What you can expect

The visit for intrauterine insemination takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is usually done in a doctor's office or clinic. The IUI procedure itself takes just a minute or two and requires no medications or pain relievers. Your doctor or a specially trained nurse performs the procedure.

During the procedure

While lying on an exam table, you put your legs into stirrups. Your care provider inserts a speculum into the vagina — similar to what you experience during a Pap test. During the procedure, the doctor or nurse:

• Attaches a vial containing a sample of healthy sperm to the end of a long, thin, flexible tube (catheter)
• Inserts the catheter into the vagina, through the cervical opening and into the uterus
• Pushes the sperm sample through the tube into the uterus
• Removes the catheter, followed by the speculum

After the procedure

After insemination, you lie on your back for a brief period. Once the procedure is over, you can get dressed and go about your usual daily activities. You may have some light spotting for a day or two after the procedure.