Artificial insemination is a process that is designed to help remedy certain types of infertility issues for both males and females. In this technique, male sperm is directly put in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or cervix of the female. The chances of getting pregnant increases with this procedure since the sperm will have longer shelf life and meet a fertilized egg.
This alternate method of conceiving a child is an innovation since no medical procedure like it has been done before. The most widely applied method of artificial insemination is known as Interuterine insemination (IUI). In this process, the male sperm is put in the uterus of the female.
Women who go through the technique of artificial insemination may often experience the same success/failure rate as other advanced procedures, but this method has a major advantage. This medical operation is simple to perform, and leaves the patient with minimal side effects. This key factor will influence any physician to recommend this course of action as primary medication for infertility.
Types of Infertility Problems It Can Treat
The good news is that artificial insemination can be applied to many forms of fertility issues. It is perfect for men who can’t produce enough sperm, or men with weak sperm. Women can also choose to apply this medical procedure if they have reproductive organ defects or endometriosis, a medical ailment that refers to abnormal growth of tissue around the exterior of the uterus.
Women can also undergo artificial insemination if they have unreceptive cervical mucus, a condition wherein the mucus around the cervix kills sperm, and keep them from entering the uterus or the fallopian tubes. Artificial insemination can effectively solve this type of infertility problem.
What To Expect
The patient undergoes blood tests, ultrasound, and ovulation kits during an artificial insemination process. Once the patient produces eggs, the husband is requested to provide a sperm sample.
Once the process starts, a 45-minute wait is required to determine whether the sperm was able to meet the egg. In some cases, the patient may be advised to drink Clomid or other fertility drugs to increase the chances of pregnancy.
How To Prepare
Undergoing artificial insemination, IVF or any other infertility treatment can be physically tiring especially for women. Before undergoing any fertility procedure, be sure that you are both physically and emotionally-ready. Understanding the procedure, its risks and success rates will help you prepare for this long yet rewarding journey of having a baby.