QUICK START: Introduction Natural Cycle with Timed Intercourse or Intrauterine Insemination Hello and welcome to another e-Learning resource brought to you by the Patient Education Team at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey. The purpose of this Quick Start course is to familiarize you with the Natural cycle and the steps that are taken before and after having timed intercourse or a scheduled intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Important Info before Cycle Start Prior to beginning your cycle, you must have: Completed your checklist Signed all consents Obtained all of your medication for your cycle Checked with your financial coordinator that you are financially cleared for your cycle. You will not be allowed to start any medication if you are not financially cleared. Important Info

Ovulation To review, women with regular menstrual cycles normally ovulate just one egg a month. The process of ovulation is initiated by the pituitary gland which is found at the base of the brain. Ovulation

Ovulation The pituitary gland sends two signals to the ovary called Follicle Stimulating Hormone or FSH and Luteinizing Hormone or LH. These two hormones encourage egg development and trigger ovulation. If a woman has intercourse close to the time of ovulation, in approximately two weeks, she will either be pregnant or she will shed the uterine lining through a process called menstruation.

Phases Phases A natural cycle is essentially a women’s natural ovulatory cycle using ultrasound and blood work to monitor throughout the cycle for better timing.

Monitoring Monitoring A Natural cycle uses no stimulation medication. You should call your nurse with day 1 of your period. You will be instructed to come in to the office on cycle day 3 of your period for an ultrasound and blood work to help us confirm the start of the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle. Ultrasounds Blood Work Monitoring

Monitoring www.rmanj.com/injection-training-videos

Intrauterine Inseminations Intrauterine insemination, or IUI is a procedure that places washed sperm directly into a woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation. This may improve a woman’s chance of getting pregnant because more sperm will make their way closer to the egg.

Questions Please contact your nurse with any questions or concerns.