What is intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

• A. A procedure that introduces prepared sperm into the uterine cavity, often requiring mild stimulation with FSH.
• B. A process of retrieving eggs and fertilizing them in a laboratory dish.
• C. A technique in which embryos are transferred directly into the uterus without lab fertilization.
• D. A method of placing a mixture of eggs and sperm into the fallopian tubes.

Answer: (A)

IUI works by placing prepared sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances that sperm will meet the egg inside the body. The semen is collected and processed to concentrate healthy, motile sperm and to remove debris and substances that can hinder movement. Timing is coordinated with ovulation, and in many cases, mild ovarian stimulation with low-dose gonadotropins like FSH is used to encourage the development of a few mature follicles, which can improve the odds of fertilization while keeping risks relatively low. By delivering sperm directly to the uterine cavity, this method bypasses cervical mucus barriers and brings sperm closer to the site of fertilization, making it less invasive than in vitro fertilization. IUI is commonly used for mild male factor infertility, cervical factor infertility, or unexplained infertility and can involve either partner’s sperm or donor sperm. The other options describe lab-based fertilization or embryo transfer, not insemination into the uterus.