One of the simplest forms of assisted conception, artificial insemination is a popular choice for couples with different types of infertility. Although the technique has been used for decades, the procedure has been given a new name in recent years and is now more commonly known as intrauterine insemination, or IUI.

IUI is a fairly straightforward process. The initial step in this infertility treatment is to have the female partner undergo fertility testing to ensure that there are no blockages in her reproductive organs. Once this is done, a semen sample will be taken from her partner and the sperm will be prepared in a process known as "washing". Washing allows your fertility specialist to separate the strongest and most motile sperm. Only these sperms will be used in the insemination process.

Approximately one day before a woman's LH surge, she will make a trip to the fertility specialist's office, where the washed sperm will be placed in her uterus. A small catheter is used to do this. The procedure takes less than an hour, does not require any anesthetic and is generally painless. It is also a less expensive option than more involved ART techniques, like IVF.

To learn if you are a candidate for IUI, contact the experts at the Huntington Reproductive Center. Just fill out the form below to have a representative contact you.

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January 9, 2009