IUI - What is It & What to Expect?
January 05, 2023Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm inside a woman's uterus to facilitate the chance of conception. It is often used as an effective option for couples who are struggling with fertility issues and want to increase their chances of getting pregnant. This blog post will provide an overview of IUI, discuss how it works, and detail what to expect during the procedure.
What is IUI?
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is a fertility treatment procedure used to increase the chances of pregnancy for couples struggling with infertility. It involves placing sperm into the uterus at or around the time of ovulation.
How it works?
The sperm is usually collected from the male partner through a simple procedure and then processed in a laboratory to separate out the most motile (vigorous) sperm. A catheter is then used to transfer the prepared sperm into the uterus where it can fertilize an egg if one is present.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
Before the IUI procedure, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and order lab tests to determine overall fertility health. On the day of the procedure, you may need to take medication or have an injection to boost ovulation. You may also be asked to provide a sample of your partner’s sperm for processing.
Once the prepared sperm is collected and ready, the doctor will use a thin catheter to place it directly into the uterus. This procedure should only take a few minutes and you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort. Afterward, you may be asked to rest in bed for 10 to 15 minutes before resuming your normal activities.
Once the procedure is complete, you will likely be asked to take a pregnancy test in two weeks. In some cases, hormone therapy may be recommended if no pregnancy occurs within three cycles of IUI treatment. Your doctor can provide more information on this topic.