I. What does it consist of?

Artificial insemination consists of the introduction of semen, previously qualified in the laboratory, into the uterine cavity some hours before ovulation.

II. When is it indicated?

Artificial insemination is used, for instance, under the following circumstances:

  • Ovulation disturbance
  • Decreasing number or mobility of spermatozoa, and/or anomalies in these
  • Difficulty in penetration of spermatozoa in the uterine cavity
  • Infertility or sterility for unknown reason
  • Others

III. Procedure

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.

IV. Results

Results depend to a great extent on the woman’s age and the present causes, which has indicated she should have the treatment. In general terms, average pregnancy on cycle is situated at around 15-30%.

V. Models

There are three models of artificial insemination:

  1. Artificial insemination with semen from donation (AID)
  2. Artificial insemination with semen from husband (AIH)
  3. Artificial insemination with semen from husband with a negative PCR
      determination in inseminated sperm (AIH-HIV), so transmission of the
      disease to partner and offspring is avoided (in case she doesn’t suffer
      from it).