Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is a simple and effective technique to increase the chance of pregnancy. During this procedure, which is performed in the office, specially prepared sperm is deposited directly inside the uterus, close to the location of the egg(s). The resulting high concentration of sperm can then fertilize the egg(s) without having to travel through the potentially inhospitable environments of the vagina and cervix. Additionally, by preparing the sperm prior to insemination, many of the inflammatory factors which are normally present in ejaculated semen are removed.

An IUI can be performed in conjunction with natural ovulation or ovulation induced with fertility medications. Further, the sperm source for an IUI can come from a woman’s partner, a known donor, or a sperm bank. Our office can provide information on available sperm banks. Lastly, the timing of an IUI is critical, therefore patients are generally monitored with ultrasounds and blood-work to predict ovulation and determine the best day(s) to perform the procedure.