Artificial Insemination - Process, Success Rate and Side effects
Artificial Insemination - Process, Success Rate, Procedure, Side effects, Risks, Benefits, Cost, ICI & IUI
Artificial Insemination is a fertility treatment that involves inserting the sperm directly into a woman's uterus, fallopian tubes, or cervix. Artificial Insemination is used to treat many types of infertility problems. It can be used in both the cases of male infertility and female infertility. It is also suggested by the doctors when doctors can't figure out the reason of infertility in couples.Artificial Insemination Procedure
To get the Artificial Insemination the doctors will make sure that the woman is ovulating or not. In some cases, doctors suggest fertility medications so that ovaries can ovulate multiple eggs. They'll take some blood tests or ultrasound to make sure about the ovulation. After that woman's partner will need to provide a sample of his semen. A woman's partner has to avoid sex 3 to 5 days before the artificial insemination procedure to make sure the sperm count remains high. The sperm is washed in the laboratory within one hour of ejaculation.The process of washing semen is done to raises the chances of getting pregnant and to remove the chemicals from the semen that can cause any discomfort to a woman. The sperm is liquified at room temperature for half an hour in the laboratory. To separate out the most active sperm from the semen sample a harmless chemical is added to the sample. And after that, a centrifuge is used to collect the best and the most active sperm.
(Also read: What is IVF?)
The next step of the Artificial Insemination process is to place the collected sperm into a thin tube called a catheter. The catheter is placed inside a woman's uterus and cervix into the uterus. Then the doctor will suggest a woman lie down around 30 to 45 minutes so that sperm gets time to work. And after that woman can do her usual activities without any difficulty.
Artificial Insemination process
The two ways of Artificial Insemination process includes :ICI (Intracervical Insemination)
Intracervical Insemination is a process that involves inserting sperm into the cervix. This process can be used both in a doctor's clinic or at home. The steps involve in intracervical insemination are the following :- The ovulation cycle of a woman is monitored by the doctor or by herself. In some cases, the doctor prescribes some medications to a woman to stimulate the ovary to produce multiple eggs.
- A woman's partner will need to provide a sample of his semen or donor's sperm is used.
- Then a doctor will insert this sperm into the vagina of a woman with the help of a syringe. There is one other way of inserting sperm into the vagina. The other option is to place sperm into a cervical cap and then this cap is inserted into the cervix which stays for a designated amount of time.
- A doctor will suggest a woman lie down for 20 to 45 minutes so that sperm gets time to move up from the cervix into the uterus.
- After that woman can do her usual regular activities.
- After two or three weeks a woman will take a pregnancy test to make sure if the insemination process was successful or not.
(Also read: UTI during pregnancy)
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Intrauterine Insemination is a process that involves inserting the sperm directly into the uterus. This process is also similar to that of intracervical insemination but it is mostly performed at a doctor's clinic and with a washed or prepared sperm. The steps involve in intracervical insemination are the following :- The washed or prepared sperm is used to increase the chances of conceiving.
- Then a doctor will use speculum which is a special instrument that makes the uterus easier to access.
- After that, a thin instrument inserted through the vagina to place the sperm into the uterus.
Artificial Insemination benefits
Artificial insemination is beneficial for those couples who are facing troubles in conceiving. Some of the cases where doctors recommend Artificial insemination are :- Low sperm quality
- Low sperm motility
- Woman with endometriosis
Artificial insemination is also beneficial for same-sex couples or a single woman to get pregnant by donor sperm.
Artificial Insemination Side effects
Artificial Insemination is usually painless. Some women may experience mild cramping during the procedure and light bleeding after the procedure. If a woman is taking fertility medications along with artificial insemination than there are also chances of getting pregnant with multiple children such as twins or triplets.
(Also read: What is Ectopic Pregnancy?)
Artificial Insemination risks
Usually, the chances of risks associated with Artificial Insemination procedure are minimal. But it's possible that some woman may experience the following side effects after the procedure :- Pelvic infection
- Pelvic inflammation
- Severe Cramping or Mild Cramping
- Heavy Bleeding or Light Bleeding
Artificial Insemination Success Rate
It's not necessary that the procedure will work for everyone. For some couples the procedure works and a woman gets pregnant but for some couples, it doesn't work. It has a success rate ranges from 5% to 30% depending upon the age of the woman and the fertility issues of both males and females. If Artificial Insemination doesn't work for the couples then the doctor may suggest another fertility treatment techniques such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). If a woman doesn't get pregnant after six cycles of Artificial Insemination than the doctor may recommend other additional fertility treatments like IVF.Artificial Insemination failures
There are some of the common reasons due to which the chances of Artificial Insemination failures are higher. Some of the reasons are :- The quality of sperm or egg is poor.
- In cases of Fallopian tubes blockage.
- Woman's older age
(Also read: What is the purpose of Amniocentesis?)
Artificial Insemination cost
The artificial insemination cost may vary depending upon the type of treatment as well as facilities offered by the clinics.
Intracervical Insemination cost
Intracervical Insemination usually costs $300 to $500 per attempt if a couple is using their own sperm and eggs. If a couple is using a donor's sperm than Intracervical Insemination costs $500 to $800 per attempt. If washed sperm is used in the insemination procedure than the cost will increase by another $150 to $300.
Intrauterine Insemination cost
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) costs more than Intracervical Insemination (ICI). Intrauterine Insemination cost $300 to $1000.
(Also read: Early Symptoms of Pregnancy)
Artificial insemination at home
Home insemination is an ICI procedure. At-home insemination, a medical practitioner uses unwashed sperm which is obtained immediately from a man. But a home environment may increase the risks of infection in comparison to clinics.Artificial Insemination Kit
Home Insemination kits (Artificial Insemination kit) are also available in markets. These home insemination kits come with a container to collect the sperm and with a syringe to insert it through the vagina.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between artificial insemination and IVF?
Artificial insemination is a fertility treatment in which sperm is directly inserted in the uterus and conception happens normally while IVF is a procedure in which sperm and eggs are combined outside the body in a laboratory. When an embryo or embryos are formed then they are inserted in the uterus.
2. Can you do artificial insemination at home?
Yes, artificial insemination can be done at home.
3. What are the risks of artificial insemination?
Some of the risks of artificial insemination include:
- Spotting
- Infection
- Pelvic Inflammation
- Multiple Pregnancy
- Heavy Bleeding or Light Bleeding
- Mild or Severe Cramping
4. Is artificial insemination painful?
Artificial insemination is painless.
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