About Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is a common fertility treatment in Taiwan for legally married couples. The principle of IUI is to select the most dynamic spermatozoa from the husband’s semen using reproductive technologies. By coordinating with the female partner’s natural or stimulated ovulation cycle, the prepared sperm is inserted directly into the uterine cavity through the cervix using a specialized catheter. This procedure is performed at the optimal timing to facilitate fertilization.
Suitable Candidates for IUI
- Males: Mild male factor infertility, including inadequate sperm concentration with acceptable motility and morphology, sexual dysfunction, or ejaculation difficulties.
- Females: Irregular menstrual cycles or ovulation disorders.
- Females: Mild fallopian tube adhesion or slight obstruction.
- Females: Immunological issues, such as anti-sperm antibodies.
- Other: Unexplained infertility.
Conditions and Legal Requirements
According to Taiwan’s Artificial Reproduction Act, patients undergoing IUI treatment must meet the following conditions:
Must be a legally married couple.
The wife must possess a uterus capable of carrying a fetus.
At least one side of the couple must have healthy gametes (sperm or eggs).
One of the partners has been diagnosed with infertility or a hereditary disease.
Assessed by a medical institution as suitable for the IUI procedure.
Note for International Patients:
Before visiting Taiwan, please follow the instructions on our International Medical Travel page to complete registration. Our International Affairs specialists will verify your documents and stay duration to assist you in welcoming your baby smoothly.
IUI Process in Taiwan
The IUI course requires coordination with injections and medication.
For the Female
The patient typically returns for a consultation on the 2nd or 3rd day of menstruation to take ovulation drugs or receive injections. A follow-up visit occurs on day 11 or 12 to monitor follicle size via transvaginal ultrasound. Once the doctor confirms the follicles are mature, an ovulation trigger shot is administered. Approximately 36 hours later, the washed, high-quality sperm is implanted into the uterus. After implantation, it is recommended to rest lying down with hips slightly elevated for 30 minutes to help the sperm swim toward the fallopian tubes.
For the Male
The process is relatively simple. The male partner must abstain from ejaculation for 3 to 4 days prior. On the day of IUI, fresh semen is collected in a sterile container and handed to the laboratory. The semen is left to liquefy at room temperature for 30 minutes, then washed with sterile culture fluid. Using stratification and centrifugation, the lab separates vigorous sperm from dead or immotile ones, while removing impurities like white blood cells. This screening process significantly improves the success rate.
Detailed Step-by-Step IUI Flowchart
- Pre-treatment Day - Initial Consultation and Pre-treatment Physical examination: Couples must visit the clinic together for a comprehensive evaluation by a reproductive specialist. This includes blood hormone tests, ovarian function assessment, hysterosalpingography (HSG), and semen analysis to determine suitability for the IUI procedure.
- Menstrual Cycle Days 1-3 - Return Visit to Start Treatment: The female partner returns to the clinic on days 1-3 of her menstrual cycle. The treatment begins after confirming the baseline antral follicle count and hormone levels.
- Menstrual Cycle Day 3 - Induction of Ovulation via Injections or Oral Medication: Take ovulation induction medication daily as instructed to assist follicle growth and ensure a regular ovulation cycle.
- Menstrual Cycle Day 8~12 - Follow-up Ultrasound and Blood Tests: Return to the clinic on days 8–12 of the menstrual cycle for transvaginal ultrasound to monitor follicle size and endometrial thickness, and to observe if the follicles are mature.
- Menstrual Cycle Day 12 or 13- Trigger Shot / Ovulation Induction Injection: On day 12 or 13 of the menstrual cycle, after a follow-up visit to confirm follicle maturity, a trigger shot is administered. The IUI procedure is then scheduled approximately 36 hours after the injection.
- Menstrual Cycle Day 14 - Day of IUI Procedure: On the day of the procedure, the male partner provides a fresh sperm sample. After laboratory washing, the physician uses an IUI catheter to insert the high-quality sperm into the female partner's uterine cavity.
- Luteal Phase Support with Progesterone: Use progesterone (oral or vaginal suppository) as prescribed to support the uterine lining and assist with embryo implantation.
- 2 weeks later - Pregnancy Test: Approximately 2 weeks after the IUI, you may schedule a follow-up visit or go to a local OB/GYN clinic for a blood pregnancy test.
Cost of IUI in Taiwan
The cost of IUI generally includes corpus luteum strengthening drugs, sperm processing and implantation fees, ovulation injections, ultrasounds, and hormonal blood tests. The actual cost depends on the individual course of treatment.
Cost of IUI in Taiwan
The cost is approximately NTD $ 18,900 - 26,300.Compared to IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), IUI is significantly more affordable, with a success rate of about 20%.
Success Rates and Risks of IUI
IUI is a relatively simple fertility treatment but has certain limitations. It is generally not recommended for patients with advanced maternal age, bilateral tubal obstruction, ovarian failure, or severe male factor infertility. For suitable candidates—particularly women under the age of 35 with normal sperm parameters—the average pregnancy rate is approximately 15–20% per cycle. Actual success rates may vary depending on age, diagnosis, and treatment protocol.
At Lee Women’s Hospital, carefully selected patients may achieve success rates of up to 20–30% per cycle.
Why Choose Us? (Key Advantages)
Precise Ovulation Monitoring & Personalized Treatment Plans
The Lee Women's Hospital medical team utilizes high-frequency ultrasound tracking and blood hormone testing (such as LH, E2, and P4) to accurately pinpoint ovulation timing. We customize ovulation stimulation and insemination schedules based on individual physiological conditions to maximize the chances of conception.
Advanced Sperm Processing Techniques
We employ high-quality washing methods to screen and select spermatozoa with optimal motility and normal morphology for implantation. This significantly enhances the efficiency of sperm-egg binding and fertilization.
Highly Experienced Reproductive Medicine Specialists
Our team has accumulated over 42,000 successful IVF cases. With this wealth of experience, our specialists can rapidly diagnose underlying causes and adjust treatment strategies accordingly, providing a significant boost to IUI success rates.
Comprehensive Reproductive Endocrine Evaluation
Prior to intrauterine insemination, we conduct a comprehensive examination of the female's ovarian function (e.g., AMH levels), endometrial thickness, and fallopian tube patency. This ensures any hidden factors that might compromise success are identified and addressed.
State-of-the-Art Equipment & Data-Driven Management
The hospital is equipped with precision ultrasound instruments and advanced Laboratory Information Systems. This digitizes and standardizes treatment tracking, further elevating overall treatment efficacy and success rates.
Besides, patients undergoing IUI should be aware of the following risks:
Risk 1
Low Success Rate
The pregnancy rate is approximately 15-20% per cycle. The cumulative success rate increases to 30-60% after 3 cycles. Therefore, multiple attempts are often necessary.
Risk 2
Multiple Pregnancy
Since ovulation drugs are used to increase egg production, there is a higher chance of multiple pregnancies and a risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
Risk 3
Infection and Bleeding
Although rare, there is a very low risk of pelvic infection or bleeding following the catheter insertion. Medical attention should be sought immediately if severe pain or fever occurs.
How else can Lee Women’s Hospital help?
For women over 35, those with low ovarian reserve, or those who have failed 3 IUI cycles, doctors recommend switching to IVF (Test Tube Baby) treatment, where the success rate is higher (50-60%). By incorporating advanced technologies such as PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) and the Time-lapse culture system, the pregnancy success rate can be significantly increased to over 70-80%.
We bridge the distance with online consultations and personalized accompaniment services.
Whether you are ready to book a treatment or simply need more information about costs, or travel timing, please contact our International Affairs Department. We are ready to provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Contact UsLee Women's Hospital
Banqiao Branch
FAQ
Is legal marriage a requirement for IUI ?
Under the Artificial Reproduction Act in Taiwan, Intrauterine Insemination(IUI) treatment is only available to legally married heterosexual couples for now. For more detailed information on legal requirements, please contact our International Affairs.