ICI (Intracervical Insemination)

ICI deposits sperm at the entrance to or within the cervical canal rather than directly into the uterus. Because the sperm must travel through the cervix — the same path as in intercourse — it is less invasive than IUI but also generally less effective. Unwashed donor sperm (suitable for ICI but not IUI) can be used.

ICI is most commonly used by people inseminating at home with donor sperm using a needleless syringe. At-home insemination kits are widely available. Clinic-based IUI is typically recommended when a woman has cervical mucus problems, male factor infertility, or prior ICI failures, because bypassing the cervix and using washed sperm improves success rates.