Your guide to the 3 types of artificial insemination (including one you may not know, but really should)

Exploring your family-building options right now? You’ll quickly come across several different types of treatment, and, getting even more specific, perhaps a few different types of insemination. 

We know, the names can sound similar – yet each procedure does work slightly differently, and may be recommended in different situations.

Alongside treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and intracervical insemination (ICI), there’s another option that’s gaining attention: intratubal insemination (ITI), available through the innovative FemaSeed procedure from Femasys.

Understanding your options helps you have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider and feel confident about your next steps. 

So with the expert perspective from team FemaSeed, here’s a simple guide to these three key types of artificial insemination and how they compare, plus some of the most common artificial insemination questions, all in one place.

What is artificial insemination?

Artificial insemination is a fertility treatment pathway that helps sperm get closer to the egg, giving fertilization the best possible chance of happening. Rather than relying on sperm to make the entire journey on their own, a healthcare provider places specially prepared sperm into the reproductive tract at the right point in your cycle.

There are several different ways to do this, and each type of artificial insemination places the sperm in a slightly different location. The right option for you will depend on factors such as your fertility history, any underlying diagnosis, and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. 

The three types of artificial insemination

Skimming the different types of artificial insemination more closely, it’s easy to feel a little bit like you’re drowning in acronyms. 

IUI vs ICI and ITI all look and sound similar, but the main difference is actually quite simple: it’s all about where the sperm is placed. And the closer the sperm is placed to where fertilization naturally happens, the shorter the journey it has to make.

1. Intracervical insemination (ICI)

With intracervical insemination (ICI), semen is placed near the cervix, similar to where sperm are deposited during intercourse. Sperm then travel through the cervix and uterus toward the fallopian tubes, where fertilization may occur.

ICI is sometimes referred to as “at-home insemination” because it can be performed outside of a medical office using an at-home insemination kit. It may be an option for some people, including those using donor sperm. Because sperm are placed near the cervix, they have farther to travel and may encounter more potential barriers along the way before reaching the fallopian tubes.

2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Instead of placing semen at the cervix, intrauterine insemination (IUI) uses specially prepared, or “washed,” sperm that is placed directly into the uterus by a healthcare provider. Washing concentrates the healthiest, most motile sperm and removes components of semen that should not be introduced into the uterus.

Placing the prepared sperm directly into the uterus gives it a head start by bypassing the cervix and reducing the distance (and some of the barriers) it must overcome to reach the fallopian tubes, where fertilization may occur.

IUI vs ICI

If you’ve been comparing IUI vs ICI, the biggest difference is that sperm is placed directly into the uterus with IUI, and with ICI, sperm is placed at the cervix.

IUI gets the sperm further along its journey, which is why it’s become a common first-line treatment in many fertility clinics. This said, there’s a third, even more targeted approach to know. 

3. Intratubal insemination (ITI)

Intratubal insemination (ITI) builds on the same idea, taking it one step further.

With the FemaSeed procedure, specially prepared sperm is gently placed directly into the fallopian tubes using a specially designed catheter. Since this is where fertilization naturally happens, ITI positions the sperm as close to the egg as possible.

ITI is also a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in your OB’s office, and is absolutely a treatment option to consider before moving on to more complex procedures like IVF.

Although it’s a newer approach than IUI, it’s one that we’re seeing more and more patients asking about, as awareness grows.

How much does artificial insemination cost?

The answer depends on the procedure you have, whether fertility medications and monitoring are included, and your provider’s pricing structure.

ICI is often the lowest-cost option, and IUI can generally cost more due to sperm preparation and clinical monitoring. 

While the cost of ITI with FemaSeed may vary between providers, it can be helpful to consider not only the upfront cost, but also the treatment approach itself. Because ITI places sperm closer to where fertilization occurs, its more targeted approach may reduce the number of treatment attempts needed to achieve pregnancy.

When to ask about FemaSeed

One of the most common artificial insemination questions we see across our community is whether one procedure is “better” than another, and the reality is that each has its place. 

The right option will always depend on your individual circumstances. Your age, fertility history, diagnosis, and your provider’s recommendations will all help shape the treatment plan that’s best for you.

Many patients are familiar with IUI because it’s been available for many years, but fewer know that a more targeted insemination procedure now exists. 

If you’re exploring artificial insemination, it’s always worth asking whether intratubal insemination with FemaSeed could be suitable for you, especially if you:

• Have been trying to conceive for some time without success
• Have mild male factor infertility, such as low sperm count or motility
• Are using donor sperm
• Have PMOS (formerly PCOS) or ovulation timing challenges
• Are looking for a less invasive option before moving to IVF
• Are pursuing fertility treatment as a single parent or same-sex couple

Having the conversation can help ensure you make a fully informed treatment decision.

Keen to know if FemaSeed is right for you? Visit the FemaSeed website for more detailed information to support your next steps, and use their Practice Locator to find a location near you.

Next on your reading list: Intratubal insemination success, at age 39 – Aslyn’s story