Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a minor procedure that we perform in our offices that places sperm directly into a woman's uterus with a small catheter while she is ovulating. This course of action places a large concentration of sperm directly into the upper uterus so that they are closer to the fallopian tubes, and have a shorter distance to travel to fertilize an egg. The method, called insemination, uses a thin flexible catheter that our physicians pass through vagina and cervix and into the uterus. Most of our patients experience little or no discomfort. An IUI can be performed with sperm from the male partner or a donor, and is often combined with ovulation induction (OI) or controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH).

Prior to insemination, the sperm are typically washed and concentrated. Concentration is accomplished by selectively choosing highly active, healthy sperm that are more capable of fertilizing an egg. Donor sperm can be used if the male partner has no sperm or has an extremely low sperm count or carries a risk of genetic disease. Women that are planning to conceive without a male partner can also use donor sperm.