Intrauterine insemination (IUI) or artificial insemination (AIH) involves the placement of washed sperm into a woman’s uterine cavity using a small catheter during a minor office procedure while the woman is awake.
The sperm are processed in the laboratory to obtain the highest numbers of moving sperm in a small volume as well as enhancing their fertilization potential. The IUI catheter deposits the sperm at a location closer to the fallopian tubes in comparison to intercourse. Following the procedure, the woman can resume all normal activity including intercourse with her partner.
Prior to IUI with partner sperm (AIH) and IUI by donor sperm (AID), the evaluation consists of ensuring the woman ovulates, confirming the fallopian tube(s) is/are open, and the sperm analysis is adequate for IUI. All women desiring pregnancy should undergo prenatal bloodwork including proper blood count, thyroid function, vitamin D level, immunity to the German measles (rubella virus) and chicken pox (varicela virus) as well as an updated Pap smear.
Additional recommendations for women desiring pregnancy with donor sperm include the same infectious disease testing as the donor including cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibody testing. If the woman tests negative for CMV then she needs to select a sperm donor who is also CMV negative to avoid the low but potential risk of infection to the baby. We also advise a psychological counseling session as a consent and for education.
