1
Monitor ovulation
Ovaries are assessed by transvaginal ultrasound and hormones are monitored by blood tests. Fertility medication may or may not be used to stimulate ovulation, depending on the individual case.
IUI
Intrauterine Insemination
A gentle first-line treatment to help sperm reach the egg at the right time.
IUI is a fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus during a woman's ovulation window. It increases the number of healthy sperm reaching the egg and improves the chance of pregnancy.
IUI does not involve vitrification and is primarily for couples experiencing difficulty conceiving who wish to try for a pregnancy now.
Overview
An IUI treatment cycle can be understood in four key stages.
2
Collect sperm
Once the fertile window is determined, sperm from a partner or donor is collected, assessed and processed. The sample is 'washed' to separate sperm from seminal fluid, which can irritate the uterine lining, enhancing quality for insemination.
3
Inseminate
The processed sperm is inserted through the cervix into the uterus in an outpatient setting. The procedure takes a few minutes and is relatively non-invasive.
4
Wait and reassess
After around two weeks, a pregnancy test is administered — a blood or urine test at the clinic, or an at-home urine test. If unsuccessful, your specialist may suggest another cycle or an alternative treatment.
Reference process and timeline
What a typical cycle looks like
Timing varies from person to person. The reference timeline below reflects a typical cycle but may look different for you.