IUI FAQs

IUI is a relatively painless procedure that can be done in our office. You may feel some slight discomfort from the catheter, and cramping may continue for a short period directly after the procedure. Many women have compared the insemination procedure to a routine Pap Smear. Our specialists will walk you through the entire process and help you be as comfortable as possible.

The risks of insemination are minimal and may include cramping or light vaginal bleeding after the procedure. Your symptoms should dissipate within a few days, and they won’t affect your chance of pregnancy. A rare risk of IUI is infection, which can include fever, chills, vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain.

Additionally, if you take fertility medications, you may experience some side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Mood swings and irritability
• Hot flashes
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating

LGBTQ+ couples and individuals, single parents by choice, and couples experiencing male infertility factors may need to find a sperm donor for IUI. The Fertility Institute can direct you to the resources you need to choose a suitable donor. If you are utilizing a sperm bank, it’s a good idea to ask questions about your donor and evaluate any cryobank to make sure to find the right fit.

If you have any questions about choosing the right sperm donor for you, our specialists are here to support you.

It typically will take about two weeks to be able to detect a pregnancy to determine if your procedure was successful. We ask our patients to avoid taking an at-home pregnancy test, as it may not provide accurate results. Our specialists will provide a blood or urine pregnancy test to officially confirm a pregnancy.

IUI may not always result in a pregnancy after the first round. After three rounds of IUI, our specialists may recommend a different treatment, such as IVF. Each path to parenthood is different, and our specialists are here to support you through every step as we work toward a successful pregnancy.