FERTILITY · MULTAN
IUI Explained: What the Procedure Involves and Who It Is For
By Dr. Maryam Gul · November 2026 · 6 min read · Medically reviewed by Dr. Maryam Gul
The short answer
IUI, or intrauterine insemination, is a fertility procedure where specially prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. It is a short clinic procedure, not an operation, and fertilisation still happens naturally inside the body. IUI is usually considered after an assessment of both partners, for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor issues, or ovulation problems that can be supported. It does not guarantee pregnancy, and your doctor should discuss your individual chances honestly.
How the cycle usually works
First, your cycle is monitored, sometimes naturally and sometimes with medicines that support egg development. Scans and, where needed, tests track when ovulation is near. On the planned day, a semen sample is prepared in the laboratory so that the healthiest sperm are concentrated. The prepared sample is then placed into the uterus through a thin tube, a process most women describe as similar to a routine examination. You rest briefly and go home the same day.
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Who IUI is usually for
IUI is considered when the fallopian tubes are open, when there is a mild issue in the semen report, when infertility is unexplained after basic tests, or when ovulation support alone has not worked. It is not suitable for every cause of infertility. Blocked tubes, severe male factor problems or long standing infertility in an older couple may point earlier towards IVF referral, which your doctor will discuss openly rather than repeating cycles without a plan.
What success and next steps look like
A pregnancy test is done after the advised waiting period, usually about two weeks. If IUI does not work, the number of further cycles depends on your age, reports and response. Many couples are advised a limited number of cycles before reviewing the plan. Keeping copies of every report, from both partners, makes each review faster and clearer, wherever you continue treatment.
When to see a doctor
Book a fertility assessment if you have been trying to conceive for a year, or six months if you are over 35, or sooner if periods are very irregular or a report already shows a problem. When to see a doctor also applies after IUI: contact the clinic for severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding or swelling after fertility medicines, rather than waiting for the next routine visit.
Common questions
Most women report only mild discomfort, similar to a routine internal examination, with brief cramping for some.
In IUI, fertilisation happens inside the body. In IVF, eggs are collected and fertilised in a laboratory, and an embryo is placed in the uterus.
Last updated November 2026. This article is for general awareness only and is not medical advice for your individual situation.