How Is Artificial Insemination Done?
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Candidates
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Candidates for artificial insemination typically include those with fertility problems or with a sperm allergy, or those who wish to conceive using donor sperm.
Ovulation
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Before the procedure can be performed, the patient's ovulation cycle is monitored closely throughout the month. This is done through a transvaginal ultrasound, blood test and home detection kit. Women with fertility problems may be given drugs to stimulate ovulation.
Artificial Insemination must take place the day of ovulation to be successful. Tests can detect luteinizing hormone, or LH, which is released the day before ovulation. Women on fertility medication are given a shot of the pregnancy hormone hCG.
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Sperm
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Sperm is obtained in two ways: from the husband or partner, or from a donor.
If the sperm comes from the husband or partner, he first ejaculates into a container. This is taken to the laboratory to undergo a process called "sperm washing," in which the healthier sperm are separated from weaker sperm.
If the male partner has fertility issues, or if a same-sex couple or single woman wishes to conceive, donor sperm may be used. This is ordered from a sperm bank and is pre-screened for STDs and other infections. Sperm can be chosen based on the donor's race, features and educational and career background.
Methods
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Once the husband or donor sperm is prepared, the procedure can take place. Two methods include intrauterine insemination and intracervical insemination.
Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, is the most common. A catheter is inserted past the cervix and into the woman's uterus. The washed sperm is then fed through the catheter.
In intracervical insemination, or ICI, the catheter is placed at the cervix. As with IUI, the sperm is fed through the catheter. The doctor then places a sponge at the cervix to keep the sperm from escaping, which must be worn for at least two hours.
Potential Risks
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Risk of infection is low when undergoing AI. However, those on fertility medication are at particular risk for a multiple pregnancy.
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References
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