IUI Success Rates by Age and Condition: What You Need to Know
When considering Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) as a fertility option, understanding how age and health conditions affect success rates is essential. With over 23 years of experience in reproductive medicine, Dr. Parul Agrawal, director of reproductive medicine & IVF at Cloudnine Hospital Noida, offers clear guidance for couples. If you’re exploring fertility treatment in Noida, including Male Infertility Treatment in Noida, or seeking advice from the best IVF doctor in Noida, read on to make informed decisions. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Success Rates.
Visit her website to learn more about her services at Dr. Parul Agrawal Fertility and understand more about the team at About Us.
What Is IUI?
IUI involves placing processed sperm directly into the uterus at ovulation. This bypasses cervical barriers and increases chances of fertilization naturally. Often paired with mild ovarian stimulation using letrozole or clomiphene citrate, IUI remains less invasive and more affordable compared to IVF
It’s typically recommended when:
- There is mild male factor infertility, such as low motility or borderline sperm counts.
- Ovulation is inconsistent or absent.
- Couples face unexplained infertility.
- At least one fallopian tube is open and the uterus is healthy.
Age and IUI Success: What the Numbers Tell Us
Women Under 35
- IUI success per cycle: 10–20% generally
- UK data suggests 12–13% per cycle, higher in optimal conditions
- Cumulative success after 3–6 cycles can reach 50–60%
Age 35–37
- Success per cycle drops to about 10–12%
Age 38–40
- Further reduced to 7–9% success per cycle
Over 40
- Success is typically 2–7% per cycle, with limited benefit from ovarian stimulation after one attempt
- Quantities suggest chances decline sharply due to lower egg quality and ovarian reserve .
Summary Table
| Female Age | IUI Success Rate per Cycle |
|---|---|
| Under 35 | 10–20% |
| 35–37 | 10–12% |
| 38–40 | 7–9% |
| Over 40 | 2–7% |
Why Success Rates Vary
Egg Quality & Ovarian Reserve
Egg quality declines with age, especially after 35. By age 40, only a fraction of ovarian reserve remains, increasing chromosomal anomalies and reducing implantation chances. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Success Rates.
Male Sperm Health
Motility, morphology, and DNA integrity matter. Adequate total motile sperm count (TMSC >10 million) and normal morphology (>4%) significantly boost outcomes. Male age also affects quality and success
Health Conditions
Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or blocked tubes reduce effectiveness. Women with one open tube or unexplained infertility typically see better results
Protocol and Procedure Timing
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COS) increases follicles; however, after age 38, benefit sharply declines. Accurate timing around ovulation is vital
Number of Attempts
Most pregnancies occur in the first 3–6 IUI cycles. Success rates plateau beyond six cycles, making further attempts less effective
Conditions and Special Factors
Unexplained Infertility
Baseline success is 7–10%, rising to 15–25% with fertility drugs and monitored cycles
Male Factor Infertility
IUI offers a ~17% success rate when motility or count are borderline and sperm is “washed” before insemination
PCOS
Actively managed PCOS patients with ovulation induction can expect ~18% per cycle, and up to 30–40% cumulatively in three cycles
How to Improve Your IUI Success Chances
- Optimize sperm metrics: Achieve TMSC over 10 million and good morphology.
- Stimulate ovulation carefully: Aim for 1–3 mature follicles with minimal drug use to reduce risks.
- Support your body: Maintain healthy weight, balanced diet, avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Use supplements: Including folic acid, CoQ10, vitamin D, antioxidants for overall reproductive health.
- Monitor cycles closely: Time your insemination precisely after HCG trigger or LH surge.
- Consider double IUI: For some patients, two inseminations 12–36 hours apart may offer slight benefit, though evidence is mixed. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Success Rates.
When to Talk to an IVF Specialist
If you’re over 40, or have multiple failed IUI cycles, poor ovarian reserve, severe male factor or blocked tubes, then moving to IVF is a typical next step. IVF offers higher success rates and more control over embryo quality and timing fertilityplus.org.ukVerywell Health.
For couples seeking guidance in Noida, Dr Parul Agrawal is recognized as the best ivf treatment doctor in Noida, offering personal care and advanced fertility evaluation. Learn about Infertility treatment in Noida, IVF services and fertility counselling and basic evaluation for couples at Fertility Counselling. For male factor evaluation explore Best Male Infertility Treatment in Noida.
About Dr. Parul Agrawal
With over two decades in reproductive medicine, Dr. Agrawal has earned a reputation as a trusted IVF Specialist doctor in Noida. She leads the IVF and reproductive medicine unit at Cloudnine Hospital Noida, helping couples navigate fertility treatment journeys. She provides personalized care and guidance on options including egg donation and IVF at the best IVF centre in Noida.
Final Thoughts
IUI can be a gentle and effective first-line fertility treatment—especially for women under 35 with mild or unexplained infertility and for couples facing male fertility challenges. However, individual factors like age and health conditions significantly impact its success. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) Success Rates.
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