Stimulated intrauterine insemination (IUI) - the risks

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be used with or without fertility drugs – when it is used with fertility drugs, it is known as stimulated IUI.

Before beginning IUI treatment, the best quality sperm are selected. They are then inserted into the womb at the woman’s most fertile time, when an ovary releases an egg (ovulation).
 

How does stimulated IUI affect the risk of multiple birth?

Stimulated IUI may increase your risk of a multiple birth because, when fertility drugs are used, a greater number of eggs may be produced than with a natural cycle. And unlike IVF, the clinic does not control the number of embryos that can develop, although they can monitor what happens.

If you are young, healthy and have a good chance of conceiving with stimulated IUI, your risk of having twins or more may be over 20%.
 

What are my options?

If you are undergoing stimulated IUI, you should discuss the following with your clinician:

• Monitoring: This is to check on the number and quality of any eggs that develop.
• Dosage: The aim is to use the amount of fertility drugs that will maximise your chance of becoming pregnant while keeping your risk of multiple pregnancy to a minimum.

For more information about IUI - visit the HFEA website