Sperm processing, or washing, for intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves removing the sperm cells from the seminal fluid and placing them in a nutrient solution that may stimulate motility and enhance fertilization. The result is a small volume of fluid which is then deposited directly into the uterus through a small tube or catheter. The intrauterine insemination bypasses the natural filter barrier, the cervix, and may give the sperm a “head start” on the way to fertilization in the fallopian tube. The entire sperm processing takes approximately 1 hour.
- To maximize your potential for achieving a pregnancy, it is important that ovulation be timed as precisely as possible. We recommend an over the counter ovulation predictor test. These kits are Assure, Ovu Quick and Clean Plan Easy. The test kit will include instructions for testing your urine.
- These kits typically take 5 minutes and must be run between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. It is best to test before 3:30 p.m., so that an appointment can be scheduled for the following day.
- On weekdays, please call the lab on the day the kit turns positive to schedule the insemination for the following day. If you call by 3:30 p.m., we can arrange an appointment for the next day. If you call after 3:30, or get the answering machine, please leave a message, we will call you back between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. the next day; or call the lab before 7:00 a.m. the next day (Monday-Friday) to schedule for the same day. It is very difficult to schedule if you call after 8:00 a.m. Monday-Friday.
- The lab is open only in the morning on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. If the kit turns positive on Friday, please try to call before 3:30 p.m., so that we can schedule you for the weekend. If you call after 3:30 p.m., or if you get the answering machine, you must leave a message. The answering machine will be checked on Saturday, Sunday and holidays at 7:00 a.m. and we will call you back to set up an appointment.
- Please be sure to be at your home between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. to be available when the personnel call. If you are not available to take the call, we cannot schedule you for insemination as the phones in the lab are not answered after 7:30 a.m. If you test positive on Sunday, please leave a message or call the lab by 7:00 a.m. Monday to schedule (unless Monday is a holiday).
- On the day of the sperm processing, your husband will be asked to provide a semen sample. The sample can be collected at home if you can deliver it to the office within 45 minutes to 1 hour after ejaculation and you collect it in a sterile container provided by the lab, hospital or doctor’s office. While transporting the specimen, please keep it close to body temperature, avoiding extreme hot or cold. The specimen can also be collected using intercourse with a special condom that is not toxic to sperm (available through the lab). If you would like to collect the specimen at the our facility, please let us know so that the collection room can be scheduled for your use.
- You will be asked to pick up the final processed specimen approximately 1 hour after the specimen is received by the lab. The time for drop off and pick up will be arranged when you call the lab.
Once the sperm are processed, they are fine for several hours.
The following numbers are provided for your convenience:
Andrology Office (Scheduling): 585-275-2491
7:00-3:30 Monday-Friday (lunch 12-12:30 p.m.)
Messages to the lab are retrieved at 7:00 a.m. (Saturday, Sunday and Holidays).
Fax #: 585-756-5861
Dr. Vivian Lewis, Director, Strong Fertility and Reproductive Science Center: 585-275-1930
Billing Inquiries: 585-275-2340 (Anne Marie)