The problem of infertility is one that affects very many people all over the world. This problem may be caused by factors attributable to the male partner, the female partner or both. Artificial insemination, AI, is an option that can be considered by couples struggling to conceive. The technique is the deliberate introduction of semen into the female system to facilitate pregnancy. The semen can be inserted into the vagina, cervix or uterus. Intrauterine artificial insemination (IUI) is the most common form. The technique helps in treatment of infertility in both men and women. The treatment is also applied in dairy cattle and pigs.
The technique has been with us for many years now. Its use has been limited to a number of areas due to a number of factors originating from cultural, social and religious spheres. The option is slowly gaining acceptance as people understand what it really is and the kind of benefits that can be gained through its use. Commonly it is used to treat infertility caused by immunological disorders. Such disorders would lead to destruction of sperms once they are introduced into the female genital tract.
Women facing issues like scarring or blockage of the cervix can greatly benefit from AI since the sperm has to penetrate the cervix to cause fertilisation. Homosexual couples also opt for this technique any time they decide to have children of their own. Additionally, two women may agree to share parenthood of a child by one donating the egg and the other becomes the birth mother.
To obtain the sperm, a collection condom is worn by the male just before sexual intercourse and the sperm collected after ejaculation occurs. However, it can also be obtained by the help of an electrical stimulator or masturbation. To ensure that the semen remains viable for collection of several vials, special chemicals are added. This helps to preserve the semen frozen for up to half a year. The donor has to be tested again before the sperm is serves its purpose.
Precise monitoring of the reproductive cycle of the women must be done so as to increase the chances of success. The process should take place just before the time of ovulation so that at least one sperm meets the ovum. This is achieved through serial measurements of some hormones, use of ovulation kits and monitoring of the basal body temperature. One the ovulation is suspected to have taken place, a syringe is used to introduce the semen into the vaginal canal. The woman is required to stay still for a couple of minutes to ensure that the sperms move into the required path.
With intrauterine insemination, prior washing of the sperm needs to be done before it is inserted in to the uterus. Insertion is done by means of a catheter. Washing is not only recommended to fertility clinics and sperm banks but also by a medical professional in case of partner sperm used to prevent cramping.
AI comes with several risk factors especially when fertility drugs are used. Multiple births pose a major risk since they increase chances of premature birth and miscarriages. This procedure can also complicate to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, OHSS, which is characterised by variable symptoms.
It is important to know that success rates of artificial insemination are widely variable. Factors such as egg and sperm quality, age and psychological stress have a great impact on the chances of success. IUI has success rate of between 15 and 20%.
The technique has been with us for many years now. Its use has been limited to a number of areas due to a number of factors originating from cultural, social and religious spheres. The option is slowly gaining acceptance as people understand what it really is and the kind of benefits that can be gained through its use. Commonly it is used to treat infertility caused by immunological disorders. Such disorders would lead to destruction of sperms once they are introduced into the female genital tract.
Women facing issues like scarring or blockage of the cervix can greatly benefit from AI since the sperm has to penetrate the cervix to cause fertilisation. Homosexual couples also opt for this technique any time they decide to have children of their own. Additionally, two women may agree to share parenthood of a child by one donating the egg and the other becomes the birth mother.
To obtain the sperm, a collection condom is worn by the male just before sexual intercourse and the sperm collected after ejaculation occurs. However, it can also be obtained by the help of an electrical stimulator or masturbation. To ensure that the semen remains viable for collection of several vials, special chemicals are added. This helps to preserve the semen frozen for up to half a year. The donor has to be tested again before the sperm is serves its purpose.
Precise monitoring of the reproductive cycle of the women must be done so as to increase the chances of success. The process should take place just before the time of ovulation so that at least one sperm meets the ovum. This is achieved through serial measurements of some hormones, use of ovulation kits and monitoring of the basal body temperature. One the ovulation is suspected to have taken place, a syringe is used to introduce the semen into the vaginal canal. The woman is required to stay still for a couple of minutes to ensure that the sperms move into the required path.
With intrauterine insemination, prior washing of the sperm needs to be done before it is inserted in to the uterus. Insertion is done by means of a catheter. Washing is not only recommended to fertility clinics and sperm banks but also by a medical professional in case of partner sperm used to prevent cramping.
AI comes with several risk factors especially when fertility drugs are used. Multiple births pose a major risk since they increase chances of premature birth and miscarriages. This procedure can also complicate to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, OHSS, which is characterised by variable symptoms.
It is important to know that success rates of artificial insemination are widely variable. Factors such as egg and sperm quality, age and psychological stress have a great impact on the chances of success. IUI has success rate of between 15 and 20%.
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