FemaSeed® Intratubal Insemination at Brown Fertility
Brown Fertility now offers FemaSeed Intratubal Insemination, also known as ITI.
FemaSeed uses ultrasound guidance to deliver prepared sperm toward a selected fallopian tube. This targeted approach gives our physicians another artificial insemination option to consider when building an individualized treatment plan.
FemaSeed is available alongside traditional intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and other fertility treatments offered at Brown Fertility.
Your physician will help you understand which approach fits your fertility evaluation, health, and family-building goals.
What Is FemaSeed?
FemaSeed is an FDA-cleared device used for intratubal insemination, also known as ITI.
The procedure uses ultrasound guidance to deliver washed and prepared sperm toward the uterine opening of a selected fallopian tube. This places the sperm closer to where fertilization usually occurs within the body.
FemaSeed provides a more targeted approach to artificial insemination while avoiding the egg retrieval, laboratory fertilization, and embryo transfer involved in IVF. It gives Brown Fertility physicians another option to consider alongside traditional IUI and other fertility treatments.
A Different Placement Approach
During traditional IUI, prepared sperm is placed inside the uterine cavity.
With FemaSeed, prepared sperm is directed toward a selected fallopian tube, closer to where sperm and egg would typically meet.
Fertilization, if it occurs, takes place inside the body.
Another Option Within Fertility Care
Traditional IUI remains an established treatment at Brown Fertility.
FemaSeed gives our physicians an additional insemination approach to consider for appropriate patients. It does not require egg retrieval, laboratory fertilization, or embryo transfer.
How Does FemaSeed Work?
A FemaSeed cycle is planned around ovulation. Your care plan may include medication, ultrasound monitoring, or both.
Monitoring the Cycle
Ultrasound allows us to follow follicle development and identify the dominant follicle.
This information helps your care team determine the timing of insemination and which fallopian tube to target.
Preparing the Sperm
A semen sample is collected and prepared before the procedure.
Sperm preparation separates the most motile sperm for insemination.
Guiding the Device
The FemaSeed device is passed through the cervix and positioned inside the uterus.
Ultrasound guidance helps your physician direct the device toward the uterine opening of the selected fallopian tube.
Delivering the Prepared Sperm
The prepared sperm is delivered toward the fallopian tube.
The device is then removed. Fertilization, if it occurs, happens naturally within the body.
FemaSeed or Traditional IUI: What Is the Difference?
Both treatments are forms of artificial insemination. The main difference is where prepared sperm is placed.
Traditional IUI
Traditional IUI places prepared sperm directly inside the uterine cavity around the time of ovulation.
It remains an important treatment for patients with certain ovulation concerns, mild male-factor infertility, unexplained infertility, or other fertility needs.
FemaSeed ITI
FemaSeed directs prepared sperm toward the uterine opening of a selected fallopian tube under ultrasound guidance.
This provides a more targeted delivery approach while allowing fertilization to take place inside the body.
The Right Option Depends on You
One approach will not suit every patient.
Your physician will consider:
- Your fertility diagnosis
- Your age and ovarian reserve
- Ovulation
- Fallopian tube health
- Semen analysis results
- Previous fertility treatment
- Your family-building goals
The goal is to choose a treatment because it fits your needs, not simply because it is new.
Who May Be a Candidate for FemaSeed?
FemaSeed may be considered for certain patients who are candidates for artificial insemination.
At Least One Open Fallopian Tube
At least one fallopian tube must be open for FemaSeed to be considered.
Your fertility evaluation may include a hysterosalpingogram, also called an HSG, to assess the uterus and fallopian tubes.
A Complete Fertility Evaluation
Your Brown Fertility physician may review:
- Age and ovarian reserve
- Ovulation and menstrual history
- Fallopian tube health
- Fertility diagnosis
- Reproductive history
- Semen analysis
- Total motile sperm count
- Previous treatment
- Length of time trying to conceive
No single result determines which fertility treatment will be right for you.
Could FemaSeed Be Considered for Male-Factor Infertility?
Male-factor infertility may involve sperm count, concentration, movement, shape, or another factor affecting fertilization.
What the Clinical Study Examined
FemaSeed has been studied in couples with male-factor or unexplained infertility associated with lower total motile sperm counts.
The primary study population included total motile sperm counts between 1 million and 20 million.
The study was prospective and single-arm, meaning it did not directly assign patients to FemaSeed and traditional IUI groups for comparison.
Review the study through ClinicalTrials.gov or read the published clinical trial report.
Sperm Count Is Only One Factor
A semen analysis provides more information than sperm count alone.
Your physician will also consider sperm movement, concentration, shape, your partner’s fertility evaluation, and other clinical findings.
Based on the complete evaluation, traditional IUI, FemaSeed, IVF with ICSI, or another treatment may be recommended.
What Can You Expect During the Procedure?
FemaSeed is an office-based insemination procedure.
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Before the Procedure
Your care team will explain how to prepare for your cycle.
Ultrasound monitoring may be used to follow follicle growth and determine the appropriate time for insemination. Medication may also be included in your treatment plan.
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During the Procedure
A speculum is used so the device can pass through the cervix.
Ultrasound helps guide the FemaSeed device inside the uterus and toward the selected fallopian tube. Prepared sperm is then delivered, and the device is removed.
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After the Procedure
Some patients may experience mild to moderate uterine cramping during or after insemination.
Your care team will explain what to expect, when normal activities can resume, and when to contact us with a concern.
What Should You Know About Risks and Results?
Every fertility procedure deserves a clear conversation about benefits, risks, alternatives, and limitations.
Possible Discomfort
Cramping or discomfort may occur during or after the procedure.
Your experience may also be influenced by medications, cycle monitoring, and other parts of your individualized plan.
Individual Results Vary
FemaSeed cannot guarantee fertilization, pregnancy, or live birth.
Age, ovarian reserve, sperm health, diagnosis, fallopian tube health, and other factors can influence the likelihood of treatment success.
Evidence Continues to Develop
FemaSeed has been evaluated in a prospective clinical study involving specific patient populations.
Published results provide useful information, but they cannot predict an individual patient’s outcome. Additional research will continue to shape how FemaSeed is used within fertility care.
Your physician will discuss the available evidence, possible risks, and alternative treatments before making a recommendation.
How Will We Choose the Right Treatment?
You do not need to choose between FemaSeed, IUI, or IVF before coming to Brown Fertility.
We Begin With Your Fertility
Your first step is a complete evaluation.
We look at your medical history, fertility testing, reproductive goals, and any previous treatment.
We Explain the Available Options
Your physician will explain which treatments may fit your circumstances.
That conversation may include traditional IUI, FemaSeed, IVF, ICSI, medication, or another approach.
We Build the Plan With You
Your treatment plan should make sense medically and personally.
We will explain why a treatment is being recommended, what it involves, and what you can expect next.
Frequently Asked Questions About FemaSeed
Is FemaSeed the same as traditional IUI?
Both are forms of artificial insemination, but sperm is placed differently. Traditional IUI places prepared sperm inside the uterine cavity. FemaSeed directs prepared sperm toward the uterine opening of a selected fallopian tube under ultrasound guidance.
Does Brown Fertility still offer traditional IUI?
Yes. Traditional IUI remains an important treatment at Brown Fertility. FemaSeed gives our physicians another insemination option to consider for appropriate patients.
Is FemaSeed better than traditional IUI?
The treatments use different approaches to sperm delivery. One option cannot be considered the right choice for every patient. Your physician will recommend a treatment based on your complete fertility evaluation.
Can FemaSeed be considered when sperm count is low?
FemaSeed has been studied in couples with male-factor or unexplained infertility and total motile sperm counts between 1 million and 20 million. Your physician will review the full semen analysis and both partners’ fertility factors before recommending treatment.
Do the fallopian tubes need to be open?
At least one fallopian tube must be open for FemaSeed to be considered. Testing may be recommended to evaluate your fallopian tubes before treatment begins.
Is FemaSeed the same as IVF?
FemaSeed is an insemination procedure. Fertilization, if it occurs, takes place inside the body. IVF involves retrieving eggs and combining them with sperm in an embryology laboratory. An embryo is then transferred to the uterus.
Does FemaSeed hurt?
Some patients may experience mild to moderate uterine cramping during or after the procedure. Your Brown Fertility care team will explain what you may feel and how discomfort can be managed.
How will I know whether FemaSeed is right for me?
Your physician will review your medical history, fertility testing, semen analysis when applicable, treatment history, and family-building goals. You will receive a recommendation based on your complete fertility picture.
More Options. One Plan Built Around You.
FemaSeed gives our physicians another way to personalize fertility care alongside traditional IUI, IVF, and other established treatments.
The right path begins with understanding your fertility, reviewing the options available, and choosing an approach that fits your health and family-building goals.
We will help you understand each recommendation and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Your first step is understanding your fertility.
Schedule a ConsultationHave Questions Before You Book?
That is completely okay.
Our team can answer your questions about testing, insemination, FemaSeed, and the next steps in your care.
Talk With a Brown Fertility Specialist