insemination, also known as intrauterine insemination, is the process
of injecting a woman with carefully prepared sperm from her partner,
or sperm from a donor. Artificial insemination is used in cases
of unexplained infertility, or when a male has minimal amounts
of sperm present in his semen, or other sperm difficulties such
as motility issues, or genetic problems. Artificial insemination
is used in conjunction with ovulation drugs to optimize the chance
for fertilization. Artificial insemination should only be recommended
after full tests have been performed on the woman to check for
any structural problems, infection or hormonal imbalances that
may affect fertilization and pregnancy.
Insemination involves monitoring ovulation through a test kit,
ultrasound, or blood tests, to identify the best time to inject
the ovulation drugs. The sperm may be applied directly into the
uterus or to the cervical opening and released with a catheter
passed through a speculum at ovulation. The procedure involved
in insemination is relatively quick and painless. It is performed
in the doctor’s office, without anesthesia, and you are free
to leave after it is performed.
If the insemination involves donor sperm, the sample is tested
for any diseases and prepared at the sperm bank before it is sent
to the doctor’s office for insemination. You should be aware
that often couples who decide on donor insemination have conflicting
emotions about issues such as choosing a donor and whether to tell
the child conceived by the insemination.
If insemination is not successful, it is administered again in
the next reproductive cycle. Success depends on many factors beyond
your control, including the reason for infertility and the uterine
environment. Most couples who have successful insemination do so
within the first six cycles (6 months).
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Assisted Reproductive Technology