IUI, or intrauterine insemination
IUI is a relatively simple fertility treatment. It may be done with or without fertility drugs. The procedure itself involves transferring specially washed semen directly into the uterus via a thin catheter.
The Procedure
- The procedure is pretty simple, though it’s normal to feel nervous about it. It will be done in fertility clinic.
- If you’re using a sperm donor, the donor sperm will be thawed and prepared. If not, your partner will come into the clinic that day with you and give a semen sample. The semen sample is achieved via masturbation.
- If your partner will be out of town—or, if he had difficulty providing a sample in the past—your partner may provide the semen sample before IUI day. In this case, if the sample is frozen, it will be thawed and prepared.
- Semen contains more than just sperm. Your doctor will put the semen through a special “washing” procedure. This takes out the impurities and leaves only what’s needed for conception.
- For the procedure itself, you will lie down on a gynecological table, similar to the ones used for your yearly exam. A catheter—a small, thin tube—will be placed in your cervix. You may have some mild cramping, similar to what you might feel during a pap smear.
- The specially washed semen will then be transferred into your uterus via the catheter. The catheter is removed, and you’re done!
- In either case, you don't need to worry about the sperm falling out when you stand up. The sperm are transferred directly into your uterus. They aren't going anywhere but up, to a (hopefully) waiting egg