Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a common fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman's uterus to facilitate fertilization. This procedure is less invasive and more cost-effective compared to other assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. IUI is often recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, or women with cervical mucus problems.

The IUI process begins with the careful timing of ovulation, often enhanced through fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce one or more eggs. Once ovulation is imminent, a semen sample is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor. This sample undergoes a process called sperm washing, which concentrates the sperm and removes impurities, enhancing the chances of fertilization.

During the IUI procedure, a thin catheter is used to transfer the washed sperm directly into the uterus. This method bypasses the cervix, increasing the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes where fertilization occurs. The procedure is usually quick and painless, requiring no anesthesia.