IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterus using a catheter around the time of ovulation. Leading up to the procedure day, medication can be used to help one to three eggs develop in the ovary. 

 

Controlled ovarian stimulation or COH refers to taking medications either by injection or with an oral pill called Letrozole to stimulate the ovary to develop at least one follicle in preparation for ovulation. In a typical menstrual cycle you may ovulate one egg, with controlled ovarian stimulation, we aim for 2-3 eggs. We perform cycle monitoring for patients in the first half of the menstrual cycle to monitor the follicles growing on the ovaries. Once the follicles are approximately 2cm in size, and/or your own hormone levels start to change to indicate ovulation will occur we will schedule you an appointment for your IUI. 

The IUI procedure takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. A speculum is placed in the vagina and the sperm is introduced into the uterus with a small catheter. 

The entire process of cycle monitoring, possible medication, and the IUI take one month.