What it is
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment where washed and concentrated sperm are placed directly into a woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation. This process increases the number of healthy sperm reaching the fallopian tube, improving the chances of fertilization.
✔️ Less invasive than IVF and often a first-line fertility treatment.
✔️ Timing: Coordinated with natural ovulation or ovulation induction using medication.
✔️ Success rates: Vary depending on age, fertility diagnosis, and number of cycles attempted.
➡️ In Korea, IUI is widely performed at fertility centers, women’s hospitals, and university hospitals, which are known for their advanced reproductive technology and high-quality care.
Why it’s done
IUI is commonly recommended in Korea for couples facing:
🔹 Mild male infertility (low sperm count or motility).
🔹 Unexplained infertility after months or years of trying.
🔹 Cervical factor infertility (when cervical mucus hinders sperm).
🔹 Ovulation problems like irregular cycles or PCOS.
🔹 Donor sperm insemination in cases of severe male infertility or single women/couples using donor sperm.
💡 Highlight: IUI is often chosen as a less expensive, less invasive alternative to IVF, especially for younger couples.
Alternatives
If IUI is not suitable, alternatives include:
➡️ Timed intercourse with ovulation tracking.
➡️ Ovulation induction alone (medications without insemination).
➡️ In-vitro fertilization (IVF) for higher success rates.
➡️ Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in severe male infertility.
➡️ Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, weight management, and improved diet.
⚠️ Note: Korean fertility specialists usually recommend trying 3–6 IUI cycles before moving to IVF if unsuccessful.
Preparation
Before undergoing IUI in Korea, both partners go through evaluations:
✔️ Female evaluation – ovulation tests, ultrasound scans, hormone tests, hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check fallopian tube openness.
✔️ Male evaluation – semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and quality.
✔️ Medical history – review of any fertility treatments, illnesses, or surgeries.
✔️ Lifestyle counseling – nutrition, supplements, stress reduction.
✔️ Decision on sperm source – partner’s sperm or donor sperm.
💡 Tip: Korean fertility clinics provide comprehensive pre-treatment packages, including lab tests and imaging, before IUI cycles.
How it’s done
The IUI procedure in Korea is carefully timed and typically includes:
- Ovulation monitoring
- Natural ovulation tracking with ultrasound and blood tests.
- Ovulation induction medications (clomiphene, letrozole, or gonadotropins) may be used.
- Sperm preparation
- Semen sample collected and “washed” to separate healthy, motile sperm.
- Insemination procedure
- A thin catheter is used to insert prepared sperm directly into the uterus.
- The procedure is painless for most women and takes only a few minutes.
- Post-procedure care
- Rest for a short period, then normal activities can be resumed.
- Progesterone supplements may be prescribed to support implantation.
💡 Highlight: IUI in Korea is performed with advanced ultrasound guidance and precision timing, maximizing success rates.
Recovery
IUI is minimally invasive, so recovery is quick:
✔️ Normal activities can be resumed immediately after the procedure.
✔️ Mild cramping or spotting may occur but usually resolves in a day.
✔️ Two-week wait – pregnancy test is usually done about 14 days after IUI.
✔️ Repeat cycles may be recommended if not successful in the first attempt.
When to contact a doctor:
➡️ Severe abdominal pain, fever, or heavy bleeding (rare complications).
➡️ Signs of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS) if fertility medications were used.
💡 Important: Korean clinics provide close monitoring throughout the cycle, reducing risks and ensuring safety.
Treatment option in Korea
Korea is highly advanced in fertility care, making it an excellent choice for IUI treatment:
⭐ World-class fertility clinics and hospitals with modern equipment.
⭐ Highly trained specialists in reproductive medicine.
⭐ Affordable treatment packages compared to Western countries.
⭐ Integration with advanced reproductive technologies (IVF/ICSI if needed later).
⭐ Multilingual support for international patients at major hospitals.
💡 Highlight: Korea’s fertility care combines precision, affordability, and holistic patient support, making IUI a strong first-line option for couples struggling with infertility.
Key Highlights
✔️ IUI increases chances of pregnancy by placing healthy sperm directly into the uterus.
✔️ Ideal for mild male infertility, ovulation problems, or unexplained infertility.
✔️ Preparation includes female and male fertility evaluations.
✔️ Procedure is simple, quick, and minimally invasive.
✔️ Korean fertility centers offer advanced, affordable, and highly monitored IUI care.
