Are you considering an intrauterine insemination (IUI), or artificial insemination procedure in order to treat your infertility? IUI, which is sometimes referred to as artificial insemination, is an affordable fertility treatment option that helps many couples become pregnant.
At The Reproductive Medicine Group, your journey toward parenthood begins with fertility testing, evaluation, and diagnosis. One of our fertility experts works with you to develop a plan of care. Your fertility treatment plan sometimes includes IUI (artificial insemination). The process of insemination includes:
Before you begin the IUI process, your fertility doctor meets with you in order to discuss the use of fertility drugs. If you need help to stimulate or enhance ovulation, your doctor prescribes fertility medications. During this cycle, you will be monitored via ultrasound/sonography and/or bloodwork. Your sonographer checks your ovaries for egg development and to determine timing. This maximizes your chances for success.
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.
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.
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.
We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional, personalized care to the Greater Tampa Bay area. To schedule an IUI consultation with one of our fertility doctors, contact us today.
