Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the flushing of specially washed sperm through a thin flexible tube (catheter) directly into the uterus.
Artificial insemination (AI) is the placement of sperm into a woman's cervix or vagina. The sperm then travel into the uterus and fallopian tubes, where they may fertilize an egg.
See an illustration of the female reproductive system.
Insemination procedures:
- Can be done with sperm from the male partner or a donor.
- Are conducted during the most fertile part of a woman's cycle (ovulation).
- Can be combined with superovulation (medication or hormone treatment that promotes multiple egg production) to increase the chances of conception.
- Do not require surgery.
Insemination procedures can improve your chances of conceiving a pregnancy, especially when combined with superovulation treatment.
Credits
| Author | Bets Davis, MFA |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Last Updated | April 7, 2006 |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
