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.