What to Expect: Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that is fairly common. It is performed as a treatment method most often for male fertility issues, such as low sperm count or sperm motility dysfunction. It is also performed in situations where a donor sperm is desired. Usually, when other conception methods are not successful, this type of fertility treatment is often considered. It is also generally used by doctors to treat fertility problems before any other more advanced treatments are attempted.
How Long does Intrauterine Insemination Take?
A physician at a fertility clinic usually performs the procedure. A small tube filled with sperm is inserted into the uterus. It typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete the intrauterine insemination process in a New York Fertility Clinic. The IUI procedure by itself is only a couple minutes long and no pain relievers or medications are needed.
Before the Intrauterine Insemination Procedure
Before going to Fertility Clinics in New York City to get the IUI procedure done, you will first need to go to get a pre-IUI workup done. The specialist will ensure that you are healthy, and may talk with you about the procedure and embryo transfer. Your hormone levels will be checked so the doctor can determine if they are in normal range and see if your uterus will support a pregnancy. You might be started on ovulation drugs before the IUI procedure, and you will be monitored closely with blood testing and ultrasounds. This monitoring is essential so the doctor can see if you are generating healthy eggs, and to determine the best time to inject the sperm.
During the Procedure
The doctor will have you lie down on the exam table and will insert a speculum into your vagina (much like a Pap test). He will then: - Attach a vial that holds a sample of the sperm to the end of a catheter (thin, long flexible tube).
- Insert this catheter into your vagina, into your cervical opening and uterus.
- Push the sample of sperm into your uterus.
- Remove both the catheter and speculum.
After the Procedure
You will be asked to lie down for a brief period on your back following the insemination. You can then get dressed once the procedure is over and go about your everyday activities. You might notice a small amount of spotting the first or second day after the procedure. About a week after ovulation, you may be asked to come back into the fertility clinic to have your progesterone levels checked by your doctor. He will use an ultrasound to take a look at your uterine lining to see how thick it is. This will provide an indication if the IUI procedure was a success or not. To learn more about intrauterine insemination (IUI), call New York Reproductive Wellness at 347-220-3754 in Manhattan, New York or (516) 757-7673 in Jericho/Long Island.
