How intrauterine insemination (IUI) is performed

Your husband will be asked to provide a semen sample a few hours before you are scheduled for insemination. This is done by masturbating into a sterile container and bringing to our lab. The semen is "washed" to separate the sperm from the seminal fluid. This must be done before the sperm can be injected into your uterus because the seminal fluid contains substances that can irritate your uterus. Sperm "washing" may also improve the ability of the sperm to fertilize the egg.
The insemination takes only a few minutes. Your doctor or nurse will place a speculum inside your vagina, insert a small catheter through your cervix into your uterine cavity, and inject the sperm through the catheter into your uterus. You most likely will not feel discomfort during the procedure, but may have some slight cramping.