and supported by careful cycle monitoring, experienced clinicians, and advanced laboratory sperm preparation to optimise timing and outcomes.
A fertility specialist at Bourn Hall UAE will review your fertility tests, medical history, and family-building goals to advise whether IUI is the most suitable option or if another treatment may offer better chances.
