What is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a common procedure used during the treatment of infertility and may be an option for couples experiencing unexplained fertility, ovulation disorders and mild to moderate male factor. It is commonly used as a first line infertility treatment and can be easily performed in the office. Prior to the procedure, the male’s sperm for IUI is obtained, specially washed and concentrated. A very small catheter is used to pass the sperm sample through the vagina and cervix into the uterus with minimal discomfort and no sedation.

Patients planning to have an IUI performed will often undergo ovulation induction at the same time to increase their chances of pregnancy. Ovulation induction, also referred to as controlled ovarian hyperstimulatin (COH), increases the chances of pregnancy by allowing the development of multiple eggs during a patient’s menstrual cycle. This increases the chance of pregnancy by releasing more eggs that the sperm can fertilize.

Ovulation induction can be achieved by taking oral medications such as Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) or Letrozole, or by using injectable medications (Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur, Repronex etc.) containing FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) or LH (Luteinizing Hormone). Once the eggs are determined to be mature by ultrasound or laboratory tests, an injection of hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is usually given. The hCG injection results in the release of the eggs into the fallopian tubes where they can be fertilized. The IUI procedure is then scheduled in one or two days after the hCG injection is given.

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