The fertilized eggs are then monitored carefully for their development in a lab. In a lab, the eggs are either mixed with “washed sperm”, or each of the eggs are injected with one carefully selected sperm in a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Then a doctor surgically retrieves the viable eggs. The IVF procedure requires a person with a uterus and ovaries take injectable hormones for several weeks, so that several eggs mature at the same time. In Vitro Fertilization, however, is a completely different process. An ICI delivers sperm at or near the cervical opening, an IUI delivers sperm past the cervix and into the uterus.

ICI and IUI are similar in that they both introduce sperm into the reproductive tract, vs IVF where the sperm and the egg are combined in the laboratory, outside the body. ICI is typically a do-it-yourself process, done at home, with a specially designed syringe, like Mosie. IUI and IVF are medical procedures that are done by a doctor, at a fertility clinic or surgery center. Intracervical insemination (ICI), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), and in vitro fertilization (IVF), are three procedures designed to help people conceive. The catheter is then inserted into the vagina, then through the cervical opening and into the uterus – where the vial filled with sperm is released Comparing the procedures of ICI, IUI and IVF To perform the IUI, the doctor attaches a vial, filled with the washed sperm, to the end of a long, thin, and flexible tube called an IUI catheter. This process separates the sperm from the semen, removes any non-moving sperm, dead cells and debris. Specifically, during an IUI the sperm sample needs to be processed or “washed”. The IUI procedure is timed to occur within 24 to 36 hours before ovulation. A doctor will typically monitor the patient’s menstrual cycle, and follicular growth with blood tests and vaginal ultrasounds. This medical procedure should only be done at a doctor’s office by a medical professional, and is often done in combination with ovulation inducing and stimulating drugs. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is the process of putting sperm directly inside your uterus. To be the most effective, it’s important to time the insemination to your fertile window – so that the sperm gets to the cervix before ovulation occurs.

At the doctor’s office, a catheter (thin, flexible tube) with a syringe attached to the end of it may be used to deposit sperm into the cervix. At home ICI utilizes a specially designed syringe, like Mosie, to deliver the sperm at or near the cervix. You can do this either at home or at a doctor’s office. Intracervical Insemination (ICI) is the process of delivering sperm directly into an anatomically female reproductive tract, at or near the cervical opening –the entryway to the uterus. The two most popular forms of artificial insemination are: Intracervical insemination (ICI) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). Basically, when anything besides a penis places the sperm inside the female reproductive system. What are the different methods of artificial insemination?Īrtificial insemination is a procedure where sperm is introduced to a person’s uterus, cervix, or vagina without sexual intercourse. Now that you are here, take a deep breath and relax – we’ve got this! We’ll explain each of these procedures – so you can have more information as you plan your next steps. With all of the information out there, it can be confusing and overwhelming understanding the differences between them– and figuring out which one is right for you. Some people might end up needing to do all three at different times throughout their trying to conceive (TTC) journey. These are the most common insemination options.

They stand for intracervical insemination, intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while without success, then you have probably heard of the alphabet soup of fertility acronyms: ICI, IUI, and IVF. Gary Levy, Reproductive Endocrinologist specializing in the treatment of fertility and complex reproductive disorders with Fertility Cloud.

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