Dr. Shirin Shams, surgeon and specialist in gynecology, childbirth and infertility:
Intrauterine sperm insemination (IUI), also called artificial insemination, is a process in which sperm are placed inside the woman’s uterus through artificial means. For many couples, this is a less invasive and more accessible method than in vitro fertilization. However, intrauterine sperm insemination is not the only method of artificial insemination. In addition to this method, people who have fertility problems can choose intravaginal insemination (IVI), intrauterine insemination (ICI) or intrauterine insemination (ITI) for its treatment.
The sperm used in IUI must first be well tested and prepared. This process is called sperm washing.
Sperm placement
The IUI process is performed when a very narrow flexible tube is placed inside the cervix and sperm is injected into the uterus through it.
Many people consider IUI to be a completely painless procedure. You may feel cramping or severe pain after this, but usually what you feel is related to ovulation processes rather than IUI. Usually, you will not feel the presence of this tube because the cervix is already slightly opened for ovulation.
You will be given instructions on how long to abstain from intercourse before and after the procedure.
When does this action end?
The ideal time for IUI is usually about 6 hours, which should be done on both ovulation tracks where the sperm is waiting for the egg. Since the timing of this issue is largely related to the injection of the hCG hormone, the IUI operation is performed between 24 hours and 48 hours later.
