Artificial Insemination
Aiding Fertilization
Artificial insemination (AI) may be one of the first steps recommended when considering Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). It is deemed to be one of the least invasive technologies to be performed, while achieving a relative success rate of pregnancy. The cost implication is also by far, more attractive than some of the more advanced techniques which can be applied. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is another form of insemination, and has slowly become the more popular procedure carried out.
What is Artificial Insemination?
AI is an advanced form of infertility treatment. It is a fertilization procedure used to give couples a greater chance at pregnancy. While being one of the least invasive, it is also the least costly procedure recommended. The technique involves taking the sperm and artificially placing it into a woman's cervix or uterus. The semen implanted is normally "washed" first, in a laboratory, before being inserted. This is termed sperm washing. Washing sperm is a process that separates sperm from the semen, therefore concentrates the healthiest sperm used for the implantation, to increase the probability of pregnancy. A success rate of between 5 and 20% can be expected with AI, increasing with the use of fertility drugs per cycle. In some cases, between 3 and 6 cycles may be required before conception takes places
Different types of Artificial Insemination
The different types are attributed to the method applied when performing AI. The nature of the infertility reason, will also depend on the procedure being recommended for treatment. The types of AI are named after the location of insemination: -
Intra-cervical insemination (ICI) - into the cervix -
Intra-uterine insemination (IUI) - into the uterine cavity -
Intra-vaginal insemination (IFI) - into the vagina A further classification of AI is a technique called Intra-tubal insemination. This method of treatment is more invasive than the other options: -
Sperm intra-fallopian insemination (SIFT) - The process involves a woman undergoing a laparoscopy, so that the sperm can access the fallopian tube. The specialist performing the procedure will insert a thin tube into the abdomen through a small incision, allowing access to the pelvic area. A catheter is inserted into the incision and into the fallopian tubes. The sperm is deposited directly into the fallopian tubes using a syringe.
Why Artificial Insemination?
Out of all the procedures available, as described on Assisted Reproductive Technologies, why would a doctor prescribe AI and on what is this recommendation based?
AI may be recommended for a couple who have no known cause of infertility. In other words, both male and female have gone through the preliminary tests required and neither were found to have a medical condition. Unknown infertility or secondary infertility may have been diagnosed. For males with sperm disorders, it can enhances his chances of conception taking place. Factors influencing the decision to recommend AI over other more advanced ART treatments: - Simple, least invasive treatment
- Length of time of treatment
- The least costly process - costs to be investigated, include drug therapy and laboratory costs and doctors charges
- The procedure can be performed by a reproductive specialist in a fertility clinic or examining room
- No hospitalization costs
Treatment process
For all ART treatments, there will be a process to follow to work up to the actual procedure being performed. These steps are followed to ensure that perfect conditions exist, for the success of the procedure. -
Fertility drugs will be prescribed from the beginning of the cycle, normally the third day, to stimulate the female ovaries to develop several mature eggs for fertilization. Only one egg is produced per cycle without any drugs. Multiple eggs will of course enhance the chance of pregnancy taking place. -
The doctor will monitor when ovulation is about to take place, either with an ovulation predictor kit or by using ultra sound scan. The follicles containing eggs can be seen using this treatment. Hormone blood tests will be taken by day 10 - 11 of the cycle to measure the luteinizing ( LH) hormone levels. It may be required to trigger ovulation artificially using one of these drugs. This will take place 36 hours or so before AI is performed. -
Once ovulation takes place, your partner will be required to provide a sperm deposit, normally two to three hours before AI. The sperm is prepared in the laboratory and made ready. -
The actual process is fairly straight forward. It is almost like a routine pelvic examination undertaken by a gynecologist for a Pap smear. A speculum is inserted into the vagina in order to clearly see the cervix/uterus where the sperm will be inserted. A tiny plastic tube, a trans-cervical catheter, will be used to insert the prepared semen sample into the uterine cavity. -
Laying flat with raised legs for a short while after the treatment is recommended. -
Pregnancy test can be undertaken 10 to 12 days thereafter.
Benefits of AI
AI is an effective infertility treatment for couples experiencing conception difficulties. It greatly enhances chances of conceiving for the following reasons: - specifically in woman over the age of 35
- sperm donation may be used for males with a low probability rate of successful pregnancy taking place
- sperm may be tested and screened prior to insemination, to reduce the likelihood of passing a genetic disorder to the child
- donor insemination may be required by either partner
- same sex couples are able to conceive a child
- a single male or female is able to conceive without a partner
Artificial insemination is a successful, least invasive treatment of infertility.
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