Besides the number of sperm, the percentage with rapid forward-progressive motility and with normal morphology at the time of insemination are important to know. If this functional sperm count exceeds 1 million, chances for pregnancy with well-timed IUI are excellent. A lead follicle should be at least 16-17 mm when the patient is on urinary gonadotropins for ovulation induction, it should beat least 18 mm on a recombinant FSH , and should be about 22 mm on Clomiphene citrate therapy.

IUI can help on Clomid cycles where cervical mucus is a problem, and IUI increases the chance of success on injectible cycles no matter what the sperm count. It does make sense to try IUI if you can and haven't had success with intercourse. See similar questions...

A count above one million washed appears necessary for success, with a significant reduction in pregnancy rates when the inseminated is count is lower than 5-10 million (in other words, in most cases one should consider 5 million a lower limit for success, 10 million for cost-effective). Higher success rates are with washed counts over 20-30 million, while increasing counts over 50 million did not appear to offer advantage. See similar questions...

Sperm is classified in terms of count, (how many millions of sperm there are per sample), and quality, including mobility. To promote better sperm production, encourage your partner to wear loose boxer shorts and trousers and take cool showers rather than hot baths. Excessive alcohol intake and smoking are also bad news for healthy sperm production so encourage your partner to cut down or quit altogether if possible. See similar questions...

Usually the sample is collected through ejaculation into a sterile collection cup, but it is also possible to obtain collection condoms for this purpose (through the doctor's office -- Milex is one company that makes them). Most clinics want the semen to be delivered within a half hour of ejaculation, around the time of liquefaction, so if one lives close enough the sample can be collected at home. If not, one has to make do with a room at the clinic, a bathroom, or any private setting. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

The catheter loosens cervical mucus and lets it come out more easily. It is common to see more fertile mucus after an IUI for this reason. See similar questions...

The best way to determine if you're adequately insured is to become familiar with your health plan. Contact the plan administrator and ask for the "summary plan description" to learn about your policy. Are the premiums affordable? Consider lifetime maximums, deductibles, and prescription coverage. See similar questions...

The size of your central air conditioner or heat pump system will determine the amount of airflow needed. McCullough’s comfort consultant will measure the ductwork during the initial survey and determine if there is adequate ductwork, registers and grills. [ back to top ] See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

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. See similar questions...

The most common cause of low sperm count is the presence of a varicocele. A varicocele is an abnormal dilation of the veins within the spermatic cord. Treatment for this disorder is surgical, although the sperm counts do not always improve after treatment. Approximately 40% to 50% of the time there is no explanation for low sperm counts. See similar questions...