Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine Insemination is a procedure where the partner’s sperm is placed into the uterus through the cervix using a small thin catheter. Semen specimen is collected by masturbation into a sterile collection cup. Semen collection kits are available upon request from the office. If specimen is collected off premises then it must be transported to the andrology lab, keeping the specimen warm (body temperature, not any hotter), within 30 minutes of collection for best results (in general, sperm do not do well in plastic cups for long periods of time). It takes about an hour to wash, count and process the sperm sample prior to use for IUI.

IUI is based on timing from either a positive ovulation predictor kit or by timing of injection of hCG.

If based on an urine ovulation predictor kit, the IUI is performed the morning after a positive response is detected. In some cases a hCG shot will be given the same day as a positive ovulation detection to help boost the process of ovulating.

If based on a hCG shot to trigger ovulation (no evidence of a positive urine ovulation detected), IUI is usually performed 36 hours after hCG shot is given. This means most hCG shots will be given at night and IUI done two mornings later. You will be instructed on when to give your hCG shot and arrive for your IUI by our staff.

IUI generally adds 3-5% pregnancy success rate to your treatments. IUI are generally done in combination with ovulation induction medications for best results.

• Learn about Donor Insemination