Many couples come to us after months or even years of trying to conceive naturally, only to face difficulty. Often, they’re not yet ready to move forward with advanced treatments like IVF. For many, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) becomes the next step in their fertility journey.

 

If you’ve heard about IUI but are unsure what happens or how it can help, this guide is for you. Here’s how IUI works: the step-by-step process explained in a way that’s simple and clear to understand.

 

What Is IUI?

 

IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination. It’s a fertility treatment where sperm is directly placed into a woman’s uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of pregnancy.

 

Unlike natural conception, where sperm has to travel from the vagina through the cervix and into the uterus on its own, IUI gives sperm a little head start by placing it directly where it needs to be.

 

This method is less complex than IVF and is often used when:

 

(i) Couples face unexplained infertility
 

(ii) There are mild male factor issues (like low sperm motility)
 

(iii) Women have cervical mucus problems
 

(iv) Donor sperm is being used
 

(v) Ovulation is irregular or needs support

 

Let’s now dive into how IUI works: the step-by-step process explained with care and clarity.

 

Step 1: Initial Consultation at Fertility Point

 

The journey starts with a consultation. You’ll meet one of our fertility specialists—like Dr. Rajesh Chaudhary or Dr. Shaunak Khandwala—who will review your medical history, do a few basic tests, and talk you through your options.

 

We’ll check for ovulation patterns, hormonal levels, and your partner’s sperm health. This helps us make sure that IUI is the right treatment for you.

 

If you're looking for the Best IUI Treatment in Nairobi, our team is equipped with both international experience and deep compassion for your journey.

 

Step 2: Ovulation Tracking

 

Timing is key for IUI. That’s why our next focus is to track your ovulation.

 

There are two options:

 

(i) Natural Cycle: If you have regular periods and ovulate on your own, we may simply monitor your cycle.
 

(ii) Stimulated Cycle: If ovulation is irregular, we’ll give mild fertility medications (like Clomid or Letrozole) to stimulate egg growth.

 

We do ultrasounds to track your follicles—these are fluid-filled sacs that contain the eggs. When one of them reaches the right size (usually around 18–20 mm), it’s time to prepare for insemination.

 

This is where the precision of how IUI works, the step-by-step process explained, becomes important. We ensure insemination happens exactly at the right time to increase your chances.

 

Step 3: Preparing the Sperm Sample

 

On the day of the procedure, your partner (or donor) will provide a sperm sample. It’s collected in a clean container and processed in our lab.

 

Our embryologists "wash" the sperm. This means we separate the healthy, active sperm from the rest, including any debris or non-motile sperm. This preparation improves the quality and ensures that only the best sperm are used during IUI.

 

At Fertility Point Kenya, our advanced lab facilities make this step accurate and efficient. It’s one of the reasons people choose us for the Best IUI Treatment in Nairobi.

 

Step 4: The Insemination Procedure

 

This is the core part of IUI—and surprisingly, it’s very quick and painless for most women.

 

Here’s how it works:

 

(i) You’ll lie down comfortably on a treatment bed.
 

(ii) Using a thin, flexible catheter (a soft tube), the doctor gently inserts the prepared sperm directly into your uterus through your cervix.
 

(iii) The process takes less than 10 minutes.
 

(iv) No anesthesia or sedation is needed.
 

This step is timed carefully—either after a natural ovulation or 24–36 hours after giving a trigger shot (usually hCG) to release the egg.

 

This step truly shows how IUI works: the step-by-step process explained with science and care working together.

 

Step 5: Rest and Aftercare

 

After insemination, you can relax for a few minutes in the clinic. There’s no need for bed rest or any restrictions.

 

You can resume your normal activities the same day, though some women prefer to take it easy. There may be mild cramping or spotting, but this usually goes away quickly.

 

Our team will guide you on what to expect and be there to answer all your questions.

 

Step 6: The Two-Week Wait

 

This can be the hardest part. After the IUI procedure, you’ll need to wait around 14 days before taking a pregnancy test.

 

During this time:

 

(i) Avoid stress as much as possible.
 

(ii) Eat well and rest.
 

(iii) Don’t test too early—home pregnancy tests may give false results.
 

You’ll come back to Fertility Point for a blood test (beta-hCG) to confirm pregnancy.

 

Whether it’s your first IUI or you’ve had a few attempts before, we understand the emotions during this time. That’s why we offer full support—not just medical, but emotional too.

 

This part of how IUI works: the step-by-step process explained may be filled with hope, anxiety, and questions. You’re not alone in it.

 

Success Rates and What to Expect

 

IUI success depends on several factors:

 

(i) Age of the woman
 

(ii) Sperm quality
 

(iii) Ovulation timing
 

(iv) Underlying fertility issues

 

On average, IUI has a success rate of around 10–20% per cycle. But this can go up to 25% or more in younger couples with no major fertility problems.

 

That’s why most doctors recommend trying 3–6 cycles of IUI before considering more advanced treatments like IVF.

 

At Fertility Point Kenya, we’re proud to offer one of the Best IUI Treatments in Nairobi, thanks to our experienced team and personalized approach.

 

Is IUI Right for You?

 

If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year (or 6 months if you're over 35) and haven’t had success, IUI might be the next step.

 

You may benefit from IUI if:

 

(i) You’re facing mild male factor infertility
 

(ii)There’s unexplained infertility
 

(iii)You’re using donor sperm
 

(iv)You have cervical mucus issues
 

(v)You ovulate irregularly but respond well to medication

 

Every case is different. Our goal at Fertility Point Kenya is to guide you through the best possible path for your unique situation.

 

So when you search for the Best IUI Treatment in Nairobi, know that our approach is not just about procedures—it’s about people and their stories.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Trying to get pregnant can be an emotional rollercoaster. The uncertainty, the waiting, the questions—it all adds up. That’s why it’s important to choose a clinic that treats you like a person, not a number.

 

Now that you’ve seen how IUI works: the step-by-step process explained, you hopefully have more clarity about this treatment option.

 

At Fertility Point Kenya, we walk with you at every step—whether it’s your first appointment or your first positive pregnancy test.

 

If you're ready to take the next step in your fertility journey, talk to us today. Our compassionate team of experienced doctors and world-class facilities are here to give you the best chance at starting your family.