ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PLAN

Artificial insemination (IUI) involves the insertion of sperm into the woman’s uterus. It may be performed using either the partner’s sperm or donor sperm. It is frequently indicated as a treatment for male factor infertility caused by a low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), or irregular sperm morphology (shape and size).

Following intercourse, only a small proportion of the sperm ascend the female genital tract. The goal of artificial insemination is to increase the quantity of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and thereby facilitate fertilization. IUI can be performed at our McAllen clinic using the partner’s sperm or sperm from a donor.

Before the IUI procedure, the sperm are washed and placed into a small volume of sterile medium. This is injected directly into the uterus via a soft, thin catheter. This portion of the procedure is comparable in sensation to a Pap test. The woman is able to resume normal activity immediately after intrauterine insemination.

For intrauterine insemination to be effective, the woman must have normal ovulation, open fallopian tubes, and a normal uterine cavity. Ovulation induction with fertility drugs may be indicated for women with ovulatory disorders or irregularities. The sperm of the male partner, or donor, is analyzed beforehand to determine count, motility (movement) and morphology (shape and size).