re: IUI
IUI/ Intra-Uterine Insemination (also known as Artificial Insemination) is an infertility treatment and is one of the simplest forms of assisted reproduction as you don't have to remove eggs and no fertilization is involved in the labs'. A small tube (catheter) is used to place 'cleaned' sperms from the male partner directly into the uterus and left to fertilize the egg(s) naturally.
IUI is easier than IVF - doesn't cost as much and it is really close to a natural conception. You just need a few treatments. It’s a great treatment to use for those couples who produce healthy sperms + eggs but have probs’ conceiving through copulation b/c of all sorts of probs' e.g. disability, erectile probs’, injury, ejactulation problems, low sperm count, thin cervical muscus, etc.
Chances of conceiving via IUI is said to be half than IVF though! Also there are various types of IUI e.g. IUI with Gonadotrophins, IUI with Clomiphene Citrate, Natural IUI (method above) and many others – so ask your friend to ask her Doc for more info' on this.
Hope your friend manages to conceive Inshallah. Best of luck to her. :)