In Vitro Fertilization(IVF)

Intrauterine insemination involves some key steps before the actual procedure:

• Watching for ovulation. Because the timing of IUI is key, checking for signs that the body might ovulate is crucial. To do this, you might use an at-home urine ovulation predictor kit. It detects when your body produces a surge or release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes the ovary to release an egg. Or you might have a test done that makes images of your ovaries and egg growth, called transvaginal ultrasound. You also may be given a shot of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) or other medicines to make you ovulate one or more eggs at the right time.
• Timing the procedure right. Most IUIs are done a day or two after tests show signs of ovulation. Your doctor will likely have a plan spelled out for the timing of your procedure and what to expect.
• Preparing the semen sample. Your partner provides a semen sample at the doctor’s office. Or a vial of frozen donor sperm can be thawed and prepared. The sample is washed in a way that separates the highly active, healthy sperm from lower-quality sperm. Washing also removes elements that could cause reactions, such as serious cramps, if placed in the uterus. The likelihood of becoming pregnant rises by using a small, highly concentrated sample of healthy sperm.