Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure for treating infertility. The procedure for intrauterine insemination is straightforward. Sperm that have been "washed" and concentrated are placed directly in your uterus on the day after your ovary releases one or more eggs to be fertilized. The hoped-for outcome of intrauterine insemination is for the sperm to swim into the fallopian tubes and fertilize a waiting egg, resulting in pregnancy.

Depending on the reasons for infertility, intrauterine insemination can be coordinated with your normal cycle or done in conjunction with ovulation-inducing medications.

MY00104

Aug. 29, 2008

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