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Our boutique fertility clinic is conveniently located in northeast Louisville, Kentucky.
Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm into the uterus at the time an egg is released from the ovary (ovulation). The sperm can come from a male partner or a sperm donor. At Kentucky Fertility Institute, our experienced team can walk you through the IUI process, answer all your questions, and help determine whether it’s the right fertility treatment for your unique needs and family-building goals.
The IUI Process
Natural conception is a complex process. First, sperm needs to travel through the cervix and uterus to reach the fallopian tubes at the same time an egg is traveling through the fallopian tubes. The sperm then needs to penetrate the egg and fertilize it. Finally, the fertilized egg, or embryo, needs to migrate to the uterus and implant for a successful pregnancy to occur. Even under the best circumstances, the process is challenging.
IUI helps to improve conception rates by increasing the number and quality of sperm cells inside a woman’s reproductive tract around the time that ovulation is occuring. Here’s how the IUI process works:
1. Ovulation Monitoring
The female patient is monitored for ovulation to ensure optimal timing of the IUI procedure. You can test for ovulation using an at-home kit, or our team can check for signs of ovulation using an ultrasound. In some cases, patients are given medications to help stimulate egg development and program the timing of ovulation. The IUI procedure is precisely timed to be performed as close to the expected time of ovulation as possible.
2. Semen Collection and Preparation
Sperm is collected from the male partner or a sperm donor. The strongest sperm are then separated from the others using a laboratory “wash” procedure, resulting in a highly-concentrated sample of high-quality sperm to be used for the IUI procedure.
3. Sperm Transfer
Our provider will use a speculum to help visualize the patient’s cervix. The concentrated sperm sample is attached to a soft catheter and gently inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. For most patients, the procedure only takes a few seconds to perform.
"Overall, the quality of care at KFI is second to none. I’m so thankful that our journey brought us to KFI—thanks to them, we now have a sweet baby girl who brings pure joy to our days."
— KFI patient
When Is IUI Recommended?
IUI can be used in various scenarios, including:
When using donor sperm
Cervical issues
Mild male infertility
Mild endometriosis
Ovulation issues
Unexplained infertility
Sexual dysfunction
IUI FAQs
IUI treatment may cause some slight discomfort similar to menstrual cramps, with many women comparing the process to a routine Pap Smear. Overall, the procedure is relatively painless, and our expert team will help you remain as comfortable as possible.
Like any medical procedure, IUI carries some risks, though any significant complications are extremely uncommon. Side effects associated with IUI may include mild cramping and light vaginal bleeding after the procedure. These symptoms should go away within a few days and will not influence your chance of becoming pregnant. Women using certain fertility medications during the IUI process may experience mild symptoms, including headaches, mood swings, hot flashes, and bloating. These medications can also increase the risk of multiple pregnancy. Our team can help address any symptoms you experience and recommend effective solutions.
We generally recommend taking a urine pregnancy test 14 days after an IUI procedure is performed, and if positive, you will come to our office for a blood test to confirm.
It is not unusual for it to take more than one cycle of IUI to become pregnant. If you don’t become pregnant after several cycles, we may recommend consideration of other options, such as IVF.
Learn More About Intrauterine Insemination
Intrauterine insemination is a quick and relatively non-invasive fertility treatment that can be an effective therapeutic option for many of our patients. It helps to optimize natural fertility pathways and can be utilized by patients in a number of different circumstances. At KFI, our reproductive specialists can help to determine whether IUI is right for you and discuss options for further testing and individualized treatment protocols to help reach your goals. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.