Intrauterine Insemination is a relatively easy, comfortable, and quick process that includes three phases:
- Preparation:
- To increase its potential, the procedure is timed according to the female’s ovulation, and may be performed up to two times in the days following the detection of ovulation. Medication is commonly prescribed to be taken by mouth, one to two weeks prior to the procedure in order to help the eggs mature. In some cases, ultrasound may be used to evaluate egg development in the female’s ovaries or an at-home urine test may be needed to determine the right time for the procedure. Once the eggs are ready, a subcutaneous injection is given of a hormone called hCG (the ‘trigger shot’), to stimulate the ovaries and release the eggs. An exact timeline for the procedure is now provided.
- Sperm Collection:
- The morning of the procedure, the male partner provides a sperm sample at the clinic. If the sample is coming from the donor sperm, it would be thawed and processed just prior to the procedure. Before insemination, the samples are prepared in the laboratory to be assessed for safety, quality, and quantity. Then, the samples are passed through a filtering system for grading and washing
- Insemination:
- The female’s cervix will be cleaned with a cotton swab and a small catheter holding the sperm sample would be placed through the cervical opening and into the uterus.