Artificial insemination (Intrauterine insemination)

Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) is an assisted reproduction technique that consists of introducing into the woman’s uterus the most optimal sperm to fertilize her egg.

It is the most natural assisted reproduction treatment because fertilization takes place in the Fallopian tubes, not in the laboratory. It is particularly suitable for single women or young couples with sterility problems.

Types of Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination)

When the partner’s semen is used, it is called Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) by partner. When donor semen is used, it is called Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) by Donor.

Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) by partner

In this type of insemination, the partner’s semen is used to cause the pregnancy. His best sperm is selected and inserted into the woman’s uterus when she is ovulating so that she gets pregnant naturally.

When is Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) by partner recommended?

Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) by partner is suitable in each of the following cases:

• There are problems with having sexual relations.
• There is a brief period of sterility.
• Semen quality is not ideal.
• When there are alterations in ovulation.
• Disorders of the cervix or mild endometriosis.
• The woman is younger than 35.

Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) by donor

In this case, a donor’s semen is used to achieve pregnancy because the woman has no partner or her partner’s semen quality is low.

With this technique, the donor’s best-quality sperm are selected and inserted into the woman’s uterus when she is ovulating. Thus, a sperm fertilizes the egg naturally, in the Fallopian tubes.

When is intrauterine insemination (artificial insemination) by a donor recommended?

• When the woman does not have a male partner (women who want to be single mothers by choice (solo moms), or female couples).
• When the quality of the partner’s sperm is low.
• For female couples.

 

What is the Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) process like?

The Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) treatment begins, like all treatments, with the initial medical consultation. It consists of two parts:

1. First Visit (In Person or Videoconference):

The doctor and patients meet and discuss their case. To make a diagnosis, the doctor will ask for some background and arrange for the relevant tests:

For the woman:

• Hormone analysis to see how her ovaries are functioning.
• Analysis to check for infectious diseases (serology) and other parameters necessary for the treatment.
• Ultrasound to check the condition of the uterus.
• Hysterosalpingography to see the condition of the tubes.

For the man (if using the partner’s semen):

• Semen analysis to determine sperm concentration and motility.
• Screening to check for infectious diseases (serology) and other parameters necessary for the treatment.

2. Signing of Consent Form and Start of Treatment:

The doctor evaluates the tests and explains the treatment in detail. The patients ask questions and sign the consent form to proceed.

After the initial information visit and medical tests, the Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) treatment begins. It consists of five phases:

PHASE 1: Start of Ovarian Stimulation:

The woman takes hormones every day for a few days to stimulate the ovaries. The woman will report to the clinic, so the doctor can check the ovaries using an ultrasound and do a test to determine hormone levels.                                              

PHASE 2: Egg Release:

Once the ovaries are properly stimulated to produce one or two mature eggs, another hormone is administered to induce ovulation.

PHASE 3: Insemination:

After 34–36 hours, the semen sample is obtained and sperm is selected. They are inserted into the woman’s uterus using a thin catheter.

PHASE 4: Pregnancy Test:

Ten days after insemination, a blood pregnancy test (BHCG) is performed, or a urine test after 13 days.

PHASE 5: Ultrasound to Confirm Heartbeat:

Fourteen days after the pregnancy test, an ultrasound is performed in the office to check the heartbeat and conclude the treatment.

 

What are my chances of getting pregnant?

15-20% per cycle

FAQ

Am I eligible if I’m 38 years old?

It’s not recommended because the quality of the woman’s eggs at this age has decreased considerably and the chances of pregnancy are very low. Another reproductive treatment, such as in vitro fertilization, should be used instead.

Does it hurt?

No, it’s a quick, simple and painless technique. It’s done in the doctor’s office and doesn’t require anesthesia. After resting for 10 minutes, you will be able to resume your activities normally.

Can I choose or know who the semen donor is?

No, because all semen donors are anonymous by law, but we can guarantee maximum compatibility with the characteristics of the female recipient.

How do I know that the donor is healthy?

At Reproclinic all our donors are subject to thorough genetic tests to guarantee the absence of any type of disease.

What are my chances of success?

The chances of getting pregnant are 15-20% per cycle. However, each case is different due to factors such as the woman’s age, the quality of the semen, the response to ovarian stimulation, the number of previous attempts, and the thickness of the endometrium.

What if I don’t get pregnant?

You can try again since the pregnancy rate increases with the number of attempts up to the fourth insemination. Or, you can consider using in vitro fertilization (IVF).

What’s the difference between intrauterine insemination (artificial insemination) and in vitro fertilization?

They are two different treatments. Intrauterine Insemination (Artificial Insemination) is more natural than IVF because fertilization takes place inside the woman, like in a natural pregnancy. In the case of IVF, fertilization takes place in the laboratory and the embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus.