Also known as artificial insemination, Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) is often the first procedure in a fertility plan. It is relatively simple and painless. IUI may be a suitable for problems relating to sperm or in cases of ovulatory disorder or mild endometriosis. The procedure can be performed using a donor’s sperm.
Generally preferred over vaginal and cervical insemination, IUI insures a higher sperm count entering the female reproductive tract, thus increasing the chances of fertilization.
The IUI process
The woman’s cycle is monitored by ultrasound and blood tests. Hormone injections are used to time ovulation, and fertility drugs may be used to increase pregnancy chances. For best results, sexual abstinence is recommended for two to five days prior to the procedure.The morning of the procedure, the male’s sperm cells are collected and placed in a special fluid to help them survive. Millions of sperm are then inserted into the woman’s uterus in a procedure similar to a Pap smear. The sperm is placed near the fallopian tubes opening, at the top of the uterus.
