How IntraUterine Insemination is Performed

IntraUterine Insemination is the process of placing sperm into the uterus to achieve pregnancy in a woman who has had a hard time getting pregnant. IntraUterine Insemination is done in a sterile facility with a trained professional.

Getting Started

To get the IntraUterine Insemination started, the woman will be put on medication to help her release more eggs during ovulation. She will then be given a test to take to determine if she is ovulating. She will test her urine in the morning, and if the test is positive, then the insemination will be performed the next day.

The sperm will have been collected by the man  the same day the insemination will take place. After he has submitted the sperm, it will then be put through a sperm washing. A sperm wash is used to get rid of the slow moving sperm or other chemicals that may make it difficult to achieve pregnancy.

The Insemination

For the insemination to be a success, it is important that the sperm are insemination when the woman is ovulating. Performing the insemination a day before or a day after ovulation can decrease the chances of it working. On the day of the insemination, the woman will arrive at the facility and be asked to change into a hospital gown. She is then taken into the procedure room and placed into the stirrups. The vagina is then cleaned to prevent contamination.

The doctor will then insert a catheter into the vagina, up to the uterus. The sperm, which are in a syringe, are then pushed through the catheter and forced into the uterus. After this is done the stirrups are removed and the woman is allowed to lay there and rest.

In some cases, the woman may feel liquid leaking from the vagina. This is normal and usually not much sperm are lost in this. In some facilities, the woman is required to stay for an hour or more to rest, while in other facilities, she is allowed to get up after just five minutes. In some cases, the woman can go back to work and continue with her exercise program. It is also okay if she decides to take it easy for a day or two.

After the Insemination

After the insemination has been performed, the woman will go home and continue with her normal every day living. After about 2 to 3 weeks, she can take a pregnancy test. If the test comes out positive, she will make an appointment with her OB/GYN. They will be able to perform an ultrasound to make sure that there is a heartbeat. If everything looks good, then the insemination was a success. If a pregnancy is not achieved, then the couple may choose to repeat another insemination.

If you or your partner suffer from infertility problems, trying to concieve a child can be a stressful time. If you have tried everything else, then IntraUterine Insemination may work for you. Talk to your doctor to get started with the process.

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