Fertility Treatment: Artificial Insemination

Insemination refers to the process of placing sperm directly into the woman's vagina, cervix or uterus at the most fertile time in her cycle.

Placing sperm directly into the uterine cavity increases the number of sperm that may move through the reproductive tract. Insemination may also be performed with donor sperm. The success rate of the procedure depends upon the cause and the length of the fertility problem.

Why is it done?

Insemination can be performed for some male factor infertility (such as low semen volume, low sperm concentration, or decreased sperm motility), some female factor (such as infertility due to cervical mucus problems or immunologic factors), or infertility due to unknown factors.

Insemination may be performed with the sperm of the partner or a donor. The woman must have open fallopian tubes to undergo these treatments.

How is this done?

This procedure may be performed in conjunction with female treatment, such as ovulation induction or superovulation – please see the information sheet on this subject.

The insemination procedure is relatively simple and painless, and is performed in the doctor's office without anesthesia. A couple will probably be asked to refrain from intercourse for 48 to 72 hours before sperm collection to ensure the best possible specimen. Sperm are usually collected through masturbation, processed and washed.

The prepared sperm is then sucked into a special tube and inserted into the woman's vagina, cervical canal, or uterus. The procedure is very similar to a Pap smear examination.

Sometimes more than one insemination is performed to ensure insemination coincides with ovulation.

Further Information www.qfg.com.au