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.

A count above one million (after sperm preparation) 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.

IUI can help patients taking only tablets containing clomiphene citrate where cervical mucus is a problem, and IUI increases the chance of success in patients on injections no matter what the sperm count. It does make sense to try IUI if you have tried but haven't had success with intercourse. It is important to note that with intercourse, only the best and strongest sperm make it through the cervical mucus and up into the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Usually the sample is collected through ejaculation by masturbation into a sterile semen collection container in a private room at the clinic. From the time the sample is received, it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to make the sample ready for insemination. The amount of time may vary depending on the sperm quality, as special techniques may be required.

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.

Please visit the Patient Information Sheet on Semen Analysis. Directions to Memphis Fertility Laboratory can be found here.

This depends on your individual situation, but it usually should not be less than 3 days and not more than 7 days in order to ensure the best motility and morphology. We advise that you have an intercourse around the 7th or 8th day of your cycle and then abstain.

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.

This topic is so complex we have a special page devoted to it. The short answer is: by selecting a reputable sperm bank such as one listed on our site, by checking the bank's certifications, and by consulting with your doctor or fertility specialist.

Yes, "transient patency" can occur with delayed blockage of the anastomosis at 6 months or later. This occurs about 3% of the time in successful reversals.

A sperm count above 20 million sperm per ml is considered normal. Read more about SpermCheck Fertility, the at-home fertility diagnostic test for men.

Do treatment options exist? When a male has a low sperm count he should consult his health care provider. A physician will order a comprehensive semen analysis that will shed greater light on the male’s fertility status. The good news is that for both men and their partners most fertility abnormalities can be treated. New treatments are constantly being researched and marketed.

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.