Artificial Insemination (Intrauterine Insemination)

Intrauterine insemination is also called artificial insemination. It is an in-office procedure that is performed right at the time the woman is ovulating. The laboratory takes a semen specimen and “washes” out the debris and dead cells that are naturally present in a semen specimen. This washed specimen contains highly concentrated, active sperm. The specimen is placed inside a small syringe and a long thin cannula or tube is attached to the syringe. The cannula is inserted into the woman’s cervix and is gently passed to the top of her uterine cavity where the sperm are deposited. The IUI procedure is the same whether partner sperm or donor sperm is used. Often the IUI is used in combination with the woman taking ovulation induction medications (fertility drugs). Intrauterine insemination is indicated when there is a lowered sperm count, in a woman who produces poor cervical mucus or for couples with unexplained infertility.

Intrauterine Insemination using Donor Sperm

A couple may find themselves in a position where the man has no sperm and the couple decides to use donor sperm. The men who donate their sperm have been carefully screened for infectious diseases, inheritable traits, and general well-being. These men generally donate their semen anonymously and have relinquished any legal rights of the offspring to the recipient couple. Couples chose the donor sperm based on physical or mental attributes or blood type of the sperm donor. The intrauterine insemination procedure using donor sperm is identical to using the partner’s sperm.

Call 602-956-7481 to speak with a Fertility Specialist today about artificial insemination and other fertility treatment options.