What is artificial insemination?

  Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a popular, simple and inexpensive technique for routine pregnancy assistance. IUI is a relatively natural procedure that involves monitoring ovulation under ultrasound and injecting washed semen into the uterine cavity when the follicles are mature, hormones are appropriate, and ovulation is predicted to be near or after ovulation. IUI can be performed as long as the woman can ovulate and has at least one patent fallopian tube and the male partner’s semen is of the right quantity and viability.       Clinical pregnancy rates for IUI have been reported to vary from 8 to 38% per cycle, and are largely dependent on the patient’s choice and ovulation promotion protocol. The process of IUI is relatively simple, with less medication, takes less time, and does not require prolonged ovulation promotion, extensive drug stimulation, frequent blood tests and egg retrieval, and is the least physically painful for the woman.