The steps of artificial insemination

When dealing with young couples experiencing mild fertility problems , one of the recommended assisted reproductive technologies is artificial insemination . Specifically, it is indicated for women under 39 years of age or men with sufficiently high-quality semen. Therefore, in this article, we will explain the steps involved in artificial insemination.

What is artificial insemination?

Artificial insemination is an assisted reproduction technique based on a simple, comfortable process, with gentle stimulations and a good success rate.

Thus, artificial insemination involves introducing a semen sample directly into the woman's uterus . This sample has been previously processed in a laboratory to improve the chances of fertilization. Certain requirements must be met, such as open fallopian tubes in the woman.

Thus, we can say that there are two possibilities for artificial insemination :

Artificial insemination with partner's semen.

Artificial insemination with donor semen.

Steps of artificial insemination

When a couple, after a long and unsuccessful attempt to conceive, undergoes fertility testing and decides to begin assisted reproductive technology (ART), they often have many questions. Therefore, today we're going to shed some light on the process by explaining the steps involved in artificial insemination (you can see the steps for in vitro fertilization here).

1. Ovarian stimulation or multiple ovulation induction

As with in vitro fertilization, this process begins with a stimulation technique.

To determine if the ovary is at rest, a vaginal ultrasound is performed between the first and third day of menstruation to confirm that the ovary is dormant. At that point, gonadotropic hormone treatment begins , which the woman must inject daily for a period of 8 to 13 days.

2. Ultrasound control of the cycle

Throughout the stimulation period, approximately 3-4 ultrasound scans will be performed to monitor progress . Once the follicles reach a size larger than 18 mm, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) will be administered to induce ovulation, and insemination will be scheduled. Specifically, after the HCG injection, the follicle ruptures, and ovulation will begin within the next 36 hours. Therefore, insemination will take place between 35 and 37 hours after the injection.

3. Sperm selection and training

Approximately 2 hours before performing artificial insemination, the motile sperm sample will be prepared in the laboratory.

So, at this point, it's worth talking about the two options we mentioned at the beginning: AI with partner's semen and AI with donor semen.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI ) using the partner's sperm is indicated in cases of unexplained infertility, when the woman has ovulation problems or mild endometriosis, or when the man has a mild ovulation disorder. In addition, men must have a minimum motile sperm count of over 3 million.

Intrauterine insemination ( IUI) with donor sperm is recommended when the man has no sperm, has a low sperm count, sperm with poor motility, or sperm with severe deformities. It is also indicated when the man is a carrier of a hereditary disease, or when the woman wishes to become a mother without a male partner.

4. Artificial insemination itself

The procedure, which does not require sedation, will be performed simply during a doctor's appointment . Using a vaginal speculum, the doctor will introduce the sperm sample into the uterus.

Once the steps of an artificial insemination are completed, a pregnancy test will be performed approximately 15 days after the procedure.

If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized department in this area. You can request more information by calling 91 387 51 72/73/74 or schedule an in-person appointment with top specialists.

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The steps of artificial insemination