IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

What is an IUI?

An IUI (intrauterine insemination) is when sperm is prepared (washed) and placed within the uterus at the time of ovulation. IUI is used to treat infertility due to low sperm count, low motility, cervical mucus, and unexplained infertility.

When do I Have an Insemination?

You have an IUI when you ovulate. To predict ovulation, you can use an ovulation urine test kit, which can be purchased over the counter, or you can perform an HCG injection. You should test your urine between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. using the urine test kit.  When a positive result is obtained, you should have your IUI the following morning. Giving yourself the HCG injection induces ovulation 38-40 hours after injection and you should have your IUI 2 days after the shot.

How do I Schedule My IUI?

After you show a positive ovulation or take your HCG shot, you should contact the Andrology Lab at 585-487-3378 to schedule your IUI. You can call the office from 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday to schedule. On Saturday and Sunday please call the lab and leave a message regarding which day you need your IUI and one of our specialized lab technicians will return your call around 7:00 a.m. the next morning.

How is the IUI Performed?

An IUI is done in our office. Sperm is collected into a sterile container either at home or in one of our private collection rooms. If you are collecting at home, you still need an appointment to drop off your sample. The sample needs to be kept at body temperature during transportation and given to us within a 45-minute time period. If you cannot get the sample here within that time, please set up the appointment to collect the sample here. The sperm is then washed to concentrate the most motile sperm into a very small volume. The washed sperm is then placed into a catheter and passed through the cervix into the uterus. The insemination takes about 10 minutes to perform, then an additional 10-15 minutes is required so you can lie down.