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Due to the busy life of men and women in recent times, in an increasingly search to grow professionally and reach new goals, the dream of motherhood is being left in the background. With this, the fertilization methods that were considered last options, has increased in its demand, as is the case of artificial insemination.
What is Artificial Insemination?
Artificial insemination or AI, which is known by specialists, is a procedure similar to that of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the only difference being that the embryo is not implanted in the uterus, but rather the chosen sperm is injected into the canal. until the entrance of the uterus , in order to facilitate conception.
In the artificial insemination method, the couple is fully assisted by the specialist in human reproduction, to ensure a good production of healthy eggs, as well as the choice of the best sperm for fertilization.
IMPORTANT: The artificial insemination method is indicated for simpler cases of fertilization, such as younger fertile women and for men with simple infertility problems
Indication of Artificial Insemination
Usually the method is indicated for women who have a great vaginal acidity, where they kill sperm or in problems of sperm mobility, where they cannot and do not have enough strength to reach the uterus, or marital infertility.
Problems with the uterine anatomy can also be a possible indication to perform artificial insemination and assist the couple in fulfilling their dream of having a baby. If the man has infertility problems, the semen bank may be indicated in order to complete the artificial insemination.
How is Artificial Insemination Performed?
The artificial insemination procedure is initiated after consultation with a doctor specialized in human reproduction. Other methods may be offered as an attempt , but artificial insemination is the least costly procedure.
Evaluation tests of fertility will be requested for the couple, both must do to confirm the indication of which procedure to be performed. Notes on family history, body mass assessment and ovarian reserve exams and a spermogram to assess sperm quality will be required.
- Ovarian stimulation – Artificial insemination can be initiated in the woman’s natural cycle, if the specialist deems it feasible. But it is usually recommended to use ovulation inducers to ensure multiple egg development.
- Ultrasound – Some ultrasound will be necessary to monitor the evolution and development of the eggs, as well as their maturation. When they reach the ideal size, an injection of HCG is applied to assist in the maturation of the egg and thus be ready to be fertilized.
- Semen collection – Sperm collection must be performed on the day of introduction, a few hours before. Enough time for the laboratory to examine and prepare to enhance the result of fertilization.
- Insemination – Through a catheter suitable for fertilization, the selected sperm are introduced through the vaginal canal to the entrance of the uterus.
After performing the artificial insemination procedure, it is now time to wait if everything has gone as expected. It will take at least 7 to 10 days to confirm that the pregnancy has occurred.
Wait for the period indicated by the specialist and do the pregnancy test, confirming, you will do the first ultrasound for confirmation and visualization of the gestational bag, as well as the whole battery of blood tests to monitor the development and start of prenatal care will begin.
Chances of Artificial Insemination Don’t Work
As in the artificial insemination method, embryo implantation is not performed as in in vitro fertilization, the chances of pregnancy occurring are close to that of a natural pregnancy . Since fertilization of the sperm to the egg may or may not occur.
According to experts, the chances of getting pregnant through the artificial insemination method is 10 to 25%. This, if the couple does all the tests requested by the assisted reproduction specialist, use the medications and treatment appropriately.
The chances are reduced in cases of couples that fit the indication of in vitro fertilization and insist on having artificial insemination. Therefore, it is essential to carry out the best procedure indicated for the couple’s problem.
When Man Can’t Be the Donor of Semen?
After consultation with the specialist in human reproduction, evaluative tests of the fertility of both will be requested. If in these tests, point out that the man has a fertility problem that prevents conception, such as a total absence of sperm or a carrier of the HIV virus, the doctor can indicate the use of sperm from a donor , through a semen bank or of a known donor to the couple.
In semen banks, the choice is made through a catalog delivered to the couple , which contains all donor information, such as ethnicity, hair color, age, eye color, weight, height, blood type and even profession and hobbies of the donor.
All material stored in the semen bank is subjected to a careful evaluation and tested to rule out the presence of transmissible or genetic diseases. To access and acquire a semen donation, only through a doctor specialized in assisted reproduction or the clinic accredited to the semen bank.
Homemade Artificial Insemination
Even though artificial insemination is a method considered to be the lowest cost on the list of assisted human reproduction options, it can still be a very high value for some couples.
With this, many couples have found an alternative to make homemade artificial insemination . As the procedure of this method is basically to take the sperm to the uterus, it is performed, obviously without a medical structure, without the specialized instruments and without laboratory analysis of the semen.
The homemade artificial insemination procedure should be carried out in the fertile period, preferably on the day of the ovulatory peak. Ovulation tests can assist in confirming the period, making it easier for the procedure to be performed on the most suitable day.
The semen collection can be done directly in a sterilized collection cup (those sold in pharmacies for urine examination) and the utmost care is needed to keep the sperm in contact with the air, as this would cause everyone to die in some seconds. Preferably, the collection should be done at the time of home insemination to increase the chances of success.
IMPORTANT: Only use the semen if you are sure that it is a healthy donor. If possible, order exams in advance to ensure.
Another collection tactic is condoms, but it is necessary to see if they have spermicide, if so, they will kill sperm quickly. With a thin 10ml syringe, collect the semen and lying down, introduce it into the vagina with the help of lubricant as deep as you can by injecting it into the vaginal canal.
Don’t forget to check if the lubricant used has spermicide too, otherwise it will have the same effect as a condom with spermicide, killing everyone quickly. We recommend the use of fertility-friendly lubricating gels such as FamiGel that play the role of cervical mucus, and increase the chances of successful fertilization.
After the procedure, wait for the date of your next period to confirm your menstrual delay and do an HCG, pharmacy or blood test. Homemade artificial insemination is not a 100% safe method, but it can work.
We recommend that all procedures be carried out with medical supervision and preferably after performing all the necessary tests to assess the health conditions of both and ruling out any possibility of diseases, including genetic.
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
