A common component of fertility treatment for women is ovarian stimulation. Treatment protocols include oral or injectable medications. These medications are used to stimulate the growth of one or more follicles, depending on the particular diagnosis and aim of treatment. Ovarian stimulation requires monitoring of follicle growth and hormone levels using vaginal ultrasounds and blood tests. These tests are necessary to ensure the safety of treatment, by maximizing the chance of pregnancy while minimizing the risk of multiple pregnancy.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination is a frequently used fertility treatment option. The insemination procedure involves placing either partner or donor sperm into the uterus using a catheter or thin flexible tube. First, a semen sample is ‘washed’ in our laboratory, selecting the healthiest sperm for use in insemination. (Donor sperm often comes pre-washed so this step is not required). Then, the sperm are placed into the uterus using a catheter or thin flexible tube. The insemination is timed to coincide with ovulation. This allows a greater number of quickly moving sperm to reach the egg than is possible with intercourse. IUI may be combined with ovarian stimulation to maximize the chance of pregnancy.
Check out our educational videos related to ovulation stimulation and IUI procedures.
