How does intrauterine insemination work?

Before intrauterine insemination, ovulation-stimulating medications may be used, in which case careful monitoring will be necessary to determine when the eggs are mature. The IUI procedure will then be performed around the time of ovulation, typically about 24-36 hours after the surge in LH hormone that indicates ovulation will occur soon. Also before IUI, a semen sample will be washed by the lab to separate the semen from the seminal fluid. The procedure itself takes only 10-15 minutes. While lying on an exam table, the doctor attaches a vial containing a sample of healthy sperm to the end of a long, thin, flexible tube (catheter). The catheter is inserted into the vagina, through the cervical opening, and into the uterus. The sperm sample is pushed through the tube into the uterus. After insemination, the patient will be asked to lie on her back for a brief period.

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