Understanding What IUI Fertility Treatment Is

Whether you have been looking into the fertility treatments offered by the NHS or private fertility clinics, you will know just how many different options are available to couples who are struggling to conceive these days. Thankfully, more often than not, no matter what’s causing you to be unable to fall pregnant naturally, there is a fertility treatment that can help and it goes without saying that this can provide couples with peace of mind.

When researching fertility treatments, it is likely that you will have come across a treatment called IUI. Unlike other treatments like IVF, this isn’t as well-known and this can lead to it being overlooked by couples who are struggling to conceive naturally when, in fact, it may actually be the most suitable option available to them. To help any couples who are interested in learning more about IUI, below is some information you may find beneficial. 

What is IUI treatment?

IUI stands for intrauterine insemination and you may also hear this fertility treatment referred to as artificial insemination. This is a relatively straightforward fertility treatment and it is one of the most basic treatments available at private clinics. 

Simply put, this treatment involves the placement of washed sperm from your partner or a donor into your womb. This is a minor outpatient procedure and it is one of the most straightforward fertility treatments that can increase your chances of pregnancy. 

There are two different types of intrauterine insemination, IUI, treatment; the first being undertaken alongside your natural menstrual cycle, and the second being ovulation induction where you will be given fertility drugs. A fertility specialist will be able to help you decide which option will be best for your individual situation. 

Why do people undertake IUI?

Due to the fact that during IUI treatment, higher concentrations of good quality sperm will be deposited into your womb where the egg is waiting, it increases the chances of the egg and sperm finding each other. So, simply, for some couples it can increase your chances of falling pregnant. 

Often, IUI is a much more affordable and low risk fertility treatment than alternatives like IVF and ICSI, meaning it can be a brilliant option to try if you want to avoid more advanced fertility treatments. Depending on various different factors, IUI can be an effective option for some couples and help you maximise your chances of getting pregnant, whilst avoiding more complex and expensive fertility treatments.

Who can benefit from IUI?

This particular fertility treatment can be beneficial for couples with unexplained infertility who do not wish to consider IVF. If you have been struggling to conceive for a while now and you’re at the beginning of your assisted fertility journey, this can be a brilliant place to start. You may find that IUI is successful and you never need to progress to something like IVF. 

It also isn’t uncommon for couples to try IUI when they’re unable to conceive naturally by having vaginal sex due to a physical disability or a medical condition. Often, same-sex couples or single women who want to start a family will consider IUI treatment with donor sperm as their first step when starting their family. 

Whilst, as you may expect, there are some situations where IUI is unlikely to be the most suitable option available, a fertility specialist will be able to advise you further for your individual circumstances. 

How much does IUI cost?

As mentioned above, IUI is more affordable than other fertility treatments and it is possible to have IUI treatment for as little as £1000. Of course, this cost is dependent on numerous factors, but, you can almost guarantee that it will be one of the more affordable options available. 

It isn’t uncommon for couples to pay for multi-cycle packages when they opt for this fertility treatment and they are a cost-effective solution if there’s a chance that you may require more than one cycle of IUI to fall pregnant. 

These packages tend to be much more affordable than other treatments too and generally speaking, you can expect multi-cycle IUI to cost around £2,500. Whereas multi-cycle IVF, for example, can cost around £7,500.

Speaking to a fertility clinic about IUI treatment 

Hopefully, you will now know a little bit more about IUI fertility treatment and how it can help couples to become parents. There is no denying that it is a brilliant option to consider and depending on your individual circumstances, it may actually be the most suitable solution too. 

Should you wish to speak to a fertility specialist about IUI treatment in more detail, please feel free to contact us here at London IVF and Genetics Centre. We frequently assist couples with IUI and we will gladly answer any questions that you may have in this regard. We are fully committed to providing exemplary bespoke fertility services and the best possible success rates, regardless of where you are in your assisted fertility journey. Never hesitate to reach out to us should you require our assistance, we’re always happy to help.