Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

An IUI is a less-invasive way to get pregnant. An IUI is a procedure in which the sperm is placed directly into the uterus through the cervix using a small, thin catheter. The sperm can either be from a partner or a sperm donor via a sperm bank. A semen specimen is collected by masturbation into a sterile collection cup and prepared for the IUI in our office. Semen collection kits are available upon request from the office.

If a specimen is collected off of the clinic’s premises, then it must be transported to the andrology lab, keeping the specimen warm (at body temperature, not any hotter), within 1 hour of collection for best results (sperm cannot stay in plastic cups for long periods of time). It takes about an hour to wash, count, and process the sperm sample prior to use for the IUI.

Using donor sperm for an insemination would involve purchasing the sperm through a sperm bank and having it shipped directly to PREG.

IUI is based on timing from either a positive ovulation predictor kit (OPK) or by timing of injection of hCG, which is commonly referred to as the “trigger shot.”
If based on a urine OPK, the IUI is performed the morning after a positive response is detected. In some cases, a trigger shot will be given the same day as a positive OPK is detected to help boost the process of ovulating.

If based on a hCG shot to trigger ovulation, the IUI is usually performed 24-36 hours after the trigger shot is given. You will be instructed on when to give your trigger shot and arrive for your IUI by our staff.

IUI generally adds 3-5% pregnancy success rate to your treatments. IUI is generally done in combination with ovulation induction medications (i.e. Clomid or Femara) for best results.