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Insemination procedures

Insemination procedures put sperm directly into the woman's reproductive tract with a tube inserted through the vagina. By doing so, they can improve the chances of conception in women who have difficulty conceiving after intercourse.

Types of insemination include:

  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI), the flushing of specially washed sperm through a thin flexible tube (catheter) directly into the uterus. The sperm then travel through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes, where they may fertilize an egg. This is sometimes combined with drug treatment of the woman to stimulate ovulation.
  • Artificial insemination (AI), the placement of sperm into a woman's cervix or vagina. The sperm then travel into the uterus and fallopian tubes, where they may fertilize an egg.
Author Bets Davis, MFA
Author Sandy Jocoy, RN
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated March 21, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 21, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.