IUI (intrauterine insemination) in Dubai
IUI places prepared sperm directly into the uterus at the moment of ovulation. It is simple, quick and gentle, and for the right couples it is the sensible step between trying naturally and IVF.
Who it is for
- Couples with unexplained infertility after a normal checkup
- Mild male factor, where sperm count or motility is somewhat reduced
- Women who need ovulation induction and want to make the most of each cycle
- Couples where intercourse itself is difficult, for physical or other reasons
- Cervical factors that make it harder for sperm to pass
IUI needs at least one open fallopian tube and a reasonable sperm count. If either is missing, Dr. Shami will say so and explain why IVF or ICSI is the honest recommendation.
How a cycle works
Monitoring. The cycle may be natural or, more often, supported with tablets or low-dose injections to mature one or two follicles. Two or three ultrasound scans track their growth.
Trigger. When a follicle is ready, an injection times ovulation precisely, usually 36 hours before the insemination.
The day itself. Your partner gives a sample, which the laboratory prepares to concentrate the healthiest sperm. The insemination takes a few minutes, feels much like a smear test, and needs no anaesthetic. You can go back to your day afterwards.
Two weeks later, a pregnancy test. Dr. Shami will have agreed with you in advance how many cycles to try, typically three, before reviewing the plan.
How Dr. Shami approaches it
- 1
Only when it fits
IUI is offered when the tubes, the sperm and your age make it a reasonable bet, not as a step every couple must pass through.
- 2
One or two follicles, not five
Monitoring keeps the number of follicles low so that the risk of twins or more stays small.
- 3
A cap on cycles
The number of IUI cycles is agreed in advance. If they have not worked, the next step is discussed calmly, not after months of drifting.
Dr. Ghina Shami
Questions patients ask
Is IUI painful?
Most women describe it as mild discomfort similar to a smear test, lasting a minute or two. No anaesthetic is needed and you can drive home afterwards.
How many IUI cycles should we try?
Usually up to three, sometimes more when circumstances favour it. If IUI has not worked after the agreed number, the chances of a further cycle working are lower, and Dr. Shami will suggest reviewing the plan.
What is the difference between IUI and IVF?
In IUI, fertilisation happens inside your body; sperm is simply placed closer to the egg at the right time. In IVF, eggs are collected and fertilised in the laboratory, and an embryo is transferred. IVF is more involved but works in situations where IUI cannot.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ghina Shami, Consultant Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility · September 2026
Tell Dr. Shami where you are in your journey
A message on WhatsApp is enough to start. She replies personally, in English or Arabic.