IUI with Donor Sperm

IUI with donor sperm is a fertility treatment in which prepared donated sperm is placed directly into the uterus around ovulation. Unlike IVF, it does not involve fertilising eggs in a laboratory.

Is donor IUI suitable for you?

A fertility assessment is needed before treatment. This includes checking whether the fallopian tubes are open and healthy and reviewing ovulation. IUI may not be appropriate for some fertility conditions. Your clinician will explain whether donor IUI, IVF or another approach should be considered.

What happens during treatment?

• Assessment and planning: discuss your history, investigations, donor screening and consent.
• Ovulation timing: monitoring helps the team plan insemination. Medicines may be recommended in some cases.
• Insemination: prepared donor sperm is passed into the uterus through a thin catheter.
• Follow-up: the clinic explains when to test for pregnancy and when to contact the team.

How does it differ from donor-sperm IVF?

IVF with donor sperm includes egg collection and fertilisation in a laboratory. Donor IUI does not include those steps. The choice should reflect your assessment rather than assuming one treatment is right for everyone.

Questions for your specialist

Ask about the proposed monitoring, any medicines and their risks, donor availability, counselling and total costs. Discuss what happens if treatment is unsuccessful and when the plan should be reviewed. Pregnancy is not guaranteed.

Clinical eligibility and applicable requirements must be confirmed with the treating clinic. Bring previous reports to your appointment so the specialist can discuss your options.

Book a fertility consultation or read about IUI treatment and the Aveya fertility team.

General treatment information: NHS IUI overview. This UK resource explains the procedure; local eligibility and requirements must be discussed with your clinic.