When asking what is IUI, start by understanding that it is short for intrauterine insemination. It is an established conception aid for women. Less costly than IVF and far less invasive, its success rate can be up to 20%.

Men with a low sperm count, problems with sperm motility and sexual dysfunction can benefit, and of course this could be useful if a woman needs donor sperm. IUI is done at your doctor's office. It involves putting the sperm straight into the uterus.

It simply involves injecting sperm directly into the womb, so it's more likely to combine with the egg than when normal ejaculation takes place inside the vagina. A larger quantity of sperm enters the uterus, the sperm doesn't get destroyed by hostile vaginal mucous or anti-sperm antibodies and the journey the sperm have to make to fertilize the ovum is shorter. IUI is often tried before IVF along with fertility medications.

IUI needs to be done on the day you ovulate. The amount of eggs you release can be increased, making the chances of conception higher, by using a prescription like Clomid. Women need to carefully chart their cycle so that the time of ovulation is known exactly. You may need tests to confirm ovulation has occurred.

So on the day, sperm is contributed. It's concentrated then washed, removing damaged or ineffective sperm plus seminal fluid. This is important as the fluid contains prostaglandins which normally don't progress past the vagina. If they did get into the womb, they may cause illness and severe cramping.

Once you know what is IUI, you will realize that there are very few downsides, and the prices are in the hundreds of dollars rather than the thousands. When you've tried to conceive for a year or 18 months without success, or have one of the conditions that can stop you from having a child, do not despair. This method is definitely worth discussing with your family doctor, or gynecologist.