Intrauterine insemination (artificial insemination) is a treatment that involves inserting sperm directly into a woman’s womb. A woman should only have IUI if her fallopian tubes are open. The sperm is first prepared in a laboratory, to separate the best sperm from the poor quality sperm, before it is placed in the womb at the correct time in the menstrual cycle to optimise the chances of egg fertilisation.
IUI is a commonly used fertility treatment for same-sex couples and single lady’s using donor sperm. It is used in heterosexual couples if they struggle to achieve regular vaginal intercourse but is not recommended for couples that have been diagnosed with unexplained subfertility. Women that have blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, poor egg quality, low egg reserves or male factor sperm problems should not attempt this treatment.