Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

During natural conception, sperm travel through the vagina, cervix and uterus to meet the egg in the fallopian tube. IUI supports this process by preparing sperm in the laboratory resulting in a small volume of the best sperm and placing the sperm directly into the uterus at the optimal time for fertilisation. The procedure itself is quick, low intervention, and performed in our Fitzroy clinic without sedation.

IUI is often recommended as a first-line fertility treatment because it is less invasive and affordable. It may be suitable for:

• Mild male factor infertility
• Ovulation disorders
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Unexplained infertility
• Patients unable to have penetrative intercourse
• People using donor sperm
• Patients using frozen sperm samples

IUI is not a suitable option for patients with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, significant sperm abnormalities or where more advanced fertility factors are present.

Like all fertility treatment, the success rate will vary. IUI offers a moderate improvement in pregnancy rates compared to trying naturally in certain fertility situations. Current evidence suggests approximately 10% of patients may achieve pregnancy per cycle with IUI. However, this success depends on:

• • Age
  • Egg and sperm quality
  • Ovulation timing
  • Underlying fertility diagnosis
  • Whether ovulation induction medications are used

Some patients conceive within the first few cycles, while others may require ongoing treatment. Your Stellar Fertility specialist may recommend reviewing your treatment plan and considering IVF.

At Stellar Fertility, your IUI journey is carefully structured to ensure treatment is personalised, coordinated, and supportive.

Initial phase

To assess if IUI is a suitable option for, your Stellar Fertility specialist will take the time to understand:

• • Your fertility history
  • Ovulation patterns and menstrual cycle
  • Tubal assessment
  • Semen analysis results
  • Your treatment goals and preferences

Pre-treatment phase

To ensure you to feel informed and prepared before treatment begins, you may:

• • Attend a nurse education session
  • Complete blood tests or specialised ultrasounds if required
  • Discuss whether your cycle will be natural or medicated
  • Receive your treatment costs and Informed Financial Consent (IFC)
  • Meet with a fertility counsellor

Treatment phase 

IUI may be performed during a natural menstrual cycle or a stimulated cycle using ovulation induction medications. If medications are used, treatment may include:

• Letrozole or Clomiphene tablets
• FSH injections
• A trigger injection to time ovulation precisely
• Progesterone support following ovulation

During your treatment cycle (typically 2 weeks) you will attend at least 1 pelvic ultrasound with our fertility nurses at our Fitzroy clinic and occasionally a blood tests. Monitoring your response will help determine the ideal timing for insemination.

Laboratory phase

On the day of insemination, a fresh semen sample is provided at of Fitzroy andrology laboratory or previously stored sperm is thawed. The laboratory prepares the sperm by cleaning and concentrating the healthiest motile sperm. The aim is to optimise the sperm sample before insemination.

Insemination procedure

A few hours after sperm preparation, you will return to our Fitzroy clinic for your IUI procedure. A speculum is used to help guide a fine catheter through the cervix and the prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus. This procedure takes only a few minutes (usually feels similar to a cervical screening test) and does not require sedation. After the procedure, you can generally return to normal activities, bedrest is not necessary.

Cycle completion

Following insemination, a Stellar nurse will advise when to complete a pregnancy test. If pregnancy does not occur after several cycles alternative treatment pathways may be discussed will be discussed with your Stellar Fertility specialist.

Out of pocket fees begin from $1,800.

For further information on Stellar Fertility’s intrauterine insemination cost, visit the fee page or call 03 9123 8200 to speak with one of our delightful team members.