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IUI or Intrauterine Insemination works by putting sperm directly into your uterus around the time you’re ovulating, helping the sperm get closer to your egg.
The main difference between IUI and IVF is that with IUI, the fertilization of the egg takes place internally and not in a fertility laboratory. It is minimally invasive and the most affordable form of assisted reproduction available.
IUI can be used for those with functioning fallopian tubes but who have had difficulty falling pregnant naturally. This means having unprotected sex for a period of 12 months, or in some cases for 6 months. IUI is also often used in cases where donor sperm is needed for either an individual or couple wishing to become pregnant.
Under the care of our fertility team, the woman is given oral and injectable fertility medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce one to two egg containing follicles. Medication is taken for approximately 12 days depending on your protocol and how your body responds to treatment.
The number and size of the developing follicles is measured by trans-vaginal ultrasound scans. The more eggs you release, the higher the chance of a multiple pregnancy- this is why your fertility doctor will aim for just one or two mature eggs through your treatment.
The final preparation for ovulation involves a hormone injection which mimics the natural trigger for ovulation. Insemination will take place the day after this injection.
In a normal menstrual cycle, only one egg is released. In an IUI cycle you are helping the follicles to produce healthy and mature eggs with the assistance of medication.
Once it is confirmed that a ripe egg is present you will take a ‘trigger injection’ which is a hormone that causes you to ovulate. This injection will help your body to release the mature egg from the follicle, ready for fertilisation.
At this point if you are doing IUI with a male partner, he will provide a sperm sample which is then processed, cleaned and prepared by our laboratory. This ensures that only the healthiest sperm cells are ready for the insemination and that they are concentrated into a small volume.
If you are using donor sperm, the same procedure will be used but from a frozen sperm sample which will be thawed before use.
The insemination itself is very simple. It is not unlike having a smear test and for most people it is only mildly uncomfortable. You do not need to be under any sedation and it will only take 10 minutes or less.
A catheter is inserted directly through the cervix and millions of motile sperm are pushed through directly into the uterus. The catheter is then removed and you can go about your day as normal.
Under the care of our fertility team, the woman is given oral and injectable fertility medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce one to two egg containing follicles. Medication is taken for approximately 12 days depending on your protocol and how your body responds to treatment.
The number and size of the developing follicles is measured by trans-vaginal ultrasound scans. The more eggs you release, the higher the chance of a multiple pregnancy- this is why your fertility doctor will aim for just one or two mature eggs through your treatment.
The final preparation for ovulation involves a hormone injection which mimics the natural trigger for ovulation. Insemination will take place the day after this injection.
In a normal menstrual cycle, only one egg is released. In an IUI cycle you are helping the follicles to produce healthy and mature eggs with the assistance of medication.
Once it is confirmed that a ripe egg is present you will take a ‘trigger injection’ which is a hormone that causes you to ovulate. This injection will help your body to release the mature egg from the follicle, ready for fertilisation.
At this point if you are doing IUI with a male partner, he will provide a sperm sample which is then processed, cleaned and prepared by our laboratory. This ensures that only the healthiest sperm cells are ready for the insemination and that they are concentrated into a small volume.
If you are using donor sperm, the same procedure will be used but from a frozen sperm sample which will be thawed before use.
The insemination itself is very simple. It is not unlike having a smear test and for most people it is only mildly uncomfortable. You do not need to be under any sedation and it will only take 10 minutes or less.
A catheter is inserted directly through the cervix and millions of motile sperm are pushed through directly into the uterus. The catheter is then removed and you can go about your day as normal.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment aimed at increasing the likelihood of sperm successfully fertilizing an egg. This medical intervention has the potential to improve the chances of pregnancy for select couples and individuals.
If an IUI does not result in a successful pregnancy after 3 attempts, our doctor will usually suggest moving to an IVF cycle. In certain cases, this may be sooner.
Yes, for many patients IUI can help them to become pregnant. It does however have lower rates of success than IVF/ICSI and so many choose to go directly to IVF. For those wishing to undergo a less invasive treatment, IUI is often a good starting point.
You must be 18 or older in order to do an IUI.
I recently completed egg freezing at Therapy Fertility Clinic, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Everything is incredibly well scheduled and organized, with appointment times that are very manageable — especially if you need to come in before work. The team is consistently welcoming, attentive, and genuinely caring. They take the time to check in with you thoughtfully, and their warm, friendly manner — even early in the morning — really helps put you at ease. Results and updates are communicated quickly, and the whole process feels efficient while still being personal and supportive. I’m very grateful for the care I received and would highly recommend the clinic to anyone considering fertility preservation.
Me and my partner went for consultation with Emily back in October as we were between clinics and when we came out after speaking with Emily we knew therapie was the right choice. The process from start to finish has been amazing! We had an amazing round with therapie resulting in a good number of frozen embryos and luckily success with our 1st frozen transfer. Therapie made our dreams of a family a reality. I've spoken so highly of therapie throughout my journey. The care has been amazing and looks forward to continuing building our family over the years hopefully with the clinic. Use are a credit to those who struggle ❤️
We had our beautiful twins with help from Thérapie Fertility. The care and attentiveness they showed us along the way was next to none. They take the approach of evidence based only testing/medications etc which we soon realised was the best approach, for us at least, and involved the least stress, cost, pressure etc. They were the best value for this reason and also the general costs of treatment, which eases the stress of IVF somewhat too. As a queer couple we never felt different, always embraced and we would highly recommend to fellow LGBT couples. We see Thérapie Fertility staff as part of our family, our journey, our past and now, our future.
Thérapie fertility were so patient-centered with my husband and I from the beginning. In an extremely difficult and emotional situation all of the nurses and doctors were always kind, took an interest in our relationship and our son - remembering his name. It was the little things that made us aware that we were in good hands. Everything was at our pace and the staff were incredibly patient in answering our questions - Especially the ones we had already asked five times previously! Thank you to nurse Lisa in Galway, Dr. Megat, Dr. Kennedy and all of the incredible staff for supporting us every step of the way and for making our dream of expanding our family a reality. There will never be any words to thank you alol enough!
I cannot thank the team at Thérapie Fertility Clinic in Carrickmines enough for the exceptional care, support, and professionalism I have received throughout my fertility journey. From the very first appointment, every interaction has been handled with compassion, expertise, and genuine kindness. The clinic’s atmosphere is welcoming, supportive, and reassuring — a place where you truly feel listened to and cared for. The entire team go above and beyond to answer questions, explain procedures clearly, and provide reassurance during what can be an emotionally challenging time. I am incredibly grateful to say that I am now pregnant, and I truly believe the care, guidance, and support I received from this clinic played a huge part in getting me to this point. Even before scans, the reassurance and confidence they gave me has meant everything. A special mention must go to Emily in the Belfast clinic. Her kindness, professionalism, and calming manner made such a difference to my experience. She took the time to explain everything clearly and offered genuine, compassionate support when it was most needed. I would highly recommend Thérapie Fertility Clinic to anyone beginning or continuing their fertility journey. The care, empathy, and dedication shown by the teams in both Carrickmines and Belfast have been outstanding, and I will always be thankful for the role they played in helping us reach this milestone. Danielle & Patrick
From our first consultation in July, Thérapie Fertility Clinic made us feel valued and cared for. As first-time patients we were nervous but we never once felt like we were just another number or there for money. Everything was explained clearly step by step the process was affordable and the team were amazing. We are now 24 weeks pregnant and will always be grateful for the care and support we received.
Sitting here with our 3 week old Thérapie baby, we cannot recommend Thérapie Fertility highly enough. From the very first contact we have felt like we’ve known the team forever. Every procedure & process was explained thoroughly. We have been treated with respect, dignity & empathy, never felt like ‘just a number’. The team are honest & realistic with the expectations & outcomes. They reassured us when we had anxieties about anything throughout our journey. There are no silly questions & the patient portal is a fantastic tool for communicating. We have already put some friends onto Thérapie as they look to start their journey.
Good environment and high-quality service.
