What is Artificial Insemination
and what does it consist of?
Artificial Insemination (IUI) is a simple and painless Assisted Reproduction Technique that consists of introducing a semen sample into the patient’s uterus at the moment of ovulation. The specialized physician inserts an ultrasound-guided cannula through the vagina to deposit the sample. We will not need to extract the oocytes to perform fertilization.
The semen sample can be from the couple or from an anonymous donor. To increase the chances of achieving pregnancy we select the sperm with the best prognosis. Then, we perform a mild ovarian stimulation controlled by ultrasound to help us know when is the best time to perform fertilization.
Artificial Insemination with donor
Another important aspect of this treatment is the anonymity of donors. In our country, the law on assisted reproduction guarantees that the identity of the man who, out of altruism and solidarity, will not be known. He only decides to donate his gametes to help our patients having their baby.
This fertility technique slightly increases the chances of fertilisation from sexual intercourse. It is therefore not suitable for all patients. Your fertility specialist will advise and support you in choosing the most appropriate treatment for you, based on a personal assessment of each patient and the correct diagnosis.
Types of artificial insemination
With the partner’s semen or Conjugal Artificial Insemination (CAI)
Donor Artificial Insemination (DAI)
Who is Artificial Insemination indicated for?
This technique is recommended for:
- Young patients, recommended before 38 years of age.
- Normal ovarian reserve.
- Permeable fallopian tubes, that is, not obstructed.
- Good quality of the partner’s semen.
- Single mothers by choice.
How is the process of an Artificial Insemination?
The following is a step-by-step description of an artificial insemination treatment:
First visit to assess your case and design the best therapeutic plan.
Treatment is tailored to your availability to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Natural or stimulated cycle
Artificial insemination is performed following your natural cycle or through a small hormonal stimulation to help follicular development. This treatment is very simple and consists of subcutaneous injections, which you can easily self-administer at home for a period of approximately 10-14 days. Throughout the stimulation, the growth and development of the follicles is monitored by ultrasound to identify the ideal time to perform the insemination.
Ovulation induction
When the dominant follicle has reached an adequate size, we provoke ovulation by a final injection of hCG hormone.
Insemination
The day of insemination coincides with the woman’s ovulation, to facilitate the encounter between egg and sperm. On this day, we prepare the semen sample (from the couple or from a donor, depending on each case) and we insert it into the uterus through the vagina by means of a cannula containing said sample. The procedure is very simple and does not require anesthesia or painkillers. For patients who do not live in Spain, a stay in our country of no more than 2 – 3 days is required.
Pregnancy test
After the insemination, you can resume a normal life, without having to rest. You will know the result of the treatment after about two weeks of waiting. At this time, you can take a pregnancy test.
