Artificial insemination is a fertility treatment that consists in the insertion of sperm into the uterus or cervix of the woman, facilitating fertilization, being an appropriate treatment for cases of male or female infertility.
This procedure is simple, with few side effects and the result depends on certain factors, such as sperm quality, fallopian tube characteristics, uterus health and female age. Usually, this method is not the first choice of the couple who cannot conceive spontaneously during 1 year of testing, being an option when other cheaper methods have not yielded results.
- Artificial insemination can be homologous.
- When performed with the partner’s sperm.
- Or the heterologist.
- When a donor’s sperm is used.
- Which can occur when the partner’s sperm is not viable.
Artificial insemination is indicated for some cases of infertility, such as:
There are also some criteria that need to be met, such as the age of the woman. Many human breeding centers do not accept women over the age of 40 because there is an increased risk of miscarriage, a weak response to the ovarian stimulation process, and a decrease in the quality of collected eggs, which are crucial for pregnancy.
Artificial insemination begins with stimulation of the woman’s ovary, which is a phase that lasts between 10 and 12 days. During this phase, tests are carried out to verify that growth and follicles are advancing normally and, when they reach the appropriate amount and size, artificial insemination is planned approximately 36 hours after administration of an ovulation-inducing hCG injection.
It is also necessary to collect man’s sperm through masturbation, after 3 to 5 days of sexual abstinence, which is evaluated in terms of sperm quality and quantity.
Insemination should be done exactly on the day indicated by your doctor. During the artificial insemination process, the doctor inserts a vaginal speculum similar to that used in the cervical smear in the vagina and removes excess cervical mucus present in the woman’s uterus and then deposits the sperm. Afterwards, the patient should rest for 30 minutes and up to 2 inseminations can be performed to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Pregnancy usually occurs after 4 cycles of artificial insemination and success is higher in case of infertility due to unknown cause. In pairs where 6 insemination cycles were not sufficient, it is recommended to look for another assisted reproduction technique.
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After artificial insemination, a woman may normally return to her routine, however, depending on certain factors such as age and condition of the tubes and uterus, for example, the doctor may recommend some care after insemination, such as avoiding staying too long. . sit or stand, avoid sex for 2 weeks after the procedure and maintain a balanced diet.
Some women report bleeding after insemination, which you should tell your doctor. Other possible complications of artificial fertilization include ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and twin pregnancy. And although these complications are not very common, the woman must be accompanied by the insemination clinic and obstetrician to prevent/treat their onset.