Intrauterine Insemination - In Vitro Fertilization

Intrauterine insemination, or more commonly known as artificial insemination, is a form of assisted reproductive technology which involves the instillation of sperm directly into the female uterus to aid conception.This technique can also be used with In Vitro Fertilization. The sperm can either come from the husband, partner or a sperm donor.

Are you eligible For Intrauterine Insemination?

Intrauterine insemination may be indicated if the male partner has a low sperm count, or if there may be problems with motility and quality of the sperm. Through this procedure, sperm are treated and placed in a medium that allows for better motility and fertilization. Also, those that are of poor quality are separated and discarded.

Another indication comes from cervical factor infertility. Ideally, sperm are able to easily swim up to the awaiting egg when the quality of cervical fluid is ideal. However, when the cervical fluid is too thick, this may impede the sperm's journey. With intrauterine insemination, sperm does not need to pass through the cervix and may have a greater chance of fertilizing.

In rare cases, women exhibit allergy to sperm. When the man ejaculates, the vaginal canal may be irritated and cause further complications. IUI may be suggested, because the procedure involves the sperm to be "washed" or stripped of its proteins before being injected.

For men with severely low sperm counts, IUI may provide them with donor sperm so that conception can take place. This may also be used if the man has a known genetic disorder that he does not want transmitted to offspring or if the woman has no male partner. It is also the first treatment modality being used for unexplained infertility.

Collection of Sperm

Sperm are usually taken fresh from the male partner or through a private donor, either directly or through a sperm agency. This is usually produced through masturbation or through a collection condom when the donor is having intercourse with his respective partner. The sample is then placed inside a specially insulated container and will not be quarantined. However, for men who underwent chemotherapy or radiation for testicular cancer, they can first produce sperm and have these frozen until such time insemination can be performed. An advantage of frozen or cryopreserved sperm is that it can be used even after years of storage.

The man providing the sperm is advised not to ejaculate for two to three days before providing the sample in order to increase sperm count. After collection of sperm, these are then "washed" in the laboratory and kept warm. This process removes any mucus and non-motile sperm in the specimen.

IVF Due Date Calculator Helps When Timing Ovulation

To prepare for artificial insemination, a woman must first determine her ovulation. This procedure can be done by any of the following methods: recording basal body temperature, assessing cervical mucus, using an ovulation predictor kit or calculating with an IVF due date calculator.

On the day of ovulation, the collected sperm are injected directly into the uterus using a flexible catheter. The surge of luteinizing hormone in this instance increases the possibility of fertilization. However, if the female partner is using medications to induce ovulation, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone is given so that insemination can be performed the day after.

The In Vitro Fertilization Procedure

In intrauterine insemination, the "washed" sperm is injected directly into the woman's uterus. It is important that sperm washing should be done prior to the procedure because semen contains prostaglandins which may result to uterine cramping. This procedure is very fast and relatively painless. After insemination, the woman is allowed to rest on her back for 15 minutes. Once the woman has rested, she is allowed to go about her daily activities afterwards. Light vaginal spotting may be noticed one or two days after. Many women often complain about increased wetness right after the procedure and fear that sperm may be falling out. This is because the catheter that is used to inseminate helps loosen the cervical mucus and lets it come out easily. Note that sperm will not fall out, even if some doctors insert a cup around the cervix to prevent leakage.

Monitoring may vary from women to women and may depend on how they are treated. For a natural cycle, doctors may just only require one ultrasound, usually done on the 12^th day from insemination just to check if fertilization has taken place. Once fertilization takes place, normal pregnancy can then be started.

Success Rates for IUI

Intrauterine insemination is used ideally for women below the age of 30, as success rates tend to decrease with age. For men, a total sperm count of 5 million per ml offers promising results. If this is not met, donor sperm may be used. It should be noted that success rates for in vitro fertilization depend on many other factors as well.

IUI Risks

The major risk of undergoing IUI is the possibility is the possibility of having a multiple pregnancy. This is largely due to the fact that the woman has been given ovulation-inducing drugs and more than one egg may be released at the time of ovulation. Another risk that is caused by ovulation-inducing drugs is that these can create abnormally high levels of estrogen and progesterone which leads to enlarged ovaries, abdominal pain and swelling, nausea and vomiting and breathing problems.

Another risk is the possibility of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases from the use of donor sperm. This risk is relatively small in nature, as most clinics subject the sperm for washing and checking.

IUI should never be done at home because the sperm needs to be washed thoroughly to prevent infection. A medical practitioner should be the one to perform this.

Minor cramping and discomfort may also be experienced.

IVF Cost

Although the cost of IVF varies from clinic to clinic, but on the average, sperm washing and IUI alone costs $200-$300. The cost of monitoring, blood work and medications are excluded.

In Vitro Fertilization may be repeated in several cycles, depending on the success and the need for further cycles. Couples who are planning to undergo this procedure should be physically, emotionally and financially ready and understand that while this method provides the hope of having a baby; several tries may be performed in order to bring that about.