When fertilization of the egg is a problem, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the solution. In this treatment, the sperm is placed directly into the uterus during the time of ovulation. The procedure takes only a few minutes and discomfort is minimal. You may be given fertility medicine to help stimulate the ovulation period to increase the chances of fertilization.
Under normal circumstances, sperm have a distance to travel to reach the egg and must do so within a certain time frame for fertilization to take place. IUI shortens the distance and time for a sperm to travel up the fallopian tube. It also makes fertilization easier.