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Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

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.

IUI Process Step by Step:

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:

  1. Ovarian stimulation – Often, the doctor prescribes fertility medications that boost IUI success rates. Monitoring of your ovulation and cycle occurs. A fertility medication to trigger egg release helps the fertility doctor to correctly time the IUI procedure.
  2. The laboratory collects your partner’s semen or a chosen sperm bank ships the donor sample. The laboratory medically washes and preps your semen or donor sperm.
  3. A specially trained nurse performs your IUI – The nurse draws up the washed sperm using a catheter. After the identification of the sample is confirmed, a speculum is placed (which is similar to when you have your pap smear). Next, the nurse threads the catheter through your cervix. Finally, the sperm is injected directly into the uterus.

Ovarian Stimulation & IUI

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.

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.

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Step 1: Initial Consultation

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Step 2: Testing

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Step 3: Treatment Plan

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 prior to 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.

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LH Tracking

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Oral Medication

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Injectable Medication

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LH Tracking

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Oral Medication

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Injectable Medication

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Ovarian Stimulation/Egg Release

  1. Ovaries may be stimulated with medication.
  2. Monitoring ultra sound appointment(s) as needed.
  3. Egg release can be done naturally or via injectable medication.

Sperm Collection

  1. Sperm is collected at facility or at home.
  2. Sperm sample is analyzed and processed to help the healthy concentrated sperm reach the eggs.
  3. At your IUI appointment, you may wait 45 minutes to 2 hours for sperm to be evaluated and processed.

Insemination

The prepared sperm is inserted into the uterus using a speculum and a soft catheter. This takes about 10-15 minutes and is usually not painful. Sometimes, some mild cramping and spotting can occur, and is common.

IUI Fast Facts

  • A specially trained nurse will perform your IUI
  • At any point in your treatment plan, schedule a consult if you wish to see your doctor

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in Florida

The Reproductive Medicine Group has many years of experience performing IUI and other fertility care procedures in Florida. With locations in North Tampa, South Tampa, Brandon, Clearwater, and Wesley Chapel, our expert team of fertility specialists is ready to answer all your questions and provide personalized fertility care. Schedule a consultation with The Reproductive Medicine Group.

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