The Pros of Human Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination offers many benefits for those choosing this method for having a baby. There are a myriad of choices involved with the procedure, all of which carry some pros. Before opting to use artificial insemination as a way of beginning or adding to your family, you need to know what choices lie ahead, and how each may be beneficial.

Single Parenthood

Artificial insemination is not reserved solely for infertile couples. It also provides a way for single women to become pregnant, and for single men to have a child through surrogacy. In addition, this procedure is an increasingly popular option for lesbian and gay couples who would like to start a family, as well.

High Success Rates

There are two methods of artificial insemination, both of which have high success rates. The first is intracervical insemination, a process in which the sperm is introduced directly into the cervix. As happens with natural intercourse, It then travels toward the uterus in search of the egg.
The other method is intrauterine insemination, in which the sperm is placed into the uterus, bypassing the cervix. This increases the chance for fertilization as sperm doesn't have to travel through the sometimes unfriendly environment of the cervix.
Another significant benefit of these methods is that they are less invasive than other procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Cost

Another benefit to artificial insemination is the cost. It is much more affordable than other fertility procedures, and in some cases, insurance will help cover the cost of the procedure. On average, one cycle of IVF costs $8158, versus $865, the average cost for one cycle of artificial insemination.

Anonymous Donors

Using a donor from a sperm bank is particularly appealing to women who want to ensure that the donor has no interest in the child's life. The donors are usually anonymous, and their sperm is screened to ensure that they are virile and healthy. Women are given information about the donors before they receive the sperm. This includes details about hair and eye color, height and weight, facial features, and sometimes information about their temperament and religion. Once a woman is interested in a donor, the sperm is purchased and prepared for insemination. The woman can proceed without worry, knowing that the donor signed away parental rights at the time of donation.

Known Donors

Using someone you know as donor can have its benefits, as well. Some women opt to use the sperm from a close friend, or conduct interviews with interested men to find the right sperm donor. This gives them an opportunity to gain greater knowledge about the donors' personality and family history. They can request a more detailed medical history and ask to see their health records. They might also ask that the donor be screened for any health abnormalities that could be genetic. In addition, using someone they know may save them money--rather than pay for sperm from a sperm bank, they will only need to pay for the cost of the insemination at the clinic.