Artificial Insemination

Expert Panel > Artificial Insemination

Sometimes, the journey to becoming loving parents may not be easy for everyone. If you have spend the last 6 to 12 months trying unsuccessfully to conceive the natural way, you may consider artificial insemination as an option if your fertility tests results reveal you have infertility issues.
 
Q: What happens during AI?
A: Artificial insemination (AI) is a procedure whereby a sample of specially treated sperm from your husband is injected into your reproductive tract at around the time of ovulation. The type of AI you undergo is based on your diagnosis and probability of success of a specific method. The sperm may be injected to your cervical canal or in your uterine cavity.
 
Q: is AI suitable for us?
A: AI is the recommended treatment of infertility when certain conditions are present. It can help couples where the man has a low sperm count, or where the sperms are unable to get through the womans cervical mucus. Couples who have difficulty with intercourse due to disabilities or injuries can also benefit from AI. The procedure which is also called intrauterine insemination (IUI) when the sperm is put directly into your uterus near a fallopian tube is often combined with fertility drugs to improve your chances of becoming pregnant.
 
How successful AI is for you as a couple depends on both your infertility and age. A cervical-mucus problem is easier solved than a sperm-quality problem. Should your husbands ejaculate contain few or no live sperm, you will both need to consider undergoing more advanced procedures such as In-vitro fertilization (IVF).
 
Q: Do we need to consider other factors?
A: Before you decide to go ahead with AI, both you and your husband should consider the financial costs involved (it can take from 3 to 6 treatments before you become pregnant), the possible psychological effects (pregnancy is not guaranteed), and your personal beliefs.
 
For more information on AI, do speak to your gynae or read up on the topic from books or the internet.