Artificial Insemination Complications
Artificial insemination is a method to help women who are unable to conceive via sexual intercourse become pregnant. This method is recommended for women who have healthy fallopian tubes, yet have other complicating factors related to conception, such as a uterus that is not shaped or structured for sperm travel or due to cervical mucus that prevents sperm motility. If a woman has these (or other) indications, artificial insemination may be recommended. While the procedure does not require surgical incisions, there are still complications associated with the procedure itself.
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How It Works
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In addition to the actual artificial insemination procedure, a woman may be placed on fertility drugs, which are intended to stimulate egg production and maturation. A physician monitors her hormone levels, identifying a time when a woman is at her most fertile. When this has been identified, the procedure involves injecting sperm into a woman's uterus at a location dependent upon the cause of infertility.
Effects of Fertility Medications
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According to the University of Illinois Medical Center, one of the most common complications associated with artificial insemination and fertility medications is multiple births. As mentioned earlier, taking fertility drugs enhances a woman's ability to produce eggs. In some women, this can mean producing multiple eggs within a month's span, resulting in multiple births.
Multiple births are considered a complication because a multiple pregnancy is considered a high-risk pregnancy. If a woman has already experienced difficulties in conceiving, it may be more difficult to carry a multiple pregnancy to term.
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Ovary Hyperstimulation Syndrome
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The principle behind combining fertility medications with insemination is to stimulate the ovaries and hormones into creating a successful pregnancy. However, sometimes the ovaries can become too overstimulated, which results in a condition known as ovary hyperstimulation syndrome. This causes the ovaries to swell, which causes anywhere from mild to severe pain, irritation in the lining of the uterine walls or even electrolyte imbalance, according to Oak Brook Fertility Center.
Preventing Complications
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One of the best ways to prevent the above-mentioned artificial insemination complications is to use imaging scans and hormonal monitoring to reduce the risk of complications. Imaging, such as a sonogram, can identify the presence of multiple eggs in the uterus as well as pinpoint any ovary swelling. Choosing an artificial insemination provider capable of rapid testing is especially useful in this instance.
Symptoms for Medical Attention
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While it is normal to experience moderate cramping or irritation following artificial insemination, it is important to seek medical care if you experience extreme or severe nausea or vaginal bleeding following artificial insemination treatment. As either can be an indication of ovarian hyperstimulation, it is important to seek treatment in order to reduce medication dosage and therefore symptoms.
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