Artificial insemination explained

It's a story that has played out countless times: a couple who wants to start a family but is having difficulty conceiving. Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, and can be caused by a variety of factors such as age, genetics, and health problems.

But thanks to modern medicine, there are options available to help these couples achieve their dream of starting a family, one of which is artificial insemination.

How does artificial insemination work?

Artificial insemination involves placing sperm directly into a woman's reproductive system to fertilize an egg. It's a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure that is often the first step in a couple's fertility journey.

Methods of artificial insemination

There are two types of artificial insemination:

• Intrauterine insemination (IUI) • Intracervical insemination (ICI)

The difference lies in where the sperm is deposited.

In IUI, the sperm is placed directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter. This is typically done around the time of ovulation, when the woman's egg is released from the ovary and travels down the fallopian tube.

ICI is a less common method, where the sperm is deposited into the cervix using a syringe. This method is typically used when the sperm count is low, as it allows for more sperm to be used.

The procedure

Before the procedure, the man will provide a sperm sample that will be processed and prepared for the insemination. This usually involves washing and concentrating the sperm to remove any dead or slow-moving sperm.

The woman may also be given medication to stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception.

The actual insemination itself is a quick and painless procedure that typically takes less than 10 minutes. Most women report feeling little to no discomfort.

After the insemination, the woman will be advised to lie down for a short period of time to allow the sperm to travel up to the fallopian tubes and increase the chances of fertilization.

The success rate of artificial insemination

Success rates for artificial insemination vary depending on a number of factors, including the age of the woman and the reason for infertility. Generally, the success rate for IUI is around 10-20% per cycle, while the success rate for ICI is slightly lower.

However, it's important to note that artificial insemination is not always successful and may require multiple cycles before achieving a pregnancy.

Artificial insemination is a great option for couples who are struggling with infertility and want to start a family. It's a relatively low-cost and non-invasive procedure that can increase their chances of conceiving.

However, it's important to remember that artificial insemination is not for everyone and should be discussed with a medical professional to determine if it's the right option for you.