An intrauterine insemination (IUI) is relatively simple procedure performed in the office. It is done with the insertion of a speculum, much like a pap smear, and generally only takes a few minutes. A very small insemination catheter is passed through the cervical opening and into the uterus. A small volume of the sperm sample is then delivered directly into the uterine cavity. Risks of the procedure include mild cramping and the rare potential for infection. After the insemination, you may resume normal activity, unless otherwise directed.

To prepare for your insemination, you MUST contact the office when your menstrual cycle starts (by day 3 of your period) for each cycle.

Inseminations are timed by ovulation prediction kits (OPKs). The OPKs measure the LH surge produced by your pituitary gland in response to a mature egg. When you have an LH surge, you can expect to ovulate within 36-40 hours. You should begin use of OPKs a few days before your expected day of ovulation (usually day # 10) and test once daily, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Call the office as soon as you have a positive LH surge on your testing kit. If you call on a weekend or holiday and the office is closed, leave a message with the answering service. We will return your call and will provide you with an insemination appointment time. You will schedule your IUI to occur on the day AFTER a positive OPK. You may NOT schedule an IUI before you have a positive OPK.

When scheduling an IUI, you will be given two appointment times:

• An appointment for the male partner to bring the semen specimen (if applicable)
• An appointment for the female partner’s insemination
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A minimum of 90 minutes will be required between appointments to prepare the sperm sample. If you are using frozen sperm, you will only be given one appointment for insemination. You may be asked to arrive 45 minutes early for the thaw, unless the sperm sample was delivered directly to our office. Make sure arrangements for shipping have been made early, as shipments CANNOT be received by our office over a holiday or weekend.

Regular intercourse is encouraged throughout the cycle, preferable daily or every other day, as ovulation approaches. You may have intercourse regularly until you get your LH surge. Once you have the LH surge, wait to have any further intercourse until after the IUI is completed.