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IUI is one type of artificial insemination in which a large number of healthy sperm are placed in your uterus near the opening for the fallopian tube. By eliminating the need to travel through the cervix and uterus — and using more viable sperm than might reach the fallopian tube after intercourse — sperm have a better chance of getting into the fallopian tube, where they can fertilize an egg.

Dr. Macer often recommends IUI for women with unexplained fertility, individuals with isolated mild male-factor infertility, and individuals using sperm donation. You may also be a good candidate if your infertility is due to a problem in your cervix that blocks sperm from getting into the uterus. For example, IUI would be an option if the consistency of the mucus in your cervix is hindering sperm mobility.

IUI can be combined with medications that trigger ovulation and increase the number of eggs that mature in your ovaries. When used together with medication, IUI can help treat infertility caused by conditions such as irregular ovulation, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Dr. Macer may also use IUI when you can’t get pregnant because your partner has a low sperm count or blocked tubes that stop the sperm from reaching his semen.

Your IUI is perfectly timed so that the sperm are placed into your uterus on the day an egg is released from your ovary. To accomplish this, Dr. Macer prescribes a medication that stimulates ovulation, then regularly monitors your ovaries with ultrasound. Using ultrasound, he can see the size of the follicles and accurately determine when ovulation will occur.

When the time is right, your partner donates sperm, which are examined and sorted to ensure the healthiest ones are used. Dr. Macer places the sperm into a syringe attached to a long, thin catheter. He threads the catheter through your cervix and into your uterus, then releases the sperm near the fallopian tube. You’ll go back to the office in about two weeks to see if you’re pregnant.

The answer to this varies from patient to patient and their individual situation. Generally speaking, if you are doing IUI, Dr. Macer will usually reevaluate with this couples around 3 cycles if they have yet to conceive to discuss transitioning to IVF. As always, consult your doctor as your situation may be different than someone else’s.