Who is a good candidate for IUI?

Good IUI candidates include couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, ovulation problems like PCOS, or cervical factor infertility. IUI is also ideal for single women and LGBTQ+ couples using donor sperm. Women should have at least one open fallopian tube for IUI to be effective.

What is the success rate of IUI?

IUI success rates typically range from 10-20% per cycle, depending on factors like age, diagnosis, and whether fertility medications are used. Women under 35 generally have higher success rates. Most couples who will conceive with IUI do so within 3-4 cycles.

How is IUI different from IVF?

IUI is less invasive and more affordable than IVF. With IUI, sperm is placed directly in the uterus and fertilization occurs naturally in the body. IVF involves retrieving eggs, fertilizing them in a lab, and transferring embryos. IUI is often tried first before moving to IVF.

Is the IUI procedure painful?

IUI is generally not painful. Most women describe it as similar to a Pap smear - you may feel mild cramping when the catheter is inserted. The procedure takes only a few minutes and requires no anesthesia. You can return to normal activities immediately after.

How many IUI cycles should I try?

Most fertility specialists recommend 3-4 IUI cycles before considering IVF, as the cumulative success rate increases with each attempt. However, the recommendation varies based on your age, diagnosis, and response to treatment. Your doctor will help determine the best approach for your situation.

Can I use donor sperm with IUI?

Yes, IUI is commonly performed with donor sperm for single women, lesbian couples, and couples with severe male factor infertility. The process is the same, using carefully screened and prepared donor sperm from a certified sperm bank.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in Houston

A simple, affordable fertility treatment for all families.

If you have been trying to conceive without success, or you are ready to grow your family as a single parent or same-sex couple, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is often the first step in fertility treatment. At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas (AFCT), we provide IUI with a personalized approach, ensuring every cycle is timed for the best chance of success.

FERTILITY TREATMENT

What Is IUI?

IUI is a simple, in-office fertility treatment where carefully prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus during ovulation. This process increases the number of sperm reaching the egg, improving the chance of fertilization—especially when combined with ovulation induction medication like Clomid or Letrozole.

IUI TREATMENT OPTIONS

Who Can Benefit From IUI?

Discover if IUI is the right fertility treatment for you:

Doctor discussing IUI treatment options with patients

IUI May Be a Great Option If You Have:

IUI can be an effective first-line treatment for various fertility challenges:

Unexplained infertility
Mild male factor infertility (low sperm count or motility)
Ovulation problems such as PCOS
Cervical factor infertility (sperm can't pass easily through the cervix)

IUI with Donor Sperm

We provide compassionate care and support for:

Single women choosing motherhood
Lesbian couples using donor sperm
Couples with severe male factor infertility

For those in need of donor sperm, we provide expert guidance in selecting a trusted sperm bank.

THE IUI JOURNEY

How Does the IUI Process Work?

A step-by-step guide to intrauterine insemination treatment

Fertility Monitoring

We track ovulation through ultrasounds and hormone testing to pinpoint the best timing.

Ovulation Induction (Optional)

Some patients take fertility medication like Clomid or Letrozole to improve egg release.

Sperm Preparation

Sperm from your partner or donor is carefully "washed" in our IVF lab to select the healthiest, most motile sperm.

Insemination

A soft, flexible catheter places sperm directly into the uterus. The procedure is quick, painless, and requires no anesthesia.

Pregnancy Test

About two weeks later, a blood test will confirm if the cycle was successful.

SUCCESS FACTORS

IUI Success Rates

IUI success depends on age, sperm quality, and ovulation factors. On average:

Women under 35 have higher success per cycle
Ovulation medications can improve outcomes
After 3–4 unsuccessful cycles, IVF is typically recommended

During your consultation, we'll explain your personalized success rates based on your fertility testing.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

IUI vs. IVF: Which Is Right for Me?

IUI is less invasive and more affordable than IVF, making it a good starting point for many patients. However, IVF is more effective for:

Women over 35 years old
Severe male factor infertility
Fallopian tube blockages
Couples who've had multiple failed IUIs

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Parenthood?

At Advanced Fertility Center of Texas, we make the IUI process simple, comfortable, and personalized for your unique needs. Whether you're trying for your first baby, growing your family, or exploring options with donor sperm, our team will guide you every step of the way — from your first consultation to your pregnancy test.

Book Your Appointment

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Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in Houston

What Is IUI?

Who Can Benefit From IUI?

IUI May Be a Great Option If You Have:

IUI with Donor Sperm