IUI with donor sperm - everything you should know
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a form of artificial insemination used in fertility treatment. It is often used by single women and lesbian couples to fulfil their dream of a child. It is also used by heterosexual couples experiencing infertility when they need to turn to treatment with donor sperm to become parents. On this page, we cover IUI extensively, focusing on the differences between using your partner's sperm or sperm from a donor.
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of fertility treatment that may help you conceive if:
- You are unable to conceive naturally through intercourse.
- You are single or in a relationship with another woman and require donor sperm.
Depending on your situation, IUI can be performed using sperm from a male partner/friend or a donor.
Key facts about IUI
- IUI is less invasive and less expensive than IVF.
- IUI is not recommended for people struggling with severe fertility diseases.
- IUI has lower success rates per cycle than IVF, meaning that you may need more rounds of treatment with IUI than with IVF.
Key facts about IUI with donor sperm
- Ideal choice for single women and same-sex female couples.
- Typically the first recommended option when using donor insemination.
Video: IUI Explained
If you are looking for IUI treatment with donor sperm, we now offer this at Cryos Clinic. Follow the link to read more about IUI at Cryos Clinic.
Who needs IUI and why?
Many people use IUI to fulfil their dream of parenthood. From people who struggle with their fertility to those who prefer to become Single Mothers by Choice. Here is an overview of the potential recipients of IUI with or without donor sperm and their reasons for going through the treatment:
| Recipient of IUI | Reason for using IUI | Sperm source |
| Lesbian couples | The desire to start a family, as it requires donor sperm due to the lack of a male partner. | Sperm donor |
| Single women | They are seeking to become parents on their terms. Many have no known fertility issues. | Sperm donor |
| Heterosexual couples (infertility issues) | Experiencing male infertility after unsuccessful fertility treatments. | Sperm donor |
| Heterosexual couples (initial treatment) | Trying to conceive for over a year without success. | Partner's sperm |
| Couples with genetic concerns | Risk of passing on genetic disorders; seeking healthier genetic alternatives. | Sperm donor |
So how is IUI with donor sperm different?
IUI with donor sperm is similar to IUI with your partner's sperm. The only difference is whether the sperm comes from your partner or a sperm donor. Here is an overview of the people benefitting from IUI with donor sperm:
- Single women wanting to pregnant on their own
- Lesbian couples in need of donor sperm
- Couples with male infertility in need of donor sperm
Follow the links to read more about each group that could benefit from treatment with donor sperm. If you are looking for IUI treatment with donor sperm, we now offer this at Cryos Clinic. Follow the link to read more about IUI at Cryos Clinic.
The cost of IUI with donor sperm
Before you start the treatment, we recommend you research whether your insurance makes you eligible for fertility treatment in the public healthcare system, as it often helps reduce the total cost. The cost of having IUI consists of two factors:
- The treatment: IUI is one of the cheapest treatments starting at EUR 812 per round of treatment depending on various factors.
- The donor sperm: At Cryos, the cost of donor sperm for one round of fertility treatment starts at EUR 144 (VAT not included). This is the price of IVF-ready donor sperm from a Non-ID Release Donor with a Basic Profile.
Choosing between IUI or ICI sperm straws when ordering donor sperm
When you are ready to place your order, you must know whether to purchase ICI or IUI. The difference between IUI and ICI sperm is whether the sperm contains any natural ejaculate fluid. Most fertility clinics prefer to use IUI sperm when performing intrauterine insemination with donor sperm.
The two places of deposition in ICI treatment (1) and IUI treatment (2)
How to get started on IUI with donor sperm
The first thing you must do to get started on IUI, with or without donor sperm, is to find a fertility clinic and create a plan for the treatment process. Before starting the treatment, your clinic will ensure that you are ready for IUI. If your fertility level is too low, the clinic may recommend you start IVF or ICSI instead.
When using donated sperm: Choose the right donor
If your clinic recommends you proceed with IUI and donor sperm, you can begin your search for a donor. Many clinics collaborate with sperm banks with the proper licenses and quality management. Ask the clinic for recommendations and go on their website to choose a sperm donor. If you want to see the donors available in Cryos´ search, follow the link to our free Sperm Donor Search.
A typical IUI cycle: Step-by-Step
Read our step-by-step guide to a typical cycle of IUI. The guide is also illustrated to provide a visual overview of the process. If you have any questions, contact our Customer Care Consultants.
An illustration on the process of IUI treatment
Step 1 – Fertility test
The IUI treatment usually starts with a fertility test, performed as an ultrasound scan, to ensure that the woman receiving the treatment has open and healthy fallopian tubes. If any fertility issues are detected, another treatment will be recommended.
Step 2 – Planning your treatment
IUI will occur in a natural or stimulated cycle, depending on the regularity of your menstruation. Either way, the donor insemination must occur during ovulation (occurs between 12 to 16 days before your next period).
Step 3 – Time for treatment
At the time of ovulation, a fertility doctor injects sperm from a donor or your partner into the uterus. The procedure takes no more than one or two minutes, and you can expect to be out of the fertility clinic after 15 – 20 minutes.
Step 4 – Receiving the result
The result of the IUI with donor sperm is visible through a blood test after approximately two weeks.
Let us help you on your journey to parenthood
At Cryos, we give you full access to see all donor profiles including pictures, voice recordings, handwritten letters, and more. Just create an online account by providing only your name, email, and country. A Cryos account is free and non-binding.
What is the success rate of IUI treatment?
According to a study, the success rate is approximately 19 % per cycle for women under 35, and this number declines with age. However, the success rate is highly dependent on various factors like age, the clinic, and your general fertility level.
Tips to increase your success rates
There are a couple of things you can do to increase your chances of success in IUI treatment: The following advice is based on this study:
- Diet: A general recommendation is to ensure a healthy and balanced diet that contains the vitamins and minerals, your body needs. Limit your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, as it can influence your hormone system and harm the success rate.
- Lifestyle: To increase your chances of success in IUI with donor sperm, you should avoid smoking and drinking, as these factors reduce fertility.
- Stress: Research has shown that your level of stress could harm the success rate in IUI treatment. If you want to limit the stress factors in your life, we can recommend stress-relieving activities such as yoga, long walks, or meditation.
Based on a study from fertilitynetworkuk.org.
What if IUI with donor sperm is not successful?
If you experience IUI failure, other treatment types like IVF or ICSI may be recommended. Before you decide on the next step, we recommend consulting a doctor to create a plan for your journey towards parenthood.
During fertility treatment, it is important to focus on your mental health as well. Follow the link to our blog post containing 4 tips to increase your mental health during fertility treatment.
IUI vs IVF: What is the difference?
The difference between IUI and IVF with donor sperm is that egg retrieval is required in IVF with donor sperm. As the eggs are retrieved, and fertilization occurs outside the uterus, there is a higher chance of pregnancy with IVF treatment. However, the method used in IVF treatment is also more expensive and invasive compared to the process of IUI.
Follow the link to read more about IUI vs IVF and what the difference actually is.
We are here for you
We are here to assist you with everything from how to choose a sperm donor, where to have your fertility treatment, or when to order donor sperm.
Articles related to IUI treatment
At Cryos, we want to help and inform our customers to provide the best possible journey towards parenthood. Fertility treatment is like a rollercoaster and you will experience a lot of ups and downs. We have tried to help you by creating blog posts relevant to each stage of the process:
- Guide to tell your friends and family about going through fertility treatment
- 10 tips for dealing with the stress of infertility
- What to do after your fertility treatment
Frequently asked questions about IUI with donor sperm
What is the limit for how many families a sperm donor can help?
The amount of families a sperm donor can help varies based on the legislation in your country. In the UK, a sperm donor can help 10 families fulfil their dream of a child.
What does the law say about using IUI donor sperm?
The legislation in the UK allows single women and couples to use donor sperm in IUI treatment. Simply, contact a fertility clinic to plan and start your treatment. Follow the link to read our recommendations on how to find a sperm donor in the UK.
What sperm motility is recommended for IUI?
For IUI treatment, we recommend using one IUI straw MOT10 or higher. Follow the link to read our guide on how much donor sperm to order.