Overview

Insemination procedures can be used to treat infertility. They use a thin, flexible tube (catheter) to place sperm in the vagina, cervix, or uterus. The sperm then travel into the fallopian tubes, where they may fertilize an egg. If the sperm are placed in the uterus, it's called intrauterine insemination (IUI).

These procedures:

• Can be done with sperm from a partner or a donor.
• Will often use concentrated sperm. This chooses the most active and healthy sperm.
• Are done during the most fertile part of the menstrual cycle (ovulation).
• Can be combined with superovulation treatment. This can increase the chances of conception.
• Don't require surgery.