Ovulation induction and Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI) are two simple and less invasive approaches to overcoming problems conceiving.
 

Ovulation Induction

Clomiphene citrate and artificial hormone preparations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) may be used to encourage the development of one or more follicles and thus more than one egg, during the woman's cycle. This process is known as Ovulation Induction if the woman is anovulatory, or super-ovulation if she is already ovulating without treatment.

Clomiphene may be used in conjunction with timed intercourse, or artificial insemination, to ensure that the sperm are introduced at the right time. The cycle is monitored more closely than a natural cycle with vaginal ultrasounds and/or urine tests to check follicle development and observe hormone levels. Human chorionic gonadotropin, known as hCG is the hormone that is produced in pregnancy by the embryo,  and maybe used in injection form to trigger the process of ovulation.

Fertility drugs are generally used for women who have an ovulation disorder due to hormonal imbalances.  There is little scientific evidence that they increase fertility rates in women who are already ovulating.
 

Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI treatment involves inserting the male partner’s concentrated semen through the neck of the womb and into the uterus close to the time of ovulation. This procedure can be performed during a natural cycle or with artificial hormonal stimulation.

Usually an injection of hCG is given when follicle development has reached a certain stage. The partner’s fresh semen sample is usually prepared by scientists to separate sperm from the semen, wash and suspend it in a salt solution. This preparation is then injected into the cervical mucus or directly into the uterine cavity (intra-uterine insemination - IUI).

Artificial insemination may be recommended by your doctor in cases of unexplained infertility, hostile cervical mucus, minor sperm abnormalities, coital difficulty and male sexual disorders.

Intra-Uterine Insemination (Donor Sperm)
Intra-Uterine Insemination can also be performed using donor sperm, either from an anonymous or a known sperm donor. Insemination with donor sperm is used when the husband does not produce sperm, when the sperm is of very poor quality or if there is a high risk of passing on genetic diseases. This is often abbreviated to DI - Donor Insemination. In this case, it is important to have explored all the issues involved with a counsellor beforehand.  Read more about the donor program.