IUI success rate: What to expect?

• What is the success rate of IUI treatment
• What impacts the IUI success rate
• IUI success rate by age
• Factors that affect IUI success rates
• Keys to a successful IUI
• What is IUI treatment
• How does IUI work
• What is the difference between IVF and IUI
• How much does IUI cost
• IUI success stories: Real-life experiences
• What to expect and next steps

Statistics from GebFra show that the IUI success rate varies from 3% to 20% for a single treatment cycle. IUI often requires multiple cycles before successful conception. NHS statistics show that more than 50% of women under 40 will get pregnant within three to six IUI cycles.

Key determinants of success include:

• Age - the chances of success decrease with age.
• IUI donor sperm quality - including factors like sperm motility.
• Fertility challenges - including PCOS and endometriosis.
• Treatment specifics - such as whether stimulation medications are used.

It is also important to recognise that many IUI success rate statistics are based on studies of individuals experiencing fertility challenges. They may not always represent the statistical reality for solo mums, LGBTQ+ couples or same-sex couples using donor sperm.

Age is one of the most critical factors affecting IUI success rates. Below, we break down IUI success rates by age, using data from GebFra.

The data shows that IUI success rates decrease with age, from almost 20% for under-24s to 3.45% for those older than 43. This results from changes in egg quality, ovarian reserve and hormonal balance. Younger women usually have healthier eggs and a more consistent menstrual cycle, which increases the chances of successful IUI treatment. As women age, the number and quality of their eggs decrease.

To improve the chances of successful IUI, you can:

• Track ovulation to ensure treatment occurs at the optimal time.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, exercise, and reduce alcohol intake.
• Use fertility medications. These will be guided by your doctor or fertility specialist.

Is there anything you can do yourself to increase the chances of successful IUI? We have gathered a few tips that can be beneficial if you are having IUI treatment:

• Tracking ovulation for right timing
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as focusing on a balanced diet, exercising and reducing alcohol
• Using fertility medications when necessary. However, this is individual and your doctor or fertility clinic will help you with guidance.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment is a fertility treatment that separates higher-quality sperm from lower-quality sperm and places them directly into the uterus. It can be performed with either partner or IUI donor sperm and is also known as artificial insemination. By isolating and using the higher-quality sperm, IUI increases the chances of conception.

IUI treatment involves separating and removing sperm that are slow, unusually shaped or that do not move at all. The higher quality sperm are then injected into the uterus, where they fertilise the eggs naturally. The process can be organised into four key steps:

• Timing for ovulation - specialists track the menstrual cycle to establish exactly when the eggs are released. Insemination is scheduled for this window.
• Sperm washing - the higher quality sperm are separated from lower quality sperm and seminal fluid in a process known as sperm washing.
• Inserting the sperm - the sperm is introduced into the uterus via a catheter.
• Fertilisation - the sperm swim to meet and fertilise the egg in the fallopian tube, as would happen in conception without treatment.

IUI is a less intrusive procedure and involves fewer medications than IVF. However, it also tends to be less successful. IVF involves the removal of eggs from the body for fertilisation in the lab, giving fertility specialists greater control over the process. Lab-based fertilisation also means you can select the strongest and most suitable embryos to place back in the womb, further improving the IVF success rate.

IUI, compared to IVF, is significantly less expensive, with each IUI treatment cycle costing approximately 25% of an IVF treatment cycle.

A single IUI treatment cycle typically costs between £700 and £3,000, with the exact cost depending on several factors. These include whether the sperm is from a partner or an IUI sperm donor, which stimulation medications are required, and the extent of additional tests and monitoring.

Some clinics offer multi-cycle packages, where you can purchase several cycles up-front at a reduced cost.

Same-sex couple Jo and Viv needed fertility treatment when they wanted to start a family. Because of legislation in their home country, they had to travel abroad to get IUI treatment. Read Jo and Viv’s story and learn more about their ups and downs on their parenthood journey. 

Statistics on IUI success rates doesn't always give you a clear picture. They vary depending on age, and they are often based on studies of individuals with fertility challenges. It’s also worth noticing that the chances of getting pregnant improves with several rounds of cycles.
If IUI treatment is unsuccessful after 3-6 rounds, it can be a good idea to consider other treatment options like IVF.

If you're having IUI treatment, we're here to guide you. Feel confident and supported as you take the next step in your fertility journey. Get in touch with one of our advisors today.