Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination)
Intrauterine (Artificial) Insemination at Our Durham and Raleigh, NC Fertility Centers
Intrauterine (artificial) Insemination (IUI), the introduction of a sperm sample into the uterine cavity, may be done to increase the number of sperm in the upper genital tract.
In certain individuals this may increase the likelihood of conception. IUI may avoid cervical and vaginal factors preventing sperm entry, or it may compensate for low sperm counts.
Sperm Collection Prior to Artificial Insemination
To introduce the sperm into the uterine cavity during artificial insemination, the semen has to be treated to remove chemicals in the liquid portion that may cause irritation of the uterus. There is a separate charge for this sperm preparation, or “washing.”
The sperm wash must be done under the husband’s name, so he will need to supply all of his demographics for the appointment to be scheduled.
The washing procedure takes about one hour. Sperm samples are most often collected in the clinic to assure a prompt delivery to the lab. However, they may be collected at home if you are no more than 30 minutes from the clinic.
All specimens should be collected by masturbation, rather than withdrawal. Do not use a lubricant. If there is a problem with the collection, please notify the monitoring physician.
Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination is a relatively simple procedure performed at our Durham and Raleigh, NC fertility centers and is similar to obtaining a Pap smear. It can be accomplished in the clinic without anesthesia.
A small plastic catheter (tube) is used to insert the specimen into the uterine cavity through the cervix. A small amount of leakage or spotting can be anticipated after the procedure. This does not reduce the effectiveness of the technique.
After IUI
Once the artificial insemination procedure is completed there is no limitation of activity.
The artificial insemination procedure is done only once per cycle because the time of ovulation can be accurately predicted and the artificial insemination can be timed to coincide with the release of the eggs.
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