Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
First-line fertility treatment placing washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation, offering 10-20% success rates per cycle at 50-75% savings compared to US pricing.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tin Artavatkun, MD
What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
First-line fertility treatment placing washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation, offering 10-20% success rates per cycle at 50-75% savings compared to US pricing.
Conditions Treated
Unexplained Infertility
No identifiable cause after complete evaluation, first-line treatment option
Mild Male Factor Infertility
Low sperm count or motility where IUI can concentrate healthy sperm
Cervical Factor Infertility
Hostile cervical mucus or cervical stenosis preventing sperm passage
Ovulatory Dysfunction
Combined with ovulation induction medications like letrozole or clomiphene
Ejaculatory Dysfunction
Physical disability or conditions causing difficulty with vaginal intercourse
Donor Sperm Insemination
Single women or same-sex female couples using donor sperm from approved banks
Mild Endometriosis
Stages I-II endometriosis without significant tubal damage
Sexual Dysfunction
Physical disability or psychosexual barriers preventing natural conception
Why Choose Thailand for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
50-75% Cost Savings
IUI costs $300-$1,500 per cycle in Thailand compared to $1,500-$4,000 in the United States. Complete cycles including medications, monitoring, and procedure typically range from 20,000-65,000 THB depending on protocol and clinic.
JCI-Accredited Fertility Centers
Multiple internationally accredited hospitals with dedicated fertility units, including Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, Samitivej, and specialized centers like Jetanin (first JCI and RTAC-accredited in Southeast Asia) and Superior A.R.T.
Experienced Reproductive Specialists
Board-certified reproductive endocrinologists trained at leading institutions worldwide, with Thai fertility centers performing thousands of assisted reproduction procedures annually.
Minimal Wait Times
Treatment cycles typically begin within days of consultation compared to months-long waits in other healthcare systems, with complete IUI cycles taking approximately 2 weeks.
Comprehensive Care Packages
Many clinics offer all-inclusive packages covering consultations, monitoring ultrasounds, hormone testing, sperm preparation, and the IUI procedure with multilingual coordination for international patients.
Advanced Technology
Sperm Washing & Concentration
Laboratory processing removes seminal fluid, debris, and prostaglandins while isolating the healthiest, most motile sperm into a concentrated 0.5-1mL sample.
Ultrasound Follicle Monitoring
Transvaginal ultrasound tracks follicle development to precisely time insemination with ovulation for maximum success rates.
LH Surge Detection
Urine or blood testing detects the luteinizing hormone surge that triggers ovulation, allowing precise timing 24-36 hours before egg release.
Letrozole Protocol
First-line oral medication for PCOS patients with 10-18% success rates per cycle, better uterine lining preservation than clomiphene.
Gonadotropin Stimulation
Injectable FSH/LH for direct ovarian stimulation with higher success rates, requiring careful monitoring to prevent multiple pregnancy.
Trigger Shot Timing
hCG injection triggers ovulation at a precisely controlled time, allowing optimal scheduling of insemination 24-36 hours later.
Your Treatment Journey
Initial Consultation
Virtual consultation to discuss your needs, review medical history, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Arrival & Assessment
Airport pickup, hospital check-in, and comprehensive pre-procedure evaluation with your medical team.
Procedure Day
Your procedure is performed by experienced specialists using state-of-the-art equipment.
Recovery & Monitoring
Post-procedure care with regular check-ups, medication management, and recovery support.
Continued Care
Virtual follow-up consultations and coordination with your local healthcare provider.
* Timeline is approximate and varies based on individual treatment plans and procedures.
Before You Travel
Prepare for your Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) journey
Medical Records & Initial Tests
Gather your fertility test results — many can be done at home or arranged at your clinic in Thailand.
- HSG test to check your fallopian tubes are open (can be arranged at your hospital in Thailand if not done at home)
- Semen analysis for your partner — can also be done in Thailand
- Hormone blood tests (your doctor will specify which ones) — available at your hospital in Thailand
- Infectious disease screening for both partners — required by Thai clinics
- Gather any previous fertility records or test results from prior evaluations
Preparing Your Body
Simple lifestyle steps to support a successful IUI cycle — start these before you travel.
- Start a prenatal vitamin with folic acid — ask your doctor for a recommendation
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay well-hydrated
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs
- Review any current medications with your doctor at home before traveling
- Your partner should avoid ejaculation for 2-3 days before the semen sample is collected at the clinic
Consultation & Travel Planning
Plan your trip and connect with your Thai fertility clinic before you fly.
- Book a virtual consultation with your Thai fertility clinic — share your records and confirm your treatment protocol
- Plan your travel dates: most IUI cycles require 10-14 days in Thailand for monitoring and the procedure
- Book flights and accommodation near your hospital (your clinic can recommend options)
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad — see our insurance guide for options suited to your procedure
- Check visa requirements for Thailand — most nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival
Arriving in Thailand for Your Cycle
What to expect when your treatment cycle begins at the clinic in Thailand.
- Attend your first monitoring ultrasound on the right day of your cycle — your clinic will time this with you
- Your clinic will administer any oral medications or injections as part of your protocol
- No fasting required for the IUI procedure itself — eat normally
- Wear comfortable clothing; the procedure takes about 5-10 minutes with around 2 hours total at the clinic
- Your partner provides a semen sample at the clinic 1-2 hours before the procedure — the lab processes it on site
Need help preparing? Our coordinators can guide you through each step.
Get Your Personalized Quote
Pricing varies based on your specific needs, hospital choice, and treatment plan. Contact us for an accurate estimate tailored to your situation.
Recovery Timeline
Expected recovery for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): 1 day
Procedure Day
Day 0
Procedure takes only 5-10 minutes, similar to a Pap smear
Two-Week Wait
Days 1-14
Continue normal daily activities without restrictions
Results & Next Steps
Day 14+
Blood pregnancy test (beta-hCG) at clinic for accurate results
Procedure Day
Day 0
Procedure takes only 5-10 minutes, similar to a Pap smear
Two-Week Wait
Days 1-14
Continue normal daily activities without restrictions
Results & Next Steps
Day 14+
Blood pregnancy test (beta-hCG) at clinic for accurate results
Risks & Considerations
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks to consider. Your medical team will discuss these with you in detail.
- Multiple pregnancy 8-30% with ovulation medications, primarily twins, risk increases with number of mature follicles
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) less than 1% incidence with IUI, primarily with gonadotropin cycles
- Ectopic pregnancy 1-3%, slightly higher with FSH stimulation than natural conception
Additional considerations will be discussed during your consultation.
Prepare with a Health Screening
Consider a pre-procedure health screening to establish your baseline and ensure you're ready for treatment.
Thyroid & Hormonal Health
Specialized thyroid and hormonal screening for women experiencing fatigue, weight changes, or with family history of thyroid and autoimmune conditions.
Men's Vitality Assessment
Men's health screening focused on prostate health, testosterone levels, cardiovascular risk, and age-related conditions affecting men.
Women's Core Wellness
Women's health screening focused on gynecological assessments, breast health, hormonal evaluation, and bone density markers for women of all ages.
Hospitals Offering This Procedure
Protect Your Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Investment
Don't leave your medical trip unprotected. Learn about insurance options tailored for your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the success rate of IUI?
Success rates vary by age, diagnosis, and protocol. Per-cycle rates are approximately 5-10% with natural cycles, 7-8% with clomiphene, 10-18% with letrozole, and 9-15% with gonadotropins. Cumulative success over 3-4 cycles reaches 21-33%. Success declines with age: under 35 (10-15% per cycle), 35-40 (5-12%), and over 40 (less than 5%). Individual results vary based on specific fertility factors.
Is IUI painful?
Most patients describe IUI as similar to or less uncomfortable than a Pap smear. No anesthesia is required. Some women experience mild cramping during or shortly after the procedure, which typically resolves within 1-2 days. Light spotting may occur but is not concerning.
How many IUI cycles should I try before IVF?
Most fertility specialists recommend 3-6 IUI cycles before transitioning to IVF, depending on age and diagnosis. Women over 38-40 may be advised to move to IVF sooner due to declining success rates with age. The decision depends on individual factors including diagnosis, age, ovarian reserve, and personal preferences.
Can I use donor sperm for IUI in Thailand?
Yes, donor sperm is available from approved sperm banks for IUI in Thailand. This option is available for single women, same-sex female couples, and couples with severe male factor infertility. Comprehensive screening of donors is required per Thai regulations.
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
IUI is less invasive (no egg retrieval), less expensive ($300-$1,500 vs $4,000-$8,000 in Thailand), requires no sedation, and has lower success rates (10-20% vs 40-60% per cycle). IUI places sperm in the uterus to meet the egg naturally, while IVF fertilizes eggs in the laboratory. IUI is typically attempted first before moving to IVF.
What are the risks of multiple pregnancy with IUI?
Multiple pregnancy risk depends on stimulation protocol and follicle count. With oral medications, twin rates are 1-14% of pregnancies. With gonadotropins, 15-25% of pregnancies may be multiples. Higher-order multiples (triplets+) are more likely with 3+ mature follicles. Cycles may be cancelled if overstimulation occurs to prevent this risk.
How soon after IUI can I take a pregnancy test?
Wait until 14 days after IUI for accurate results. Testing earlier may show false negatives (too early to detect) or false positives (from trigger shot hCG). A blood test at the clinic provides the most accurate result. If negative, wait for your period before beginning another cycle.
What should I avoid after IUI?
There are minimal restrictions after IUI. Avoid strenuous exercise on procedure day. You can resume sexual intercourse, work, and normal activities immediately. Continue any prescribed progesterone. Avoid home pregnancy testing before 14 days. Contact your clinic if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is a first-line fertility treatment that places washed, concentrated sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. By bypassing the cervix and reducing the distance sperm must travel, IUI increases the number of healthy sperm reaching the fallopian tubes where fertilization occurs.
During natural conception, only about 5% of sperm successfully travel from the vagina through the cervix to the uterus. IUI concentrates the healthiest, most motile sperm from a semen sample and deposits them directly into the uterine cavity, improving the chances of conception for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor issues, or cervical factors affecting natural conception.
The procedure itself takes only 5-10 minutes and requires no anesthesia. When combined with ovulation-inducing medications like letrozole or gonadotropins, success rates range from 10-20% per cycle. Most fertility specialists recommend 3-6 IUI cycles before considering in vitro fertilization (IVF), which has higher per-cycle success rates but is more invasive and costly.
Important considerations: Success rates vary significantly based on individual factors including age, underlying fertility diagnosis, and treatment protocol. Women under 35 typically have the highest success rates (10-15% per cycle), while success declines substantially after age 40 (less than 5% per cycle). Multiple pregnancy risk is elevated with ovulation-inducing medications. All statistics represent general ranges; individual outcomes may vary based on specific clinical circumstances.
Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified reproductive endocrinologist. Treatment decisions should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider based on comprehensive evaluation of your individual situation. Costs are estimates and should be confirmed directly with the treating hospital.
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