Preliminary Consultation

To initiate your participation in the Intrauterine Insemination Program, an appointment will be scheduled prior to beginning inseminations.  At this visit we will have an opportunity to complete your history and request additional records, if needed.  You will receive instruction in the use of an ovulation prediction test, and plans will be made for your first intrauterine insemination, including instructions on how to contact Reproductive Endocrinology, where to go, and what to do.

Required testing prior to the first insemination:

1. Documentation of rubella immunity (see attached)
2. Normal Pap smear within past year
3. Normal physical exam
4. Semen analysis (sperm count).  If this was performed locally, a copy of the report is required prior to insemination.

If a recent semen analysis is available, a semen sample will not be requested at the initial visit.  Two to seven days of abstinence from sexual activity are necessary to maximize the number of viable sperm and minimize the number of dead sperm in the ejaculate.

Registration

If this is your first visit please stop at Registration in the main lobby so they can obtain necessary information.  Current registration and hospital numbers are needed for both partners.  Registration will remain current for one year.  A preliminary appointment will be under the wife’s female partner’s name.

Ovulation Prediction Test

Couples will be asked to use ovulation prediction tests to help time inseminations close to ovulation.  This consists of tests performed on urine to detect the dramatic rise (or "surge") in LH hormone that occurs 24 to 36 hours prior to ovulation.  Follow the instructions provided with the kit carefully.  Your nurse will discuss when to begin urine testing.

Ovulation prediction tests can be obtained at the hospital pharmacy or at your local pharmacy or discount store.

Basal Temperature Records

Basal temperature records are optional.  The temperature record will help interpret ovulation prediction test results in the event your test result is not clear.

Male Partners

Instructions for collection of semen for intrauterine insemination: 

In order to maximize the number of sperm for insemination, please attempt to abstain from ejaculation for two to seven days prior to collection.  Longer periods of abstinence (greater than seven days) should be avoided, as this may increase the number of dead sperm in the ejaculate.  Sperm quality can be affected by adverse health conditions and certain medications.  Please inform us if you have had any health problems (fever, injury, severe flu, etc.) in the past six months or if you are taking any medications.

The semen sample must be collected into a special container provided by the Reproductive Testing Laboratory.  Please do not attempt to collect the semen into any other container, as this may result in decreased survival of the sperm.  Because the sperm will be inseminated directly into the uterus, it is necessary to avoid bacterial contamination of the semen during collection.  This can best be accomplished by thorough washing of your hands and genital area prior to collection.  The semen must be delivered to the Reproductive Testing Laboratory within ten minutes ofpromptly after collection.

Collection Method:

Masturbation without the use of lubricants is the best and preferred collection method.  All patients are strongly encouraged to use this method as it prevents specimen contamination and provides the most viable sperm population.  If you would like to use a lubricant for sample collection the laboratory staff will provide you with glycerin. It is advisable to practice collecting at home, preferably in the morning since procedures are usually scheduled for early morning. Lubricants such as Vaseline, K-Y Jelly, saliva and water should not be used during collection because they will kill some of the sperm.

For patients that,who, after repeated attempts, cannot collect a sample by methods #1 or #2 masturbation, nonspermicidal condoms are available from the laboratory for semen collection by intercourse.  This method is to be used only as a last resort as the risk of sample contamination and/or loss is greatly increased.  Commercial condoms are unacceptable for semen collection because they will kill the sperm.

Specimens collected following coitus interruptus (i.e. withdrawal) are unacceptable.

Two private rooms have been set aside for the purpose of semen collection.  Some reading material and videos are available in the room; you are welcome to bring your own materials.  The room has a private restroom.  Your partner is welcome to accompany you or may choose to wait in the laboratory’s waiting room.