Intrauterine insemination, or artificial insemination as it is popularly known, is a procedure that helps couples make their dream of having a child come true when it cannot be achieved through natural methods. Nowadays, the demand for this procedure has increased considerably and it is no longer considered a premium treatment.

Intrauterine insemination is the oldest method used to help with fertilization in the field of assisted reproduction, and its treatment is being updated every day, becoming more and more accessible to the population, including those with low income. Today, low-income couples can seek help through SUS (Brazil’s Unified Health System) and receive the treatment in some locations for free, and in others, partially. There are still few states that provide this treatment for free, such as: Rio Grande do Sul, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco, São Paulo, and the Federal District.

Fertility clinics are also offering low-cost treatments, making this dream come true for those who do not have high financial means. This is important since private treatment can cost up to 20,000 reais.

What Procedure is Performed in Intrauterine Insemination?

The purpose of intrauterine insemination is to facilitate the meeting between the sperm and the egg of the woman. To do this, ovulation is stimulated, usually with injectable medication, and when the eggs are ready, the treated semen (the fastest and highest quality sperm are selected for insemination) is introduced by a specialized catheter into the uterus near the fallopian tubes. This way, the sperm travels the natural route to meet the egg and, finally, fertilization takes place. The next steps happen naturally, and you must wait at least 16 days after insemination for confirmation of pregnancy. If it is not successful, the treatment should begin again with a new cycle.

And When the Man Cannot Be the Sperm Donor?

There are cases where the partner cannot be the donor for intrauterine insemination because some factors make fertilization impossible, such as:

  • Absence of sperm
  • Repeated miscarriages due to genetic factors
  • When HIV positive

In these cases, donor sperm from an unknown donor or even from a donor chosen by the couple may be considered. The chances of success with intrauterine insemination are 25% for each cycle, and the most important thing is not to give up or get discouraged after the first negative result.

See also: Medications to Help Get Pregnant – Medical Assistance

Photo: Franco Pugnaloni