Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that is used to treat infertility. It is effective in treating infertility with a variety of causes. It is the most common type of artificial insemination. In IUI, processed sperm is injected directly into a woman’s uterus in hopes of fertilizing an egg.

About the Procedure

Intrauterine insemination requires working ovaries, viable eggs, and 5-10 million motile sperm to be successful. Depending on the cause of infertility, IUI treatment may include ovulation induction to stimulate the ovaries to develop multiple eggs during a cycle. 

Semen Collection & Preparation

The male partner provides a semen sample at the clinic. The semen is taken to the lab to be washed to separate the normal sperm that are highly active from sperm with abnormal shapes and low motility. Using a small, highly concentrated sample of healthy sperm increases the chances of achieving pregnancy.

Ovulation Monitoring

Before the insemination procedure, the woman’s ovulation will be carefully monitored by measuring certain hormones. This can be done by a fertility specialist using ultrasound or at home using an at-home urine ovulation predictor kit. 

During this period, the woman may need to take medications to stimulate the ovaries to ovulate more than one egg during a cycle. Then, an injection may be given to trigger ovulation. When hormone levels indicate that ovulation is occurring, the insemination procedure is scheduled. 

Insemination

Once a fertility specialist determines the correct timing, the insemination procedure is scheduled and performed in the fertility clinic. The procedure only takes a few minutes and does not require medications or pain relievers. During the procedure, a catheter attached is inserted into the uterus through the vagina. The doctor injects the previously prepared healthy sperm through the tube into the uterus.

Two weeks after the insemination procedure, a pregnancy test is performed to see if the procedure resulted in pregnancy.

Why IUI Is Performed 

Intrauterine insemination is often the first approach to treating infertility caused by a variety of factors.

The expert providers at West Virginia Fertility Institute specialize in a variety of treatments for infertility, including intrauterine insemination. We combine personalized care with cutting edge technology to help our patients build their families. Call our office at (304) 345-9292 to schedule a consult.

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Charleston, WV 25302

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