Artificial Insemination (AI) and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Insemination is the introduction of sperm into the female uterus during sexual intercourse. Natural Insemination refers to insemination which takes place through sexual intercourse, whereas Artificial Insemination occurs without sexual intercourse. Artificial Insemination is an Assisted Reproductive Technology, primarily used to treat infertility. This procedure is considered as of the least invasive ART, alongside fertility drugs.

Let’s talk a closer look at Artificial Insemination:

Essentially, Artificial Insemination is used to give the male’s sperm help getting to the female’s egg.

It involves placing sperm from a sperm donor into a female’s reproductive tract by artificial means, so that the female can get impregnated, without sexual intercourse. It’s about placing a dose of sperm in a woman’s uterus at the proper time to optimize her chances of getting pregnant. It is used by women whose partner is infertile (ie. genetic disorder) or by women without a male partner (ie, single women and lesbians).

This fertility treatment may also be used for those couples trying to conceive who have sperm allergies. Up to 25% of couples experiencing difficulties conceiving may have sperm allergies. Of those with sperm allergies, 20% to 40% are able to conceive with the help of artificial insemination or an Assisted Reproductive Technology treatment.

In the case of male infertility, this technique is most commonly used when the male has a low sperm count or low motility, or there is an incompatibility between the sperm and the cervical mucus. It may also be use when the male partner is unable to ejaculate inside the woman's vagina due to impotence, premature ejaculation or other medical conditions.

This type of procedure may involve one of two options: Intrauterine Insemination and Intracervical Insemination. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) involves placing the sperm (either the partner's sperm or donor sperm) directly the female's uterus, near the time of ovulation. Intracervical Insemination (ICI) involves placing the sperm in the female’s cervix. Intrauterine Insemination increases the chances of pregnancy because the sperm are placed directly in the uterus, and not in the cervix. This improves the delivery of the sperm to the egg.

The sperm is either freshly ejaculated sperm, or sperm which has been frozen and thawed. The male is advised abstain from having sex for 2-3 days prior to giving the sample so as to increase the sperm count. The male will provide a semen sample 1-2 hours, typically through masturbation, before the procedure.

The semen will be washed, so that the sperm is separated from the seminal fluid and the quality of the sperm is analyzed. Following the wash, the sperm is injected into the uterus, using a small catheter. This only takes a few minutes, usually does not cause any, discomfort for the female, and the patient can resume normal activity immediately following the procedure.

In some cases, it may be necessary for the female to take medication to induce ovulation if her cycles are not regular. If pregnancy does not result from the initial Intrauterine Insemination, the procedure may be repeated during the following cycles.

The woman is the genetic or biological mother, and the sperm donor is the genetic father.

Article Source: http://www.parentingarticlelibrary.com

You can find helpful information about www.ahababy.com/subject/infertility-fertility-treatments-in-vitro-ivf"> artificial insemination and everything you need to know about intrauterine insemination at Aha! Baby.

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