Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Some infertile couples may have difficulty conceiving due to factors that make it challenging or impossible for the sperm to reach the fallopian tubes. In this setting, pregnancy may occur if the woman undergoes insemination with her partner's sperm.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is an office procedure in which a specially prepared ("washed") sperm specimen is placed into a catheter and inserted through a woman’s vagina and cervix up into her uterus near the time of ovulation. This method may be used for several reasons, including poor sperm/cervical mucus interaction. Women who have had previous cervical procedures may also benefit from IUI, to allow the sperm to bypass the cervix so that an increased number of sperm can reach the egg in the fallopian tube, where fertilization usually occurs.

Without Stimulation
If no female factors are causing infertility, IUI may be performed during a natural ovulation cycle with no medications. The timing of IUI is determined by using an “ovulation predictor” urine test, with the procedure performed the day after a positive test. Ultrasound exams may be used to help determine exact timing.

With Stimulation
To improve the chances of ovulation and to increase the number of eggs that are released, some women take medication such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid®, Serophene®) or letrozole (Femara®). These medications are usually taken daily during cycle days five through nine, followed by IUI timed with urine LH kits.

Day of Insemination
Generally, your partner will come to our office that morning to provide a semen specimen, which will be processed in our andrology laboratory. After a semen specimen is produced by the husband or partner, the sperm are counted and processed. The processing is done to remove the seminal fluid. In some circumstances, your partner may collect a sample at home provided it is delivered in a sterile container to our laboratory within 30 minutes of collection. We will provide a kit for this purpose.

A physician performs the IUI approximately one hour after the semen arrives in the laboratory for processing. After a speculum is inserted into the vagina, a narrow catheter is slipped through the cervical canal. Sperm are deposited in the upper portion of the uterus. No medication or anesthetics are required, and the procedure is usually painless. Once the catheter and speculum are removed, you will remain lying down with your hips slightly elevated for 15 minutes. You may leave the office and go about your usual activities. Light spotting after the procedure, as well as leakage of some insemination fluid, may occur; this discharge is normal. If you experience light cramping, you may treat with acetaminophen. Do not take nonsteroidals, such as ibuprofen or naprosyn, as these medications may affect ovulation.

Conception normally occurs approximately 24 hours after ovulation, and the embryo will implant between cycle day 20 to 24. If you do not experience a period by day 14 from your time of ovulation or IUI, we ask you to take a home pregnancy test. If it is positive or if your cycle doesn’t start, you will come in for a serum blood test to check for pregnancy.

For more information regarding the services of Fertility Center of the Carolinas call (864) 455-1600.