Insemination is generally the next step after a couple has tried fertility drugs. The physician monitors the woman's cycle. When she ovulates, her partner's sperm is collected and inserted directly into her uterus by way of a thin catheter. Placing the sperm directly into the uterus gives it a head start and increases the chances that the sperm will fertilize an egg and create a pregnancy.

If the woman's partner's sperm is determined not to be adequate, the couple can use a sperm donor and have the donated sperm inseminated.