IUI: Artificial Insemination at Houston Fertility Institute

Also known as artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves the insertion of sperm into the woman’s uterus. It may be performed using either the partner’s sperm or donor sperm. It is frequently indicated as a treatment for male factor infertility caused by a low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), or irregular sperm morphology (shape and size).

Ovulation Induction and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and ovulation induction are two non-surgical fertility treatments offered at Aspire Houston Fertility Institute to improve the likelihood of fertilization. By combining fertility treatments such as ovulation induction and IUI, the physicians at our Houston fertility clinic are able to achieve outstanding success rates. Similar to ovulation induction, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is used as part of an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle to encourage the maturation of multiple ovarian follicles.

Following intercourse, only a small proportion of the sperm ascend the female genital tract. The goal of intrauterine insemination (IUI) is to increase the quantity of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and thereby facilitate fertilization. IUI can be performed at our Houston clinic using the partner’s sperm or sperm from a donor.

Before the IUI procedure, the sperm are washed and placed into a small volume of sterile medium. This is injected directly into the uterus via a soft, thin catheter. This portion of the procedure is comparable in sensation to a Pap test. The woman is able to resume normal activity immediately after intrauterine insemination.

For intrauterine insemination to be effective, the woman must have normal ovulation, open fallopian tubes, and a normal uterine cavity. Ovulation induction with fertility drugs may be indicated for women with ovulatory disorders or irregularities. The sperm of the male partner, or donor, is analyzed beforehand to determine count, motility (movement) and morphology (shape and size).

Ask About Artificial Insemination at Aspire Houston Fertility Institute

If you are interested in learning more about ovulation induction or artificial insemination (IUI), contact one of our various Houston locations.