IUI Treatment Abroad: Guide to Intrauterine Insemination Overseas

What Is IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which prepared (washed and concentrated) sperm is placed directly into the uterus through a thin catheter at the time of ovulation. By bypassing the cervix and placing sperm closer to the fallopian tubes where fertilization occurs, IUI increases the number of sperm that reach the egg, improving the chances of conception. The procedure is quick (5-10 minutes), minimally invasive, and does not require sedation or anesthesia.

IUI is often the first-line fertility treatment recommended by reproductive endocrinologists because it is simpler, less invasive, and significantly less expensive than IVF. For couples with mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or cervical factor issues, IUI can achieve pregnancy rates of 10-20% per cycle — which, over 3-4 cycles, gives a cumulative success rate of 30-50%. IUI can be performed in a natural (unmedicated) cycle or combined with ovarian stimulation medications (Clomid, Letrozole, or gonadotropins) to improve the odds by ensuring multiple eggs are available for fertilization.

IUI vs. IVF: Which Is Right?

The decision between IUI and IVF depends on your specific diagnosis, age, previous treatment history, and budget. IUI is typically recommended as a first step for younger patients (under 38) with mild male factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or cervical factor issues. IVF is recommended when IUI has failed (usually after 3-4 attempts), for patients with blocked fallopian tubes, severe male factor infertility, diminished ovarian reserve, endometriosis, or for patients over 38 where time is a critical factor.

Cost is another consideration. A single IUI cycle abroad costs $500-$1,500 including medications, meaning you could attempt 3-4 IUI cycles for the price of one IVF cycle. If the probability of IUI success in your case is reasonable (10-20% per cycle), the cumulative cost-effectiveness of trying IUI first may be favorable — particularly at affordable clinics like Bahçeci IVF Centre or Anadolu Medical Center in Turkey, where both IUI and IVF are available at competitive prices.

When Is IUI Recommended?

• Mild male factor infertility: Low-normal sperm count (5-15 million/mL), mildly reduced motility, or borderline morphology
• Unexplained infertility: All basic fertility tests are normal but conception has not occurred after 12+ months
• Cervical factor: Cervical mucus abnormalities that impede sperm transport
• Ovulatory disorders: When combined with ovulation-inducing medications (Clomid, Letrozole)
• Donor sperm: IUI is the standard first-line treatment for women using donor sperm
• Sexual dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, or other conditions preventing natural intercourse
• Mild endometriosis (Stage I-II): IUI with ovarian stimulation can improve pregnancy rates

IUI Cost Comparison

IUI Treatment Cost Comparison 2025

Natural cycle IUI uses no fertility medications. Medicated IUI includes oral medications (Clomid/Letrozole) or injectable gonadotropins for ovarian stimulation. Multiple IUI cycles are often recommended before progressing to IVF.

IUI abroad is remarkably affordable. In Turkey, a medicated IUI cycle including consultation, ultrasound monitoring, sperm preparation, and the insemination procedure costs $500-$1,200 — compared to $1,500-$4,000 in the US. Given that 3-4 IUI cycles are typically recommended before progressing to IVF, the total cost of an IUI treatment course in Turkey ($1,500-$4,800) is less than a single IUI cycle in the US.

IUI Success Rates

IUI success rates are lower than IVF but are cumulative over multiple cycles. Per-cycle success rates depend on age, diagnosis, and whether ovarian stimulation is used. Natural cycle IUI: 5-10% per cycle. Medicated IUI with Clomid/Letrozole: 10-15% per cycle. Medicated IUI with gonadotropins: 15-20% per cycle. Cumulative success over 3-4 cycles: 30-50% for appropriate candidates under 38.

At clinics like Jinepol IVF Clinic and Memorial Şişli Hospital in Istanbul, IUI is offered as part of a comprehensive fertility treatment pathway. If IUI is unsuccessful after 3-4 cycles, the clinic can seamlessly transition to IVF using the knowledge gained during IUI cycles to optimize the IVF stimulation protocol — a significant advantage of receiving all fertility treatment at the same center with the same specialist.

The IUI Procedure

The IUI procedure itself is straightforward. On the day of insemination, the male partner provides a semen sample (or a frozen donor sperm sample is thawed). The sample undergoes sperm washing — a laboratory process that separates the most motile, healthy sperm from seminal fluid, debris, and slow-moving sperm. The concentrated sperm sample is then placed directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter passed through the cervix. The entire procedure takes 5-10 minutes, is painless for most patients (similar to a Pap smear), and requires no sedation or recovery time.

We started with IUI because our doctor said our issue was mild — my husband had slightly low sperm motility. After three IUI cycles at a clinic in Istanbul at just $700 each, I became pregnant on the third try. Total cost including flights: $4,500. Our daughter is now two years old.

Sophie & Mark D., treated in Turkey