Breaking Down Artificial Insemination

The process of artificial insemination is one of the most commonly used fertility treatments in the country, as many people find that this simple method of promoting effective conception is the best way to conceive without having to use IVF. This method has actually been used for nearly 100 years, though the technology used in the early days was incredibly simple. Thanks to the medical and technological advances made in recent years, the process of artificial insemination is now much easier and much more effective than it ever has been.

Who Would Use Artificial Insemination

It may surprise you to find out that more and more people are suffering from infertility. Many people suffer from unexplained infertility, or infertility that has no apparent cause. Those who have been treated for cancer may find that they are unable to conceive naturally, as their body has been damaged by the drugs and radiation. Men who suffer from low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or low motility will often try artificial insemination, as it is much more direct than natural conception. Women who have no male partners will also use artificial insemination to conceive, as will homosexual women.

What is the Artificial Insemination Procedure?

The procedure for artificial insemination is a fairly standard one that most clinics and gynecologists will follow. The first thing most doctors will do is to start their patients on a special regimen to increase fertility. This will include special drugs, a diet, and exercise to help increase fertility. This regimen will help to increase the chances of conception, as the drugs will help the ovaries of the woman to release more eggs during ovulation.

As the fertility drugs help the body to become more fertile, the menstrual cycle is closely observed by both the patient and the doctor in order to determine the most fertile point in the cycle. Patients will usually be given a device to track the progress of the menstrual cycle, an ovulation detector. An ultrasound will be used to ensure that the egg has actually been released by the ovaries.

Once the egg has been released, a sperm sample will be obtained either from the woman’s male partner or from sperm banks. The sperm will be washed, concentrated for maximum efficacy, and will be inserted directly into the woman’s uterus via a thin catheter. Once the artificial insemination is complete, it will take two weeks or so for the woman’s body to register that she is pregnant.

Is the Procedure Long?

The artificial insemination itself is fairly short, but the entire process is much longer than just the insertion of the sperm. Before the woman can receive the sperm sample, she will usually be required to take the fertility drugs for the 7 to 10 days before ovulating. The actual insemination itself will only take an hour or so, but it may not work on the first try. Many women have to try for 3 to 6 months or menstrual cycles before finally conceiving.

Is it Effective?

The artificial insemination procedure’s effectiveness will be determined by a number of factors. One of the main factors is the fertility of the woman, as women that are very fertile will have a much easier time conceiving than women who are infertile. There is a 5 to 20 percent chance of the artificial insemination taking effect on each cycle, but this percentage is increased as the woman takes fertility drugs and tracks her ovulation.

What Are the Benefits of Artificial Insemination?

The thing that makes artificial insemination such a popular choice is the fact that it doesn’t require any injections or surgical procedures, and it only requires a thin catheter to be inserted into the uterus. The procedure is also fairly economical, and the most expensive part of the process is the purchase of the sperm from the sperm banks. Men who have fertility problems will find that using this method will increase the effectiveness of their sperm, and anyone with unexplained infertility will be benefitted by this method of conception.

Are There any Drawbacks?

The only downside to this form of conception is the fact that it requires precision and timing to be effective. It is vital that the woman monitors her menstrual cycle closely to ensure that the sperm is inserted when she is at her most fertile.

About The Author: Robert O. Dewald has written this article.