How is insemination performed? the Number of Sperms
The woman usually is given medications to stimulate development of multiple eggs and the insemination is timed to coincide with ovulation –release of the eggs.
A semen sample provided by masturbation after 2-5 days of abstinence from ejaculation.
The semen is “washed” in the laboratory (called sperm processing or sperm washing). The sperm is separated from the other components of the semen and concentrated in a small volume. Various media and techniques are used for the washing and separation. Sperm processing takes about 30-60 minutes.
A speculum is placed in the vagina and the cervical area is gently cleaned.
The washed specimen of highly motile sperm is placed either in the cervix (intracervical insemination, ICI) or higher in the uterine cavity (intrauterine insemination, IUI) using a sterile, flexible catheter.
The intrauterine insemination procedure, seems similar to a pap smear for the woman. There is little or no discomfort.
