Intrauterine and artificial insemination (IUI and AI) for infertility

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Intrauterine and artificial insemination (IUI and AI) for infertility

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the flushing of specially washed sperm through a thin flexible tube (catheter) directly into the uterus.

Artificial insemination (AI) is the placement of sperm into a woman's cervix or vagina. The sperm then travel into the uterus and fallopian tubes, where they may fertilize an egg.

See an illustration of the female reproductive system .

Insemination procedures:

Can be done with sperm from the male partner or a donor.
Are conducted during the most fertile part of a woman's cycle (ovulation).
Can be combined with superovulation (medication or hormone treatment that promotes multiple egg production) to increase the chances of conception.
Do not require surgery.

Insemination procedures can improve your chances of conceiving a pregnancy, especially when combined with superovulation treatment.

Credits

Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Author	Lila Havens
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Associate Editor	Terrina Vail
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	April 7, 2006

Last updated:	April 07, 2006
Author:	Lila Havens
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Terrina Vail

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