IUI

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which specially prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus. It is one of the simplest and least invasive fertility treatments available and may be recommended as an initial treatment option for individuals or couples who are experiencing difficulties conceiving.

IUI is performed at Hull & East Riding Fertility and is usually carried out alongside ovulation induction, which helps to optimise the timing of treatment.

Ovulation Induction

A doctor at the Unit will prescribe medication to stimulate ovulation and carefully tailor the dose to your individual needs. Two types of medication are typically required.

The first medication contains or mimics follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. FSH encourages immature eggs within the ovaries to grow and develop. These eggs develop within fluid-filled sacs called follicles.

During treatment, you will attend regular ultrasound scans to monitor the number and size of your developing follicles. These scans help determine when ovulation is likely to occur.

Once a follicle has reached the appropriate size, you will be given a second hormone injection to trigger the release of the egg from the follicle (ovulation). This allows the IUI procedure to be timed as accurately as possible, giving the sperm and egg the best opportunity to meet and achieve fertilisation.

One potential consequence of ovarian stimulation is the development of more than one mature follicle. This increases the risk of a multiple pregnancy. If this risk is considered too high, the treatment cycle may need to be cancelled before insemination takes place.

What Happens on the Day of the IUI Procedure?

If your partner is providing the sperm sample, they will be asked to produce a fresh semen sample on the day of treatment. A private room is available within the Unit for this purpose. The sample is then prepared and processed in the laboratory before insemination.

The IUI procedure is carried out in a private treatment room at the IVF Unit by either a doctor or a highly trained fertility nurse.

The prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterine cavity using a fine catheter. From there, the sperm can travel naturally through the fallopian tubes towards the egg. Fertilisation therefore occurs naturally within the body.

Donor Sperm Treatment

IUI can also be performed using donor sperm.

Hull & East Riding Fertility offers NHS-funded IUI treatment using donor sperm sourced through a partner donor bank, NUH Life. Private patients may also arrange donor sperm through an approved donor bank, which can be stored and used as part of their treatment at the clinic.

There are several donor sperm banks that can provide samples for treatment. Our team will be happy to discuss the available options and help you choose the most appropriate service for your circumstances.

UK-based donor sperm banks

• NUH Life Fertility Services
• London Sperm Bank
• Semovo
• Sussex Sperm Bank

International donor sperm banks

• European Sperm Bank
• Fairfax Cryobank UK
• Cryos International

Further Information

Additional information about IUI and donor insemination is available from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). Useful resources include:

• Information on what IUI is and how it works Intrauterine insemination (IUI) | HFEA
• Information on donor insemination and the treatment process Using donated eggs, sperm or embryos in treatment | HFEA
• Guidance on the legal implications of using donor sperm in fertility treatment Becoming the legal parents of your child | HFEA

These resources can provide further support and help answer any questions you may have before starting treatment.

Page Last Modified: 9th June 2026