June 24, 2026
IUI, Explained
IUI is often the first step in a fertility journey. Here's what it actually involves, who it's right for, what the success rates show, and what it costs.
.svg){kind=logo}
Know what the day involves. Go in at ease.
Private by design, and general guidance to help you make the most of your visit. Not a substitute for medical advice.
Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, places prepared sperm directly into your uterus around the time you ovulate, to give conception a better chance. The visit itself is quick, and knowing the timing and steps makes it feel simpler. Here is what to prepare, what to ask, and how to follow up.
IUI is timed to ovulation, so confirm how your clinic is tracking it, whether by monitoring scans, blood tests, an ovulation kit, or a trigger shot, and know the day and time to come in. Note the first day of your last period so the timing is clear.
Confirm how the sperm sample will be provided and prepared, and the timing that matters for it. List your current medications, including any fertility medications, and note any questions about how many cycles to try.
The insemination itself takes only a few minutes and shouldn't hurt very much, with some mild cramping being normal, but you'll likely still want to take it easy afterward. Confirm the timing and any next steps before you leave.
Take notes as the doctor talks, record the meeting (with their permission!) in myStoria, or add a quick voice note to myStoria as soon as possible afterward so that you are not relying on memory alone.
Before you leave the clinic, ask for copies of anything from the visit, like lab results, assessments, or referrals, and upload them to myStoria to keep your history complete. (If you aren't able to get copies, connect with Concierge and we can help you source them!)
You can usually return to your normal day, with light cramping or spotting being common. Note the date to take a pregnancy test, and avoid testing too early, since it can mislead.
If this cycle doesn't work, book a follow-up to talk through the next cycle or other options. If it is positive, your provider will guide you on early pregnancy care. Contact your provider right away if you develop a fever, severe pain, or heavy bleeding.
myStoria keeps your cycle timing, medications, and questions in one private place, so each IUI cycle is easy to track and compare rather than pieced together from memory. Everything stays with you between visits, so each step builds on the last. When you want to talk something through, you can schedule a video consult in advance with a member of our team, several of whom are nurses.
This page offers general information to help you prepare for and follow up on your intrauterine insemination. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a fever, severe pain, or heavy bleeding afterward, contact your provider. myStoria video consults are scheduled in advance.
