What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?
Intrauterine Insemination, or IUI, is a type of fertility treatment that involves placing sperm into the uterus. This increases the number of swimming sperm which, in turn, increases the opportunity for a sperm to find the egg.
An IUI is a painless and quick procedure that's often performed in-office by one of our highly skilled nurses. The procedure takes 1-2 minutes to perform and, after a short rest in the office, you’re free to return to normal activities.
Learn More About Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
IUI Process
This quick and painless procedure takes 1-2 minutes to perform. the IUI itself is usually less uncomfortable than getting a Pap Smear.
This quick and painless procedure takes 1-2 minutes to perform. the IUI itself is usually less uncomfortable than getting a Pap Smear.
- We will ask you to come to the appointment with a full bladder to optimize the angle between your uterus and cervix
- Before placement, the semen sample must be washed and prepared
- A small, flexible catheter will be passed into the uterine cavity
- Afterwards, you’ll have a short rest in the office and then you’re free to return to your normal activities.
Why Sperm is Washed Prior to Placement
Washing the semen sample has many benefits:
- Improves sperm motility: washing activates the sperm and removes substances that might lower sperm quality
- Helps identify the most actively swimming sperm
- Removes Prostaglandins: Prostaglandins are proteins found in semen that can cause violent uterine contractions if placed inside your uterus