Usually you can have intercourse anytime after an IUI . . . in fact, most doctors suggest having intercourse, when that is an option, soon after the last IUI to help make sure ovulation is covered. Your doctor may suggest waiting 48 hours to resume relations if you had any bleeding during the IUI or if a tenaculum is used.

Since the vagina doesn't open unless something pushes it, it is OK to swim shortly after your IUI...but because of how much one has invested in getting pregnant, it probably makes sense to wait 48 hours after your IUIs to go swimming.

This depends on your individual situation, but it should be less than 72 hours since his last ejaculation in order to ensure the best motility and morphology. Where low sperm count is the reason for IUI, it is generally best to wait 48 hours between ejaculation and collecting sperm for the IUI. With no sperm count issues, it makes sense to wait about 24 hours.

The frequency of intercourse generally should be that which the couple considers most enjoyable. However, during the time of the moth when ovulation takes place, the most advantageous frequency of intercourse is every other day (i.e., every 48 hours). The reason for this interval is that sperm should survive for 48 hours within the woman's reproductive tract and the egg should be subject to impregnate for 12 to 24 hours.

Normal, healthy sperm live approximately 48-72 hours. (Abnormal sperm may have a shorter life, which may vary according to sperm health.) We do know that washed sperm can survive in the IVF incubator for up to 72 hours. That would be considered the upper practical limit.

IUI helps deliver much more motile sperm to the fallopian tubes at the critical times around ovulation, and is recommended to improve pregnancy rates in many instances, including: unexplained infertility; sperm issues (such as count, motility or morphology); when fertility medications (including Clomid or injectable medications) are being used; or when a cervical mucous abnormality blocks the ability of the sperm to swim in to the uterus.

A: An IUI -- intrauterine insemination -- is when a very thin flexible catheter is threaded through the cervix and washed sperm is injected into the uterus. The whole process doesn't take very long - it usually only requires the insertion of a speculum and then the catheter, a process that maybe takes a couple of minutes. Sometimes when the cervix is hard to reach a tenaculum is also used and makes the process a bit more uncomfortable.

Usually, six weeks. However, every patient is different. After surgery I will review the situation with you and recommend what is right for you.

An IUI shouldn't be done at home because the sperm needs to be washed to prevent infection -- i.e., separated from the semen. A vaginal insemination can be done at home, but is no more successful than intercourse. Some doctors are willing to instruct on doing ICI (intracervical insemination) at home, but it should not be attempted without being taught proper technique. Getting semen or air into the uterus could be quite dangerous -- perhaps life-threatening.

ANS: Unfortunately its probably NOT such a good idea because it may well lead to further damage to the bowel or rectal lining. Especially if you have Proctitis (as opposed to colitis, or I.B.D).

You should wash as soon as possible. A shower is probably your best bet in this case. Make sure that you use soap and water as the soap will wash away most residue left behind from the semen and the torn condom. Try to refreain from douching as the procedure may actually push substances further in. If you're concerned about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), you should see your doctor and get tested as soon as possible.