Hi Sarah,
An IUI -- <b>intrauterine insemination</b> -- is performed by threading a very thin flexible catheter through the cervix and injecting washed sperm directly into the uterus. The whole process doesn't take very long - it usually only requires the insertion of a speculum and then the catheter, a process that maybe takes a couple of minutes (60-90 seconds to introduce the catheter, then sperm injection, and another 60 seconds or so to remove the catheter - going slowly helps reduce discomfort). Sometimes when the cervix is hard to reach a tenaculum is used to hold the cervix, which makes the process a bit more uncomfortable. This is the only way (besides IVF) that our cervical mucus can be avoided.
Here is a picture of the actual catheter that doctors use:
<img src="http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr146/fondreflections/iui.jpg">
Honestly, I would suggest IUI for your and your hubby. I'm trying to get my hubby to agree to it in the next 3 months. That's my goal, anyway.
If you do ovulate with a good quality egg each month, than IUI may be all you need. One cycle of an unmedicated IUI runs about $500.00-$700.00. It's not really that expensive, and most are able to afford a couple cycles of it.
In my case, I would have to be placed on either Clomid or shots to improve the quality of my eggs. I ovulate, but my eggs aren't too great...I have some form of PCOS but without the 'classic' symptoms. Doctors may also want to use trigger shots to make my ovulation dates more predictable. A cycle with those extras can run about $2,500.00 a month. It's a BIGGGG difference!!! I would either try for Clomid/trigger/IUI or shots only. The trigger and shots are BOTH expensive. I'd opt to do one or the other. With infertility shots, the risk of multiples is much greater too than with just Clomid. Shot are only used IF Clomid isn't enough, basically. What I just said, may or may not apply to you. I just wanted to give you the 'best case' and 'worst case' estimates. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
If I was looking at only $500-$750, I would do maybe 5 cycles. Looking at $2,500, I would probably only do 2 cycles...
<b>Edited to Add: I guess we'll be March buddies!!! When do you go??? I go March 16th but will be mid-cycle so I have to wait until very early April to do anything.</b>