Due to the increasingly busy lives of men and women nowadays, as they pursue more professional growth and work to achieve new goals, the dream of motherhood is often put on the back burner. As a result, fertility methods that were once considered a last resort are now seeing a rise in demand, such as artificial insemination.

What is Artificial Insemination?

Artificial insemination, or AI as it is known by specialists, is a procedure similar to in vitro fertilization (IVF). The only difference is that instead of implanting the embryo into the uterus, selected sperm are injected into the vaginal canal up to the entrance of the uterus in order to facilitate conception. In the artificial insemination method, the couple is fully monitored by a human reproduction specialist to ensure good production of healthy eggs, as well as the selection of the best sperm for fertilization.

IMPORTANT: The artificial insemination method is recommended for simpler cases of fertilization, such as younger fertile women and men with mild infertility issues

Indications for Artificial Insemination

Normally, the method is recommended for women who have high vaginal acidity, which can kill sperm, or in cases of sperm motility problems, where sperm cannot reach or do not have the strength to get to the uterus, or cases of conjugal infertility. Problems with uterine anatomy can also be a potential reason to perform artificial insemination and help the couple achieve their dream of having a baby. If the man has infertility issues, a sperm bank may be recommended to facilitate artificial insemination.

How is Artificial Insemination Performed?

The artificial insemination procedure begins with a consultation with a specialist in human reproduction. Other methods may be offered as a first attempt, but artificial insemination is the lowest cost procedure. Fertility evaluation tests will be ordered for the couple and both should take them to confirm which procedure will be performed. Details such as family history, assessment of body mass, and tests for ovarian reserve along with a semen analysis to assess sperm quality will be necessary.

  • Ovarian stimulation – Artificial insemination can be started in the woman’s natural cycle if the specialist considers it viable. However, the use of ovulation inducers is usually recommended to guarantee the development of multiple eggs.
  • Ultrasound – Several ultrasounds will be required to monitor egg development and maturation. When they reach the ideal size, an HCG injection is administered to help with egg maturation so it is ready for fertilization.
  • Semen collection – Sperm should be collected on the day of the procedure, a few hours beforehand, giving the lab enough time to examine and prepare it to maximize the chance of fertilization.
  • Insemination – Using an appropriate catheter, the selected sperm are introduced through the vaginal canal up to the entrance of the uterus.

After the artificial insemination procedure is performed, it’s time to wait and see if everything went as expected. It will take at least 7 to 10 days to confirm whether pregnancy has occurred. Wait for the time advised by your specialist and take a pregnancy test. If positive, you’ll have your first ultrasound to confirm and visualize the gestational sac, and all the initial blood tests will begin to monitor the development and start prenatal care.

Chances of Artificial Insemination Not Working

In the artificial insemination method, embryo implantation is not performed as it is in in vitro fertilization, so the chances of pregnancy are similar to those of a natural pregnancy, since sperm fertilization of the egg may or may not occur. According to specialists, the chances of getting pregnant through artificial insemination are between 10 and 25%. This is, assuming the couple takes all the recommended tests from the assisted reproduction specialist, and uses medication and treatments appropriately. Chances are reduced in couples who are candidates for in vitro fertilization but still insist on artificial insemination. Therefore, it is essential that the couple undergoes the procedure best suited for their specific condition.

When Can a Man Not Be the Sperm Donor?

After a consultation with a human reproduction specialist, both partners will undergo fertility evaluation tests. If the results show that the man has a fertility problem that prevents conception, such as complete absence of sperm or being HIV positive, the doctor may recommend the use of donor sperm from a sperm bank or a donor known to the couple. In sperm banks, the choice is made through a catalog provided to the couple that contains all the donor’s information, such as ethnicity, hair color, age, eye color, weight, height, blood type, and even profession and hobbies. All materials stored at the sperm bank undergo strict screening and are tested to rule out transmissible or genetic diseases. Accessing and acquiring a sperm donation is only possible through a doctor specializing in assisted reproduction or a clinic accredited by the sperm bank.

Home Artificial Insemination

Even though artificial insemination is considered the most affordable method among assisted human reproduction options, it can still be quite costly for some couples. As a result, many couples have found home artificial insemination to be an alternative. Since the main goal of the procedure is to deliver the sperm to the uterus, it is done, of course, without medical facilities, specialized instruments, or laboratory analysis of the semen. The home artificial insemination procedure should be carried out during the fertile period, preferably on the ovulation peak day. Ovulation tests can help confirm the timing and make sure the procedure is performed on the most favorable day. Semen collection can be done directly into a sterilized specimen cup (those sold in pharmacies for urine tests), and the utmost care must be taken not to let the sperm come in contact with air, as this will kill them within seconds. Ideally, collection should be done at the time of the home insemination to increase the chances of success.

IMPORTANT: Only use the sperm if you are sure it is from a healthy donor. If possible, request medical exams in advance to be certain.

Another collection method is to use condoms, but you must check if they contain spermicide, as this will kill sperm quickly. With a thin 10ml syringe, collect the semen, lie down, and introduce it into the vagina with the help of lubricant as deep as possible, injecting it into the vaginal canal. Don’t forget to check if the lubricant is also free from spermicides, or else it will have the same effect as spermicide condoms, quickly killing all the sperm. We recommend using fertility-friendly lubricating gels such as FamiGel, which act like cervical mucus and increase the chances of successful fertilization. After the procedure, wait for your next menstrual period to confirm if there is a delay and take an HCG test, either a pharmacy or a blood test. Home artificial insemination is not a 100% reliable method, but it can work. We recommend that all procedures be carried out with medical supervision and, preferably, after performing all necessary exams to assess the health status of both partners to rule out any diseases, including genetic ones. Photo: Herney