Topic Overview

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the flushing of sperm directly into the uterus. This is done through a thin, flexible tube (catheter).

Artificial insemination (AI) is the placement of sperm into a woman's cervix or vagina. The sperm then travel into the uterus and fallopian tubes, where they may fertilize an egg.

See a picture of the female reproductive system.

These procedures:

• Can be done with sperm from the male partner or a donor.
• Are done during the most fertile part of a woman's cycle (ovulation).
• Can be combined with superovulation treatment to increase the chances of conception. Superovulation uses medicine or hormones to promote multiple egg production.
• Do not require surgery.

Insemination procedures can improve your chances of conceiving a pregnancy, especially when combined with superovulation treatment.