Artificial Insemination, commonly known as IUI, is the first step towards starting a family, before considering advanced assisted reproduction procedures like IVF. IUI involves placing washed sperm cells directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, to increase the chances of conception compared to timed sexual intercourse. 

Generally, patients go through about 3 to 4 IUI cycles of IUI before considering IVF. The success rate of IUI for women under 35 is around 10 to 20 percent. However, women over 37 should consider fewer IUI cycles and opt for IVF as soon as possible to increase their chances of conceiving.