Getting pregnant through artificial insemination: real chances, how many attempts and how to improve success

Quedar embarazada con inseminación artificial

In Spain, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 6 couples of reproductive age have difficulty conceiving. And although these figures are more common than they seem, when it happens to you, it feels very different.

Assisted reproduction is not an easy journey, because it presents you with decisions, tests, waiting periods and results that sometimes don’t arrive when you need them most.

But you don’t have to go through it alone. In this article, written by Dr Katharina Spies, you will find straightforward answers on how to get pregnant through artificial insemination, how many attempts are usually recommended, what can go wrong and what you can do to improve your chances. And if, once you’ve finished reading, you’d like a personalised plan, you can book a face-to-face consultation at our fertility clinics in Spain, or do so online.

clinica de fertilidad en madrid equipo Vida fertility Dra. Katharina Spies especialista en fertilidad madrid

What is artificial insemination and what types are there?

Artificial insemination is a simple assisted reproduction technique. It involves preparing the semen sample in the laboratory – this is known as sperm capacitation and depositing a small amount into the uterus using a cannula, guided by ultrasound, at the most fertile point in the menstrual cycle.

Depending on the source of the semen, we refer to:

IAC, conjugal insemination or insemination with partner’s semen
IAD, insemination with donor semen

In the process of artificial insemination, it is important to note that male factors can affect the treatment’s chances of success, as there may be several factors preventing fertilisation.

Requirements for artificial insemination

To become pregnant through artificial insemination (AI) , it is first important to confirm that certain basic medical conditions are met. These requirements may relate to the woman and, if there is a male partner, also to semen quality. Before starting treatment, we usually review a series of preliminary criteria, including the following:

Permeable fallopian tubes

Fertilisation takes place in the fallopian tubes. If they are not permeable, AI cannot work. Permeability is assessed using tests such as hysterosalpingography (HSG), amongst others.

Good semen quality

Following the semen analysis, we assess the MTC (motile sperm count) after preparation.

Age and ovarian reserve

Did you know that female fertility declines from the age of 35? We are referring to the concept of ovarian reserve and, after carrying out the basic female fertility test, the AMH, we observe a decline in the number and quality of eggs available in the ovaries. At Vida Fertility, in some cases, we recommend that from the age of 37–38, in vitro fertilisation is usually considered directly.

Age and female fertility

Chances of getting pregnant with artificial insemination

The chances of getting pregnant with artificial insemination depend on each individual case; therefore, if you are in the process of seeking answers, clarifying doubts and choosing a clinic, we encourage you to book an initial consultation with Vida Fertility.

According to data collected at our fertility clinics, the success rate of artificial insemination depends on several factors, such as the woman’s age, ovarian reserve, semen quality and any potential uterine issues.

With seprm of your partner: 25%

With seprm of a donor: 45%

How many AI attempts are needed to achieve pregnancy??

Studies on assisted reproduction show that, if pregnancy is not achieved on the first attempt at artificial insemination, it is reasonable to repeat the insemination in subsequent cycles.

In practice, it is usually recommended to complete up to 4 cycles of AI; however, if pregnancy is not achieved, it is important to consider switching treatment to techniques such as IVF or ICSI.

At clinics such as Vida Fertility, between 2 and 4 attempts at artificial insemination are recommended, provided the woman is under 38 years of age and all requirements are met.
If pregnancy is not achieved after these unsuccessful attempts, we recommend moving on to in vitro fertilisation or ICSI.

What can go wrong with artificial insemination?

Discussing why AI might fail is not about assigning blame, nor does it mean there are no further options. Often the reason is something that can be adjusted in the next cycle; at other times, it simply means that AI was not the most suitable technique for your case and it is advisable to change strategy before wasting any more time and energy.

The most common reasons why artificial insemination does not result in pregnancy and what can be done in each situation to improve your chances are:

Biological factors

Success is not always achieved on the first attempt.
Age and egg quality.
Poor ovarian response.
Exact timing of ovulation.
Semen quality.

Tubal and diagnostic factors

Fallopian tubes with functional damage, even if they appear patent.
Endometriosis.
Infertility of unknown cause which, after several attempts, requires a change of strategy.

Uterine and implantation factors

Non-receptive endometrium.
Polyps, submucosal fibroids or uterine problems.
Adhesions or chronic endometrial inflammation.

Treatment and procedural factors

Timing of insemination.
Type/dose of ovarian stimulation and adjustments to ultrasound monitoring.
Semen preparation and clinic-laboratory coordination.

Health and lifestyle factors

Smoking and alcohol.
BMI and fertility and their impact on ovulation and the endometrium.
Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, prolactin, PCOS, insulin resistance).
Stress.
Nutrition and fertility.If you’ve read this far, you might be interested in booking a appointment with one of our doctors, asking questions, discussing your case and exploring the chances of getting pregnant through artificial insemination.

Discuss your case with us

How to increase your chances of getting pregnant through artificial insemination

When starting assisted reproduction treatment, there are recommendations that can increase the success of the treatment:

Ensure you meet the requirements for artificial insemination: age and ovarian reserve, AMH levels, patent fallopian tubes, semen quality.
Attend all appointments and follow all guidelines from the clinic and the doctor managing your case: ultrasound monitoring and medication adjustment
High-quality laboratory and semen preparation
Healthy lifestyle: Sleep, smoking, alcohol, weight, chronic stress… all influence the success of pregnancy.
Nutrition and fertility: reduce ultra-processed foods, take supplements such as folic acid, and increase your intake of a Mediterranean-style diet: pulses, vegetables, fruit, protein and healthy fats such as avocado.

It is important to note that infertility is a problem affecting 30% of cases due to causes of female infertility, another 30% due to male infertility, and the remainder being mixed or unknown. Many of these conditions are treatable.

Consult us about your case to identify the reason why you are unable to become a mother.

When to consider in vitro fertilisation

IVF is considered when there are more serious problems, such as blocked fallopian tubes or severe male factors. Artificial insemination is often chosen totreat less severe causes of infertility, such as sperm quality or cervical issues.

Consulting a fertility specialist is crucial to determine the best option for each patient.

Differences between in vitro fertilisation and artificial insemination

A few months ago we wrote an article on the differences between IVF and artificial insemination, which we have summarised in this table:

Comparison between Artificial Insemination and In Vitro Fertilisation

Treatment	Artificial Insemination (AI)	In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
Procedure	Introduction of sperm directly into the uterus.	Fertilisation of the egg in the laboratory and subsequent transfer.
Fertilisation	Occurs inside the woman’s fallopian tube.	Fertilisation takes place outside the body in an IVF laboratory.
Complexity	Simple and less invasive procedure.	More complex procedure requiring surgical intervention for egg retrieval and transfer.
Who is it for?	Women under 35 years old without tubal issues, endometriosis, or sperm-related problems. For mild or unexplained infertility.	Severe infertility, uterine issues, male factors, low ovarian reserve, advanced age.
Success rates	Between 15-20% per cycle, depending on age and infertility cause.	Between 50-60%, depending on age and embryo quality.
Cost	More affordable.	Higher treatment cost.
Number of attempts	Usually recommended up to 2-3 cycles.	Fewer attempts needed, higher success rate on the first cycle.
Treatment duration	Approximately 15 days.	Between 3 and 5 weeks, including ovarian stimulation and transfer.

Two-week wait, symptoms and pregnancy tests following artificial insemination

Pregnancy symptoms following artificial insemination may resemble those of a natural pregnancy, but they can also be confused with the effects of the cycle’s hormonal medication.

To confirm that you are pregnant, we must wait 15 days; we call this period the beta-wait, so named because the pregnancy test analysed is for the beta-hCG hormone, which is the most reliable pregnancy test to date.

Beta-hCG levels

Beta-hCG hormone levels rise progressively from the start of gestation until the first trimester of pregnancy, after which they begin to decline gradually.

As a general guide, if you have a blood test on day 14, a value below 25 mIU/mL is considered indeterminate, whilst a value above 25 mIU/mL is interpreted as positive. The trend is important, as in the first few weeks beta-hCG increases every 48–72 hours. If levels either rise or fall, your medical team will arrange follow-up tests and, as the weeks progress, an ultrasound scan to confirm whether it is a developing pregnancy or one that is not progressing.

All about the beta-hCG hormone

Precio de quedar embarazada con inseminación artificial en España

The cost of artificial insemination can be one of the most affordable options at assisted reproduction clinics; however, it is essential that a fertility expert assesses you beforehand, advises you and supports you in choosing the most suitable treatment.

At Vida Fertility, we ensure the quote is clear from the outset, detailing what is and isn’t included, so you can make decisions with peace of mind.

Consult us about your case

Frequently asked questions about artificial insemination

What are the chances of getting pregnant on the first attempt at artificial insemination?

There is a chance you could get pregnant on the first attempt at artificial insemination; however, according to Dr Spies, this depends on your requirements and diagnosis.

There is no single universal figure, which is why it is so important to tailor each case individually.

Home artificial insemination and kits: are they safe?

The Department of Health, through the CNRHA, warns of significant risks when using semen of uncertain origin, including genetic risks and the transmission of infections, as well as clinical risks such as multiple pregnancy or pre-eclampsia if medication is involved.

At Vida Fertility, we do not recommend this technique, as there may be genetic risks, infections and the possibility of multiple pregnancies. If you are considering this option, we encourage you to book an appointment with us; medical advice should always be prioritised in such cases.

How to choose a clinic to get pregnant through artificial insemination

Key questions you should be able to answer during your first visit to get pregnant through artificial insemination:

Have they confirmed patent fallopian tubes and a comprehensive diagnosis before starting?
What plan do they propose if the first attempt doesn’t work?
How do they monitor the cycle and how do they decide on the exact timing?
What options are there if your case is not ideal for artificial insemination?

At Vida Fertility, we work with a very clear approach: a comprehensive fertility assessment, a phased strategy and genuine support. We are based in Madrid, Donostia and Alicante, and we also offer online consultations, so you can move forward with your pregnancy plan.

How long will it take me to get pregnant with artificial insemination?

According to Dr Spies, it depends on your situation and whether the artificial insemination is using your partner’s sperm or a donor’s.

Once the assessment is complete and the treatment is properly indicated, artificial insemination can begin in the next cycle. Even so, it is not always successful on the first attempt, which is why we usually approach it as a plan spanning several cycles.

If your artificial insemination is using donor sperm, it is normal for the process to take longer, as at Vida Fertility we guarantee the safety and health of the donor, the prospective mother and her children. We do this through thorough checks (medical and laboratory tests, genetic screening and psychological health assessments), so that we can work with the utmost safety from the very start.

Why am I not getting pregnant with artificial insemination?

The first thing you should know is that the success of IVF does not depend solely on the embryo, says Dr Spies; other important factors also play a part:

The endometrium, which must be receptive at exactly the right moment (what we call the implantation window).
Possible uterine abnormalities or inflammations such as endometritis.
Immunological factors, which can hinder implantation.
Even aspects such as lifestyle, which also have a greater influence than we realise.

Therefore, when artificial insemination does not work despite having good gametes, it does not mean there is no solution. On the contrary, it is a sign that we must delve deeper into the case and adjust the strategy, and even consider techniques such as IVF with PGT-A to genetically analyse the embryos (PGT-A) and assess endometrial receptivity.

Book your consultation at Vida Fertility

At Vida Fertility, we can assess you in a face-to-face consultation (Madrid, Donostia or Alicante) or online, review your fertility tests, carry them out here and plan a personalised medical protocol for you, using the technique most likely to succeed in your case.

Leave us your details and book your private appointment with our team. We help you turn uncertainty into a plan.

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