Fertility treatments
IUI (intrauterine insemination)
Also called: Artificial insemination
Washed, concentrated sperm is placed directly into the womb around the time you ovulate, using a thin catheter. It's less invasive and much cheaper than IVF, but has lower success rates per cycle.
2–3 weeks per cycle
£950–£1,500 a cycle
Rarely funded for unexplained infertility
Who it's for
- Single women and female same-sex couples using donor sperm (see Donor insemination)
- Couples who can't have vaginal sex, for physical or psychosexual reasons
- People with mild ovulation issues, alongside fertility drugs
- Where sperm washing is needed, e.g. a partner with HIV
Key facts
- Your fallopian tubes must be open and healthy.
- A cycle of IUI is typically around a quarter of the price of IVF.
- Success per cycle is around a third of IVF, so many people need several cycles.
- NICE doesn't recommend IUI for unexplained infertility in couples, so it's rarely NHS-funded for that.
What happens
- 1
Tube check
A scan (HyCoSy), x-ray (HSG) or keyhole surgery checks your tubes are open.
- 2
Natural or stimulated cycle
IUI can be done in your natural cycle, or with low-dose fertility drugs to grow one or two follicles.
- 3
Scans and trigger
Scans track your follicle; an injection or ovulation tests time the insemination.
- 4
Insemination
The sperm is washed and placed in the womb. It takes a few minutes and feels similar to a smear test.
- 5
Pregnancy test
About two weeks later. Testing early can give a misleading result.
How long it takes: One cycle takes about 2–3 weeks of one menstrual cycle. Many people try 3–6 cycles.
Success rates
- HFEA's 2025 national average was about 11% pregnancies per partner-sperm IUI treatment (13% under 38, 6% at 38+).
- Success falls with age; from your late 30s your clinic may suggest IVF instead.
Each clinic's published rates – compared with the UK average – are on its profile in the clinic finder.
Costs
Usually £950–£1,500 per cycle, plus drugs if stimulated (and donor sperm if used).
| What | Price | Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| IUI | £950 | ARGC |
| Stimulated IUI with scans | £1,275 (3 cycles: £3,375) | Concept Fertility |
| IUI cycle including scans and a pregnancy scan | £1,250 | Herts & Essex |
| Single-cycle IUI | £1,455 | TFP Fertility (from) |
NHS funding
- Not usually funded for unexplained infertility in heterosexual couples.
- May be funded for couples who can't have vaginal sex, or for medical reasons.
- For donor insemination funding, see the Donor insemination guide.
Risks and side effects
- Multiple pregnancy if fertility drugs produce several follicles – your clinic should cancel the cycle if too many grow.
- OHSS (rare) if stimulated.
Sources
Prices are examples from clinics' published price lists, checked November 2026. They change – always get a written quote.