IUI Costs in British Columbia: What Patients Should Know
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often one of the first fertility treatment options patients consider. Understanding what it involves, what drives the cost, and how it compares to IVF can help in planning your fertility journey. Here’s what you ought to know about IUI cost, especially in British Columbia, and how PCRM helps patients navigate these expenses.
What Is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) & Why Choose It
- Definition: IUI is a fertility procedure in which sperm that has been “washed” or processed (to select the most motile, healthy sperm) is inserted directly into the uterus, timed with ovulation.
- Why patients may consider it:
• Less invasive and typically less expensive than IVF.
• Often used when there are mild male factor infertility issues, when timing is difficult, or when cervical factors (problems passing sperm through the cervix) may be a concern.
• Sometimes done with ovulation-inducing medications to improve chances.
Cost Factors Specific to IUI in BC
The price of IUI in BC depends on several components; some are unavoidable, others are optional. Below are key drivers of cost:
-
Diagnostic & Monitoring Tests
Before an IUI is performed, there are baseline fertility tests: hormone panels, ultrasounds to monitor follicle development, and possibly an AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) test. If ovulation induction is used, monitoring (ultrasound + blood work) may be needed to time insemination. -
Medications / Ovulation Induction
Often, IUI is done together with medications to stimulate ovulation. These can be oral drugs (e.g. letrozole) or injectable gonadotropins. The dosage/frequency depends on patient factors (age, ovarian reserve, past response). Medications can add substantially to the cost compared to the “natural cycle” IUI. -
Semen Preparation (“Sperm Washing”)
Processing the sperm sample is required. If donor sperm is used, that will also add to the cost. If partner sperm is used, there’s still the lab fee for washing/separating motile sperm. -
Procedure Fee
The actual insemination (inserting sperm into the uterus using a catheter) includes clinic staffing, equipment, and very rarely, ultrasound guidance. PCRM’s IUI protocol ensures that the discomfort is minimal; it's done similarly to a Pap test. -
Optional / Add-On Costs
• Multiple cycles (often 3-4 IUI cycles are attempted before considering IVF) which multiply costs.
• Donor sperm cost if needed.
• Additional monitoring if response is high or risks are present.
• Costs related to travel, accommodation, time off work, and non-medical supports.
Comparison: IUI Costs vs IVF
Putting IUI in context:
| Feature | IUI | IVF |
| Complexity / Invasiveness | Lower: simpler procedure, fewer surgical steps | Higher: egg stimulation, retrieval, lab culture, embryo transfer, and possibly genetic testing |
| Cost per cycle | Much lower generally — fewer medications, simpler lab work, no egg retrieval or long embryo culture | Significantly higher due to all the extra steps, medications, lab culture, embryo storage, etc. |
| Number of cycles needed | Multiple IUI cycles may be required to achieve pregnancy, each with its own cost | IVF often carries a higher success per cycle (depending on factors), so fewer cycles may be needed overall for some patients, but it is still costly |
| Risk / Side effects | Lower risk, less invasive, fewer side effects generally | Higher risk: e.g. ovarian hyperstimulation, more demanding procedures, more monitoring, anaesthesia |
Because of these differences, some patients try IUI first — it can be more affordable upfront. But if after several cycles there's no success, conversion to IVF or combining treatments may be advised, which significantly increases cost. For many, knowing ahead of time the cost of both helps with planning.
How PCRM Helps Patients Understand and Plan
PCRM plays an important role in making costs clearer and helping patients plan for their finances before and during treatment. Some of the ways in which we support this:
- The Fertility Financing Page offers a breakdown of what treatments cost, what the options are for financing, and where there may be subsidies or insurance coverage.
- Financial Concierge: after the new patient consultation, PCRM offers a service to walk you through what parts of treatment you will pay for (medications, lab, procedures), what’s covered by MSP or private insurance, and provide invoices/letters for insurance or tax purposes. This is a great time to have your specific questions addressed.
- Transparent Pricing Guides: Though certain costs can’t be predicted exactly (due to individual biology, treatment choices, and number of cycles), PCRM provides high-level pricing so you know the ballpark.
- Helping With Referrals, Pre-tests, and Planning: PCRM assists in determining whether IUI is an appropriate first step (or whether IVF is more likely needed), so that patients don’t incur unnecessary costs.
For many people in British Columbia, the decision to proceed with IUI or IVF can be a challenging one. IUI presents a less invasive, more affordable first step in their fertility journey. But it’s not “cheap” by default — costs vary based on medications, monitoring, donor sperm, and patient-specific factors. Understanding all the components, seeking transparent guidance (like from PCRM’s financing resources), and comparing IUI vs IVF in your case will help you plan financially and emotionally for what lies ahead.
If you want help estimating what your IUI cost might be, or comparing to IVF, PCRM’s page is a great resource: www.pacificfertility.ca/fertility-financing
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About the PCRM Blog
Welcome to the Pacific Fertility Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog! Nationally and internationally recognized for providing exceptional reproductive care, our team believes in empowering people with the knowledge they need to navigate their unique fertility journeys.
From information on the latest fertility treatments to valuable insights on egg donation, surrogacy, and everything in between, the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog is your ultimate resource for all things reproductive care and support. Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a new patient appointment.