Find IUI Clinics Near You
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the most common first-line fertility treatment — minimally invasive, relatively affordable, and effective for many patients. Find clinics, understand honest success rates, and decide if IUI is right for you.
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility procedure where a concentrated sample of washed sperm is placed directly inside the uterus using a thin catheter, bypassing the cervix and shortening the distance sperm must travel to reach the fallopian tubes and egg.
Unlike IVF, fertilization happens naturally inside the body. IUI is commonly performed alongside oral or injectable medications to stimulate ovulation (stimulated IUI), or in natural cycles (natural IUI).
IUI is widely used by individuals and couples using donor sperm — including LGBTQ+ families — as well as those with unexplained infertility, mild male factor, or cervical mucus issues. It is typically the recommended starting point before progressing to IVF.
The IUI Process — Step by Step
- 1Baseline Testing — Blood work (hormone levels), transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovaries and uterus, and semen analysis for the sperm provider.
- 2Ovarian Stimulation (Optional) — Oral medications (Clomid, Letrozole) or low-dose injectable gonadotropins to stimulate 1–2 follicles. Unstimulated (natural) IUI is also an option.
- 3Monitoring Ultrasound — Ultrasound checks confirm follicle development and timing. Most IUI cycles involve 1–3 monitoring appointments.
- 4Trigger Shot — An hCG injection triggers ovulation at a precise time, ensuring insemination is timed optimally.
- 5Sperm Preparation ("Washing") — A sperm sample is processed in the lab to concentrate motile sperm and remove seminal plasma and debris. Takes 30–60 minutes.
- 6Insemination — The prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus via a thin, flexible catheter. The procedure takes 5–10 minutes and is typically painless.
- 7Pregnancy Test — A blood pregnancy test (beta hCG) is taken approximately 14 days after insemination to confirm results.
IUI Success Rates — Honest Numbers
We believe patients deserve honest data. IUI success rates per cycle are lower than many sources suggest. Cumulative rates over 3–6 cycles are more encouraging for the right candidates.
| Patient Age | Live Birth Rate / Cycle | Cumulative (6 cycles) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | 10–20% | ~65% |
| 35–37 | 8–15% | ~55% |
| 38–40 | 6–10% | ~40% |
| 41–42 | 3–7% | ~25% |
| 43+ | 1–4% | <15% |
Why IUI success rates appear low
IUI success rates are reported per cycle, not cumulatively. Each individual cycle has a 10–20% chance. Most reproductive endocrinologists recommend 3–6 cycles before considering IVF escalation. If you are a good candidate, the cumulative chance over 6 cycles can approach 65% (under age 35). The per-cycle rate is comparable to natural conception in fertile couples (~20–25%).
IUI Cost — What to Expect
Natural IUI (no meds)
$300–$600
Base procedure only; no ovulation induction
Stimulated IUI (Clomid/Letrozole)
$600–$1,200
Includes oral meds + monitoring ultrasound
Stimulated IUI (Injectable)
$1,000–$3,000
Injectable gonadotropins; higher twin risk
Donor sperm (add to above)
+$500–$1,200
Sperm bank vial cost; varies by bank and donor
Costs vary significantly by clinic and location. New York, San Francisco, and Boston are typically 20–40% above the national average. Insurance coverage varies; check your plan's SBC and ask your clinic about multi-cycle packages.
Full IUI cost breakdown by protocol and state →Who Is IUI For? A Decision Guide
IUI is effective for specific diagnoses and patient profiles. Understanding whether you're a good candidate can save time, money, and emotional energy.
Good candidates for IUI
- Unexplained infertility (under 38)
- Single individuals and same-sex couples using donor sperm
- Mild male factor infertility (slightly low count/motility)
- Cervical factor infertility
- Mild endometriosis
- Those who want to try a less invasive option before IVF
IUI may not be appropriate for
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Severe male factor infertility (IVF + ICSI required)
- Diminished ovarian reserve (low AMH)
- Moderate to severe endometriosis with tubal involvement
- Age 40+ (IVF typically more cost-effective)
- After 3–6 failed IUI cycles (time to escalate to IVF)
IUI vs. Home Insemination (ICI)
For some individuals and couples — particularly those under 35 without known fertility issues and using donor sperm — home insemination may be a reasonable first step before clinical IUI.
| Factor | Clinical IUI | Home ICI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per attempt | $300–$3,000 | $150–$600 |
| Success rate / cycle | 10–20% | 10–15% |
| Sperm placement | Inside uterus (higher) | Near cervix (lower) |
| Ovulation monitoring | Ultrasound + blood work | LH strips at home |
| Sperm preparation | Lab-washed, concentrated | Unwashed (ICI-ready) |
| Timing accuracy | Highly precise (trigger shot) | Dependent on LH testing |
| Privacy | Clinic visit required | Fully private at home |
| Requires doctor | Yes | No (but recommended) |
| Best for | All candidates; confirmed infertility issues | Healthy under 35, no fertility issues |
Considering home insemination first?
If you're under 35, have no known fertility conditions, and are using certified donor sperm, starting with home ICI can save several thousand dollars. MakeAMom is a well-regarded provider of at-home insemination kits designed for use with frozen donor sperm. Their kits are LGBTQ+ inclusive and used by thousands of families across the US each year.
Find an IUI Clinic Near You
Browse fertility clinics offering IUI across the US — with patient reviews, insurance information, and contact details.
Search IUI ClinicsMedical Disclaimer: Success rates are estimates based on published clinical literature and are not guarantees. Individual outcomes vary significantly. This content is educational and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed reproductive endocrinologist before beginning treatment.