How is sperm prepared for IUI?
If you have a male partner, he provides a sample of his sperm. Most often, sperm is collected into a sterile cup provided by The Reproductive Medicine Group. Your partner masturbates at home or in one of our private collection rooms. Collection rooms are available at all four office locations. Alternatively, a special medical condom catheter is another option for collection, if needed.
The sperm is washed and prepped for your IUI. This process improves the potential for IUI success by concentrating the sperm. This allows for the healthiest and most functional sperm a better chance to meet your egg. Thus, the concentration allows for an increased chance of pregnancy. The sperm washing takes approximately 45 minutes. Donor sperm arrives already washed and prepped for IUI.
What happens during the IUI procedure?
Inserting the sperm into your uterus takes very little time and is not painful. The process feels similar to having a pap smear. During an IUI, you will lie in the same position as you normally would for your annual pelvic exam. A thin, flexible catheter is inserted into your cervix. The nurse inserts the concentrated sperm directly into your uterus.
What happens after the IUI procedure?
If you do not have a menstrual flow 14 days after your insemination, you schedule an appointment with The Reproductive Medicine Group. Your fertility doctor gives a blood test to determine if you are pregnant.