Artificial insemination & IUI treatment

Ovarian stimulation involves taking oral medication or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injections at the start of your period to stimulate the ovaries and encourage the growth of multiple follicles containing eggs.

Your fertility specialist will closely monitor your response during ovarian stimulation with ultrasounds and/or blood tests. This is important as ovulation induction medication is powerful and may need to be adjusted to control the number of follicles thus reducing the risk of a multiple pregnancy.

When the follicle(s) reach a certain size a Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) injection (often referred to as a ‘the trigger injection’) is administered in preparation for intercourse or intra-uterine insemination (IUI).

IUI treatment can use fresh sperm or frozen sperm from a partner or a sperm donor. No matter what sperm is being used, a washed concentrated sample of motile sperm will be used for insemination.

The sperm sample is prepared in a way that concentrates the motile sperm in a small volume. By removing the seminal plasma, debris and sub-optimal sperm, the final preparation allows for the best quality sperm to be used for the IUI.

The final stage of IUI treatment is the insertion of the prepared sperm directly into the woman’s uterus. Your fertility specialist will use a speculum and a disposable catheter to bypass the cervix. Insemination is a simple procedure and just takes a few minutes – many women describe it as being like a Pap smear.

The benefits of the insemination process are:

• Ovulation is monitored so the sperm is placed in the uterus at the optimal time
• The sperm is concentrated so the quality and motility of the sample are improved
• More sperm enter the uterus due to bypassing the cervical mucous

The final stage of IUI is called the luteal phase and it’s the two weeks between insemination and the pregnancy test. Many people find this to be the most difficult time to endure. Whilst it’s an exciting and optimistic time, it can often be emotionally charged with expectation and anxiety. You will be encouraged to eat well, stay hydrated and keep busy while you wait for your pregnancy blood test.

We understand that every fertility journey is different. At City Fertility we tailor our fee schedule to your individualised treatment plan, created for you, by your Fertility Specialist.

IUI is often used as an early intervention fertility treatment and is not suitable for everyone. It’s covered by Medicare and the cost is $1,050 with your estimated out-of-pocket cost (after Medicare rebate) of $975.

You can learn more about our fertility treatment costs and Medicare rebates here: Fertility Treatment Prices | City Fertility.

IUI success rates differ with the use of donor sperm and sperm used from a husband/partner. There are several reasons for this depending on your individual circumstances and your fertility specialist will discuss this with you.

IUI success with partner or husband’s sperm

Under 39 years is 10%*

 IUI success with donor sperm

Under 35 years is 21.4% and 35 – 39 years is 15.2%*

It is generally recommended that you progress to IVF if IUI has been unsuccessful after two attempts. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has a much higher pregnancy success rate than IUI.  City Fertility’s average success rate is 42.5%* (based on City Fertility national data collected in 2024 from all clinics in the age group under 40 years).

The key difference between IUI and IVF is where the process of fertilisation takes place. IUI takes place inside the uterus, relying on natural fertilisation for the egg and sperm to meet on their own. IVF happens outside of the uterus in a controlled laboratory with more intervention.

You can learn more about the difference here: IUI and IVF: What’s the difference? | City Fertility.

With Medicare’s assistance, fertility treatment is now more affordable. IUI is covered by Medicare. You can learn more about Medicare rebates here: Medicare Rebates for Fertility Treatment.

The key difference between IUI and IVF is where the process of fertilisation takes place. IUI takes place inside the uterus, relying on natural fertilisation for the egg and sperm to meet on their own. IVF happens outside of the uterus in a controlled laboratory with more intervention.

You can learn more about the difference here: IUI and IVF: What’s the difference? | City Fertility.

Potential risks and side effects associated with IUI include:

• Infection: This may be more common among women with a history of pelvic infection. This can develop in 1% of cases where ovaries become enlarged, and fluid accumulates in the abdomen. This complication requires rest, monitoring, intravenous fluids and sometimes drainage.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This can develop in 1% of cases where ovaries become enlarged, and fluid accumulates in the abdomen. This complication requires rest, monitoring, intravenous fluids and sometimes drainage.
• Multiple pregnancy: If there are too many follicles seen on ultrasound before the IUI is carried out, the risk of multiple pregnancy may be too high and the procedure may be cancelled.
• Failed procedure: In a small number of cases, it is not possible to place the catheter into position through the cervix, and the sperm cannot be inserted into the uterine cavity.