- Homologous insemination is a form of artificial fertilization commonly used for both humans and animals. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through the cervix to deposit a preserved sperm sample directly into the uterus, which often results in fertilization. This process is also referred to as Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID). It is a popular treatment for infertility among humans, and is often used for breeding animals such as horses more efficiently.
- Homologous Insemination was first invented and practiced in the early twentieth century on farm animals, but the modern process did not begin until the 1950s, when methods for freezing and storing sperm were developed in the United States, as well as methods for reducing the chances of infection through the process. The first successful artificial insemination pregnancy occurred in 1953, and the process has been actively perfected in the decades since then.
- The procedure is often used as a treatment for either male or female infertility. Women can choose to have a particular donor to provide the genetic material, generally their partner or husband. In the case of male infertility, some of the sperm from the man in question can be mixed with that of a donor in order to maximize the chances of conception. The AID process helps millions of families every year conceive children when they might have otherwise had great difficulty doing so.
- One of the considerable benefits of using AID is how donor sperm is carefully examined for carriage of genetic diseases and other issues that could otherwise affect the health of the child. It also allows same-sex couples to have children when they might not otherwise be able to without adoption. The process is conducted under the close monitoring of fertility doctors that will track menstrual cycles, determine whether or not fertility drugs are necessary, and generally act as expert consultants for the early pregnancy process.
- One major issue that users of artificial insemination have had to cope with is ostracism and negative judgment from others, in part because of the long standing opposition of the process coming from religious groups. In recent years, that controversy has largely evaporated, and artificial insemination is a generally accepted practice. Despite this, most families undergoing the procedure keep it to themselves rather than share it with others, in part because of the potential for failure--the majority of pregnancies end early in miscarriage, even with the benefit of fertility treatments.
