The First Step In Fertility Treatment
Artificial insemination or AI is often the first step doctors recommend for fertility treatment. AI is a process where sperm is manually placed into the cervix or uterus to stimulate pregnancy. Infertility continues to affect millions of American men and women. But there are other reasons to opt for insemination. There are 2 possible procedures, namely intrauterine insemination (IUI) and AI. Sometimes these procedures are called intracervical insemination or ICI. Because of the relatively straightforward process, some women may choose artificial insemination at home.
What is intracervical insemination Intracervical
insemination is a form of fertility treatment that places sperm into the cervix. The process is simple and takes just a few minutes. A doctor uses a syringe to insert the sperm sample just past the vagina, into the cervix. This gives the sperm sample an improved chance of reaching the fallopian tube. In some cases, the doctor may provide medication to increase ovulation.
Understanding IUI
Intrauterine insemination involves inserting sperm into the uterus to stimulate pregnancy. With intrauterine insemination or IUI, the doctor places sperm directly into the uterus. Before insemination, a fertility clinic will use sperm washing to treat the sperm. The process ensures the best sperm increase the chances of pregnancy. The doctor will then use a unique device to access the uterus and place the sperm into the vagina. Like ICI, the doctor will prescribe drugs to encourage ovulation. IUI has up to a 20% success rate.
Why choose artificial insemination?
There are health and hormonal factors that must happen for a successful pregnancy. However, the primary step is that the manís sperm must travel up the cervix to the fallopian tubes for fertilization. AI is an excellent choice for male factor infertility. Poor sperm count or sperm mobility can significantly reduce the chances of pregnancy. Other reasons include hostile cervical mucus or conditions like endometriosis. AI is not only useful for infertility. Same-sex couples or single women wanting to start a family can opt for artificial insemination. In these cases, donor sperm facilitates IUI or ICI. Based on the situation, the doctor will recommend the right procedure.
Can AI happen at home?
Women can complete artificial insemination in the form of ICI at home. There are at-home kits that women can use for AI, once the woman has the sperm sample. An at-home ICI is cheaper and works best when all parties are in agreement with the process. ICI also works well if there is no known fertility issue with the woman. Intrauterine insemination or IUI should not happen without a doctor. A medical professional will need to go past the cervix to complete IUI safely. Even if the procedure occurs at home, make sure to consult a doctor first.
Get medical advice first
Artificial insemination is an excellent starting point for fertility treatment. The process works best for couples with male factor infertility, same-sex couples, or single women. The procedure is safe and has a high success rate for women with no known fertility issues. Intracervical insemination can be done at home. In terms of IUI, a doctor should perform this procedure. In either case, get advice from a doctor well before the first AI cycle.
