Treatment Overview
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which prepared and concentrated sperm are directly placed into the uterus to enhance the chances of fertilization. In Korea, IUI is often performed using donor eggs and/or donor sperm in cases where the intended mother cannot produce viable eggs. Although IUI is typically used for mild infertility, when combined with donor eggs, it can also be part of advanced fertility plans, especially for couples seeking simpler, lower-cost alternatives to full IVF cycles.
Korean fertility clinics are globally known for their precision-based reproductive medicine, genetic safety protocols, and cutting-edge laboratory support, ensuring that every IUI cycle is carefully optimized for success.
Purpose & Benefits
The main purpose of IUI using donor eggs is to facilitate conception when natural fertilization is not possible due to poor egg quality or ovarian failure. This treatment offers a less invasive, more affordable option compared to traditional IVF while still incorporating assisted reproduction technologies when needed.
Key benefits include:
- Simpler and quicker procedure than IVF.
- Reduced treatment cost while maintaining high success potential with donor eggs.
- Enhanced sperm-egg proximity, improving fertilization chances.
- Customized treatment cycles, timed precisely with ovulation or hormonal therapy.
- Minimally invasive process, with little to no recovery time.
In Korea, advanced hormonal synchronization and monitoring tools are used to ensure optimal timing for insemination and maximal uterine receptivity, even in donor egg cycles.
Ideal Candidates
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) using donor eggs is ideal for:
- Women with premature ovarian failure or diminished ovarian reserve.
- Patients who cannot produce viable eggs but have a healthy uterus.
- Couples dealing with mild male-factor infertility (low sperm motility or count).
- Single women or same-sex couples seeking conception using donor eggs and sperm.
- Patients looking for less invasive fertility solutions before moving to IVF.
This treatment is especially beneficial for younger recipients or those with normal uterine function, where a simpler procedure can still yield positive outcomes.
Possible Risks & Complications
IUI is a very safe fertility treatment, but a few potential risks include:
- Mild cramping or spotting after insemination.
- Multiple pregnancy risk if ovulation-stimulating medications are used.
- Rare uterine infection from the catheter insertion (extremely uncommon).
- Emotional stress from repeated cycles if pregnancy is not achieved immediately.
Korean fertility clinics maintain rigorous sterility and precision protocols, ensuring near-zero infection risk and safe, comfortable procedures for all patients.
Surgical Techniques Used
Although IUI is not a surgical procedure, Korean clinics incorporate advanced medical and laboratory techniques to enhance its success, particularly in donor egg cases:
- Ovarian stimulation with tailored hormone therapy to prepare the uterus.
- Donor egg fertilization via IVF or ICSI, followed by preparation for insemination if required.
- Time-lapse embryo monitoring or sperm selection technologies to ensure genetic health.
- Ultrasound-guided insemination for precision placement of sperm.
- Hormonal synchronization protocols using real-time monitoring and AI-based ovulation tracking.
These techniques allow IUI cycles in Korea to achieve success rates significantly higher than the global average, especially when combined with donor eggs or frozen sperm.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery after IUI is almost immediate—most patients resume daily activities within hours. Some may experience light spotting or mild discomfort for a day or two. Korean clinics offer comprehensive aftercare, including:
- Hormonal support with progesterone therapy.
- Uterine receptivity monitoring after insemination.
- Stress-reduction counseling and nutritional advice to support implantation.
- Regular follow-up tests to confirm early pregnancy.
Korea’s patient-centered approach ensures continuous medical and emotional care from procedure to conception confirmation.
Results & Longevity
The success rate of IUI depends on factors like age, sperm quality, and uterine health. When combined with donor eggs and advanced lab support, success rates can reach 40–60% per cycle, significantly higher than natural-cycle IUI.
The results of successful IUI cycles are long-lasting, with pregnancy outcomes and child health comparable to those achieved through IVF. Many Korean fertility clinics also provide multi-cycle IUI programs, ensuring sustained fertility management and better cumulative success.
Treatment Process in Korea
Korea’s IUI treatment process is designed for efficiency, precision, and patient comfort, often tailored for international patients. The typical steps include:
- Initial Consultation & Assessment – Evaluation of reproductive health, donor selection, and hormonal profiling.
- Donor Egg Preparation – Eggs are thawed or retrieved and fertilized if part of a donor program.
- Ovarian Stimulation or Cycle Synchronization – Hormonal therapy ensures the uterus is ready for insemination.
- Sperm Preparation & Selection – Semen sample is processed to isolate the healthiest sperm.
- Insemination Procedure – Sperm is gently inserted into the uterus using a soft catheter.
- Aftercare & Pregnancy Test – Follow-up hormone support and pregnancy testing after 10–14 days.
Korean clinics combine AI ovulation prediction, 3D imaging for uterine assessment, and real-time hormone tracking for optimal IUI timing. These technologies, paired with Korea’s highly trained fertility specialists, make the country one of the most trusted destinations for advanced reproductive care.
Cost Range
The cost of Intrauterine Insemination in Korea varies depending on whether donor eggs or sperm are used.
- Basic IUI Cycle: USD 1,200 – 2,500
- IUI with Donor Sperm: USD 2,000 – 3,500
- IUI with Donor Eggs (Advanced/Combined Protocol): USD 10,000 – 18,000
Compared to Western fertility centers, Korean clinics offer significant savings without compromising quality or technology, making them popular among international patients.
Popular Clinics
- CHA Fertility Center (Seoul) – Offers donor egg and IUI hybrid programs with AI-based cycle management.
- Maria Fertility Hospital – Known for personalized ovulation tracking and affordable IUI packages.
- MizMedi Women’s Hospital – Provides international IUI programs with advanced donor coordination.
- GynART Reproductive Center – Specializes in synchronized IUI cycles using AI hormone prediction systems.
- Seoul National University Hospital – Reproductive Medicine Center – Pioneers research-based IUI and donor-assisted fertility treatments.
