Artificial insemination consists of the introduction of semen, previously qualified in the laboratory, into the uterine cavity some hours before ovulation.
Artificial insemination is used, for instance, under the following circumstances:
Artificial insemination can be carried out during the natural cycle, or after an ovarian stimulation process. It has been demonstrated, in a large number of studies, that rate of pregnancy is significantly higher in those cycles in which ovulation has been stimulated.
Ovulation stimulation consists of a hormonal treatment carried out by administrating a series of drugs, given to assure the ovulation and to obtain the highest number of potentially fecundatable oocytes.
To control this, periodical echographies are made, sometimes accompanied with blood analysis, to verify the increase of the follicles and hormonal levels, in order to decide the best moment for insemination.
On the day of insemination, the male has to come with a sample of semen, which is processed in the laboratory, by an adequate preparation, selecting spermatozoa with best mobility.
Afterwards, spermatozoa are introduced in uterine through a flexible catheter.
Once insemination is done the women starts a hormonal treatment that favours the development of the possible gestation.
There are three models of artificial insemination: