Intrauterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a process of injecting sperm directly into a woman's uterus at the time of ovulation. IUI can use either a partner's sperm or donor sperm.

In this procedure, the man provides a semen sample. In the laboratory, the semen is "washed" to separate and concentrate the sperm. A doctor uses a soft tube (catheter) to deposit the sperm through the woman's cervix into her uterus at the right time in her cycle. IUI may be done in conjunction with drugs that stimulate ovulation.

IUI may be recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, when there is a problem with the man's sperm, or when there is an incompatibility between the sperm and the cervical mucus.