Artificial insemination, or intrauterine insemination (IUI), is one of the most common and mild fertility treatments. During insemination, sperm is placed directly into the uterus with a thin catheter during ovulation. Fertilization takes place naturally in the woman’s body. It is often the first treatment option for mild male-related infertility or unexplained infertility, and it is also the most common treatment for single women and female couples. The procedure can be carried out using either the man’s sperm or donor sperm.
Insemination, or intrauterine insemination (IUI), is suitable for women and couples who need mild support to achieve pregnancy and when fertilization is still expected to occur naturally inside the body.
This treatment may be suitable if:
Insemination may not be suitable if you have severely reduced semen quality, blocked fallopian tubes, advanced endometriosis, or markedly reduced ovarian reserve. In these cases, your doctor may recommend more advanced fertility treatments such as IVF.
Before starting insemination treatment, each patient receives a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that IUI is the most appropriate and effective option based on individual circumstances.
Insemination can be done in a natural menstrual cycle or in combination with mild hormonal stimulation to support egg maturation.
In a natural cycle, ovulation is confirmed with an at-home ovulation test measuring LH levels.
The best success rates are typically achieved when insemination is combined with hormonal medication, while carefully monitoring the development of follicles to prevent multiple pregnancy.
The ideal number of maturing follicles is one to two.
With follicle maturation, or ovulation induction, insemination is scheduled using a trigger injection or positive ovulation test.
Since fertilization occurs naturally in the fallopian tube, a tubal patency test can be done to ensure that at least one fallopian tube is open.
A successful insemination also requires enough viable sperm after laboratory treatment. Otherwise, IVF is an option.
The insemination can be done with the partner's own or donor sperm.
The procedure is quick. You can continue normal activities afterwards.
The first step towards treatment is to book an initial consultation or call your nearest clinic.
The success of insemination depends on the woman’s age but also the quality of the sperm sample and accurate timing of the insemination. When combined with hormone therapy, the success rate of insemination per treatment cycle is around 10–15%. Insemination is typically repeated a few times, after which it is recommended to discuss possible other options with your doctor. If insemination treatments are unsuccessful, the next step is often in vitro fertilization, IVF.
Insemination can also be carried out using donor sperm. Ovumia has its own sperm bank, offering donor sperm from registered Finnish donors.
If a suitable donor is not available through Ovumia’s own sperm bank, we can also order donor sperm from international
sperm banks, European Sperm Bank or Cryos.
Before beginning any fertility treatment involving donor gametes, patients receive mandatory counseling. This helps ensure that the decision to use donor gametes has been carefully considered from all perspectives.
Contact the clinic
Inform the clinic of the start of your menstrual period as soon as the cycle begins.
The treatment can be carried out in a natural cycle, in which case the time of ovulation is confirmed using a home ovulation test. The process then continues as described in sections 3 and 4.
Alternatively, hormonal treatment can be added to stimulate the maturation of 1–2 eggs. Hormonal treatment usually requires ultrasound monitoring. Sometimes ultrasound monitoring needs to be repeated during the treatment cycle. If necessary, ovulation is induced with an hCG hormone injection (so-called trigger shot), but often the timing of insemination is determined based on an ovulation test.
Notify the clinic of a positive ovulation test result. When a trigger shot is used, the insemination appointment is scheduled during the monitoring visit.
kohta 4 monitoring the follicle growth by ultrasound. Depending on the finding, ovulation may be timed with a trigger injection. Insemination may also be scheduled according to the ovulation tests (urinary LH-testing). Some times another ultrasound evaluation is required.
The semen sample is provided at the clinic on the day of insemination according to instructions. If necessary, the sample can also be produced at home and delivered to the clinic as agreed. The semen is processed in the laboratory, and the most motile sperm are injected into the uterus later the same day.
The laboratory-processed sperm are injected into the uterine cavity using a thin catheter. The procedure usually takes only a short time and does not cause significant pain. Insemination is easiest to perform when the bladder is full. After the procedure, you may continue normal daily activities without any restrictions.
A pregnancy test is performed two weeks after insemination.
A pregnancy ultrasound is performed three weeks after a positive pregnancy test.
No, insemination is usually quick and painless. The procedure takes only a few minutes. Most patients can return to normal daily activities immediately after the procedure.
Insemination is typically repeated for 3–6 cycles, depending on individual circumstances such as age and fertility factors. If pregnancy does not occur after several attempts, your doctor may recommend other treatment options, such as IVF.
Yes, insemination is available using partner or donor sperm. In accordance with legislative requirements, all patients using donor gametes must undergo legally mandated counseling prior to commencing treatment
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