Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also called artificial insemination, is a procedure which involves placing a concentrated amount of good quality sperm directly inside the woman’s uterus.

As a fertility treatment option, IUI is a simpler and more cost-efficient procedure than in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It is often recommended for younger couples with fewer fertility issues.

Why do you need IUI?

Your doctor may recommend IUI if you and your partner have the following:

  • Cervical factor infertility. If your cervical environment is not conducive or there are abnormalities, it can prevent the sperm from swimming through to reach and fertilise the egg. IUI bypasses your cervix and allows for a greater quantity of sperm to be deposited directly into your uterus.
  • Endometriosis-related infertility. Endometriosis is a painful gynaecological condition that affects your pelvic anatomy and reduces your chances of becoming pregnant. To improve the likelihood of pregnancy, ovulation medications may be used to help you ovulate before IUI is performed.
  • Mild male factor infertility (subfertility). In male factor infertility, there could be insufficient sperm in the semen (low sperm count), abnormalities in sperm size and shape (morphology) or the movement of sperm (motility) is poor. IUI helps to separate normal, highly motile sperm from lower quality sperm.
  • Ovulatory factor infertility. Some women have ovulation-related infertility such as insufficient eggs or lack of ovulation (no egg released). IUI is used in conjunction with ovulation induction medications to increase the chances of fertilisation.
  • Semen allergy. Some women have a rare allergy to the proteins found in semen. In such cases, IUI is used to remove these proteins before the sperm is deposited into the uterus.
  • Unexplained infertility. If you have tried to get pregnant for a year or more and your doctor has found no obvious problem with you or your partner, you have what doctors call 'unexplained infertility'. IUI is usually performed in this case as a first treatment along with ovulation induction medications.

What are the risks and complications of IUI?

IUI is a relatively simple and safe procedure, and the risk of serious complications is low. Risks include:

  • Infection
  • Multiple pregnancy - a multiple pregnancy (of twins, triplets or more) has higher risks than a single pregnancy does, including premature labour and low birth weight
  • Spotting (vaginal bleeding)

Why choose Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre?

At Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre, we have established a reputation in Singapore and the region as a treatment facility offering fertility services since 1988.

For couples undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI), our experienced fertility specialists adopt a personalised treatment plan to give you the best chance of success at starting a family. You will be supported throughout your fertility treatment journey by a caring team of embryologists, medical technologists, nurses and counsellors.

Success rates

Our comprehensive expertise in modern technologies and protocols have helped us to achieve high IVF success rates.

We are committed to partnering with you in achieving parenthood, regardless of your age or level of response to fertility medications.

Our obstetricians and gynaecologists

At Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre (MEFC), we know how difficult the fertility treatment journey can be. That is why our team of fertility specialists, embryologists, medical technologists, nurses and counsellors are committed in partnering you to achieve your dream of parenthood.

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 Female
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^Specialists may qualify to be on the Extended Panel (EP). You may enjoy selected panel benefits depending on your policy and riders.
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