Intrauterine Insemination
IUI Treatment in Chennai
Affordable Fertility Care Since 1991
Intrauterine Insemination
What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
When to Consider IUI
IUI may be considered in the following situations:
- Difficulty conceiving for over a year (or 6 months if over age 35).
- Unexplained infertility where no clear cause is found.
- Mild male factor infertility (low sperm count, motility, or mild ejaculatory issues).
- Problems with cervical mucus or cervical scarring.
- Sexual dysfunction (erection or ejaculation problems).
- Use of donor sperm (single women or same-sex female couples).
- Couples wanting a less invasive, more affordable option before moving to IVF.
Types of IUI
Natural Cycle IUI
- Performed during a woman’s natural ovulation cycle without fertility drugs.
- Best suited for women who ovulate regularly.
Stimulated (or Medicated) IUI
- Involves fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries.
- Increases the chances of producing more than one mature egg, which can improve pregnancy rates.
Donor Sperm IUI
- Performed when donor sperm is used instead of a partner’s sperm.
- Useful for single women, same-sex female couples, or cases where male infertility is severe.
Step Process
Procedure of IUI
Step 1 : Preparation & Monitoring
- Initial tests may include blood work, ultrasound, semen analysis, and infection screening.
- Ovulation is tracked using ultrasound, hormone tests, or ovulation kits. Sometimes, an injection (hCG) is given to trigger egg release.
Step 2 : Sperm Collection & Washing
- A fresh sperm sample (from partner or donor) is collected.
- In the lab, the sperm is “washed” to separate healthy, motile sperm from weaker ones and seminal fluid (which could cause cramping).
Step 3 : Insemination
- A speculum is inserted into the vagina (like during a Pap smear).
- A thin catheter is passed through the cervix into the uterus.
- The prepared sperm is gently placed directly into the uterus.
- The procedure is quick (just a few minutes) and usually painless, though mild cramping or spotting can occur.
Step 4 : Post-Procedure
- You may rest for 10–30 minutes afterward.
- Normal activities can usually be resumed the same day.
- A pregnancy test is taken about 2 weeks later.
Results of IUI
Success Rate :
- 10–20% success rate per cycle for women under 35.
- Rates decrease with advancing age.
Best Outcomes :
- Achieved when combined with fertility drugs and timed accurately with ovulation.
When It May Not Work Well :
- Severe endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes, very poor sperm quality, or multiple failed IUI cycles. In such cases, IVF may be a better option.
IUI Treatment Cost in Chennai
Transparent pricing at Aakash Fertility Centre — no hidden charges
| IUI Type | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Cycle IUI | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 | Consultation, semen wash, insemination |
| Stimulated (Medicated) IUI | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 | Ovulation induction, monitoring, insemination |
| Donor Sperm IUI | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 | Sperm bank, wash, insemination |
| IUI with Injectable Gonadotropins | ₹18,000 – ₹30,000 | FSH injections, follicle tracking, insemination |
IUI vs IVF — Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Understanding the key differences helps you make an informed decision
| Factor | IUI | IVF |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive (catheter) | Surgical egg retrieval required |
| Cost per cycle | ₹8,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹90,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Success rate / cycle | 10–20% | 40–60% (under 35) |
| Recovery time | None — resume same day | 1–2 days rest advised |
| Stimulation needed | Optional (low-dose) | Required (high-dose) |
| Suitable for blocked tubes | No | Yes |
| Suitable for severe male factor | No | Yes (ICSI) |
| Genetic testing option | Not applicable | Yes (PGT-A, PGT-M) |
| Typical cycles before escalating | 3–6 cycles | As recommended |
Start with IUI if you have:
- Unexplained infertility
- Mild or moderate male factor
- Cervical mucus problems
- Need for donor sperm
- Ovulation irregularities
Proceed to IVF if you have:
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Severe male factor infertility
- Advanced maternal age (38+)
- 3 or more failed IUI cycles
- Moderate–severe endometriosis
IUI Success Rates in Chennai — What to Expect
Success rates per cycle at Aakash Fertility Centre (stimulated IUI)
| Age Group | Success Rate / Cycle | Cumulative (3 cycles) | Visual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | 18–22% | ~45–55% | |
| 30–34 | 15–20% | ~40–50% | |
| 35–37 | 10–15% | ~28–40% | |
| 38–40 | 8–12% | ~22–32% | |
| Over 40 | 4–8% | ~12–22% |
Factors That Improve IUI Success
IUI Treatment in Chennai — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions from our patients
What is the cost of IUI treatment in Chennai?
IUI cost in Chennai ranges from ₹8,000 for a natural cycle to ₹30,000 for a stimulated cycle with injectable gonadotropins. At Aakash Fertility Centre, our pricing is fully transparent — a detailed cost breakdown is provided during the initial consultation before any treatment begins.
How many IUI cycles should I try before considering IVF?
Most fertility specialists recommend 3–6 IUI cycles before escalating to IVF, depending on your age and diagnosis. If you are over 37 or have a specific cause of infertility (e.g., blocked tubes), your doctor may recommend moving to IVF earlier to avoid delaying treatment.
Is the IUI procedure painful?
Most women describe IUI as similar to a Pap smear — mild cramping or pressure for a few minutes during insemination. The procedure takes less than 10 minutes and no anaesthesia is required. You can return to normal activities the same day.
How long does IUI take from start to finish?
A full IUI cycle — from day 2 baseline scan to insemination — takes about 12–16 days. The insemination procedure itself takes under 10 minutes. After insemination, a pregnancy test is done after 14 days (the two-week wait).
What is the success rate of IUI in Chennai?
IUI success rates are 10–22% per cycle depending on age and protocol. Women under 35 have the best outcomes. Over 3 stimulated cycles, cumulative pregnancy rates reach 40–55% for good-prognosis patients. Aakash Fertility Centre's stimulated IUI outcomes are consistently above the national average.
Can IUI be done with donor sperm?
Yes. Donor sperm IUI is available at Aakash Fertility Centre using ICMR-certified, thoroughly screened sperm from reputed sperm banks. It is a common option for single women, same-sex couples, or couples with severe azoospermia where surgical sperm retrieval is not possible.
What should I avoid after IUI?
After IUI, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, hot baths, and sexual intercourse for 48 hours. Continue any prescribed progesterone or oestrogen supplements as directed. Light walking is fine. Most normal activities including work can resume the same day.
Does IUI increase the chance of twins?
Natural cycle IUI has a twin rate similar to natural conception (~1–2%). Stimulated IUI increases the chance of twins or triplets to 10–15% due to multiple egg development. Your doctor will monitor follicle growth and may advise cancelling the cycle if too many follicles develop to reduce this risk.
Ready to Start Your IUI Journey?
Consult our fertility specialists at Aakash Fertility Centre — Chennai's most trusted IVF hospital since 1991. Free first consultation available.