There are many methods to achieve a pregnancy in couples who have fertility problems. One of them is called artificial insemination. Although many speak of this method, few really know what it is. In this installment, we will tell you what artificial insemination consists of, who should opt for it and how is the procedure to achieve pregnancy.

What is Artificial Insemination?

Artificial insemination is a method in which a doctor inserts sperm directly into the cervix, into the fallopian tubes or into the uterus of the patient. The method that is usually used is intrauterine insemination or IUI, which happens when the doctor places the sperm directly into the uterus. This allows them to reach the egg much faster to avoid any kind of problem.

When is this type of method used?

There are very specific cases in which artificial insemination is advised.

• In the case of male infertility, when sperm is not strong to reach the tubes or are rare.
• If the infertility is due to endometriosis or there are abnormalities in the reproductive organs.
• In case there is a so-called non-receptive cervical mucus, which prevents the sperm from reaching the tubes.
• When you can not determine the exact causes of infertility in the couple.

How this procedure works

The fertility specialist will use different methods to check ovulation. When you are sure that it occurred, you will ask the man for a sample of sperm. In case you are near the place where artificial insemination will be done, you can do it at home. On the other hand, if you are far away, you will be given a private room to achieve it. What happens is that you have only one hour to perform the procedure before the sperm loses strength.

In the laboratory, the chemicals are eliminated and only sperm are left that can lead to conception. These are placed in the uterus by means of a catheter. It is a process that is not painful at all and you can only feel a slight discomfort, like the Papanicolau.

Although artificial insemination is an effective procedure, there are some things to consider, because it does not always work. This can happen when the woman overcomes a certain age, has too advanced endometriosis or a long-standing uterine infection.

Risks and Benefits of Artificial Insemination

This is what you have to know before submitting yourself to an artificial insemination treatment.

The artificial insemination is one of the options available for women who have trouble conceiving naturally, either with your partner or who want to have a single child. For many, artificial insemination is one of the first methods of treatment used when they realize they can not get pregnant naturally.

And while artificial insemination is a safe and reasonably effective technique of conception, there are certain risks and benefits that you should know before doing so.

Benefits of Artificial Insemination

• The biggest advantage is statistics: in the same woman of 30 years, the pregnancy rate increases by 50-60%.
• Artificial insemination is the first step in the treatment of infertility. It is the least invasive and is cheaper than other treatments, such as in vitro fertilization.
• The couples with unexplained infertility have a better success rate with artificial insemination with only the use of fertility drugs.
• The men with fertility problems have a better opportunity to impregnate his partner through artificial insemination.
• It is not painful or causes discomfort; most say it feels like a Pap test.

Risks factors of Artificial Insemination

• While many health systems cover the costs of artificial insemination, if you have to pay for it from your pocket
• It can be prohibitive, especially because conception is not guaranteed.
• The side effects of injectables for fertility can be unpleasant.
• The risk of a multiple pregnancy increases, think you can have from twins to quintuplets.
• As artificial insemination requires that your partner masturbates in a container in the doctor’s office, both will have to be available at the exact time of ovulation.
• Knowing the risks and benefits of artificial insemination, you can better evaluate if it is the right option for you, although as always it is best to consult with your gynecologist and a fertility specialist.