If you have been trying to get pregnant without success, you may visit an infertility specialist. One of the methods used to help women conceive is artificial insemination. Unlike other reproductive technologies, this is not new. Artificial insemination has been around for a few hundred years. It has been used regularly since the late 1800s.
Artificial insemination is one of the least invasive ways of helping a couple conceive when intercourse isn’t enough. Basically, the man’s sperm is artificially placed in the woman’s body by a doctor. The procedure results in a greater number of healthy sperm. As my doctor put it, “It’s like buying more tickets to the lottery.”
The two most common methods are intracervical insemination and intrauterine insemination. With intracervical insemination, the sperm is inserted in the cervix. With intrauterine insemination, the sperm is deposited inside the uterus.
The sperm can come from the patient’s husband or partner, as long as his sperm count is high enough for her to conceive. If his sperm is not adequate, a donor can be used. Most clinics have donor sperm available for patients. Single women wanting to have a baby will use donor sperm as well.
Fertility drugs are often used with artificial insemination. These can be oral or injectable medications, depending on the situation. You will begin taking the medication in the early days of your cycle. The doctor will monitor the eggs with ultrasounds until they have ripened. The insemination will be scheduled when the eggs are ready.
Insemination is most effective when the fallopian tubes are clear. It may be used for women with endometriosis or problems with cervical mucous. If there is a problem with the cervix or uterus that makes it difficult for the egg and sperm to meet, insemination may help the couple conceive.
Artificial insemination is also used in some cases of male infertility. If there is a low sperm count, insemination may help the sperm reach the egg. Other problems such as impotence, ejaculation problems or other abnormalities may require insemination.
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Paying for Infertility Treatments
When to Seek Help Getting Pregnant