| What You Need To Know | |
|---|---|
| Length of Procedure: | 5 minutes (insemination of sperm) |
| Preparation: | Come for the procedure with a full bladder. |
| Anesthesia | Nil |
| Overnight/Day care: | Nil |
| Risks/Complications of Surgery: | Nil |
| Recovery: | immediate |
Intra-uterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI, simple fertility treatment (or known as Intrauterine Insemination) is the first line of treatment especially when no fertility problem is identified. It is meant to be easy and inexpensive but may need to be repeated multiple times as pregnancy rates are only low each time it is performed.
How does IUI work?
This is the simplest form of assisted conception treatment. IUI is a type of fertility treatment which It involves with inserting sperm into the wife’s uterus at the time of ovulation. The sperm sample is first prepared to remove dead and weak sperm and the best sperm are then strengthened even further to improve their ability to make a baby. Nevertheless, bear in mind that IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) has less chance to function for women above 40 years old.
During the process, the wife too is usually given hormonal medications (tablets and occasionally hormonal injections) so that she will produce more eggs from her ovaries. This combination of good sperm, extra eggs and timing during ovulation is the key to success. IUI for infertility treatment is useful for couples with unexplained infertility and where the partner’s sperm is slightly below normal. It cannot be used where the fallopian tubes are damaged or where the sperm is very poor.
Explore IUI Treatment at KL Fertility Centre
For more information on IUI in Malaysia, do visit our centre for consultation and anything related to infertility.
If you are interested in knowing more or have decided to get in touch with us, please call us at
Or send us your enquiry
FAQs About Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) in Malaysia
1. Who is eligible for IUI treatment?
IUI treatment is most suitable for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or cervical factor infertility. The female partner should have open fallopian tubes and regular ovulation, while the male partner needs an adequate sperm count.
Our Fertility Specialists will assess your specific situation through fertility tests to confirm if IUI is the right treatment option.
2. What is the recommended number of IUI cycles to attempt before considering IVF?
There is no fixed number of IUI cycles recommended before considering IVF, as the optimal approach depends on your age and current fertility status.
However, most Fertility Specialists generally advise trying up to three cycles of IUI before moving on to IVF. For some patients with favorable conditions, this may extend to six cycles, but beyond that, the likelihood of success typically plateaus. It is always best to discuss your specific situation with our Fertility Specialist, who can assess your individual circumstances and recommend the most suitable treatment options for you.
3. How is IUI different from IVF?
IUI is a less complex fertility treatment compared to IVF. In IUI, prepared sperm is directly placed into the uterus during ovulation. IVF involves egg retrieval, laboratory fertilization, and embryo transfer. IUI is generally less expensive and less invasive than IVF, making it a good first-line treatment for eligible couples.
4. Is IUI cheaper than IVF?
Yes, IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is generally less expensive than IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) because the procedure is significantly simpler without much assisted reproductive technologies involved.
5. Is the IUI procedure painful?
The IUI procedure itself is usually painless and takes only a few minutes. You may experience mild cramping similar to a pap smear. No anesthesia is required, and you can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. Some women might feel slight discomfort from the speculum insertion.
6. How much is the cost of IUI?
Generally, the cost of IUI with medication and consultations during the treatment can range between RM3,000 – RM3,500. Please note that the exact amount can vary as it depends on your individual fertility status and needs.
7. What should I expect during the IUI process?
The IUI process begins with cycle monitoring through ultrasound scans and blood tests. Once ovulation is confirmed, the male partner provides a sperm sample, which is prepared in our laboratory. The prepared sperm is then inserted into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. The actual insemination takes about 5-10 minutes, and you’ll rest briefly afterwards.