When You Want a Baby - Artificial Insemination as an Option
For some women, having babies is as easy as pie. Others struggle to conceive. Artificial insemination is one of the infertility techniques developed to solve this problem. Often shortened to AI, artificial insemination techniques in humans were derived from similar work in livestock. At New York Reproductive Wellness, we offer a number of treatments to help couples and women conceive.
Why Use Artificial Insemination?
Artificial insemination is used in several different situations. When the male partner of a couple is infertile, AI offers the couple the chance to have a baby with donated sperm. Men who are impotent might still be able to donate their own sperm. It may also be used when a woman has endometriosis. Single women who want to have a baby and women in same-sex couples might also take advantage of artificial insemination techniques.
Intrauterine Insemination
Four forms of AI are current used in humans. Of these four, intrauterine insemination(IUI) is the preferred method whenever possible, as conception rates are better. IUI, as the name implies, is the insertion of sperm into the uterine cavity. The sperm is injected into the uterus with a thin catheter. This is the form of artificial insemination we offer at New York Reproductive Wellness.
Collecting Sperm
Sperm may be collected from the male partner or donor in one of several ways. Masturbation is most common for donors. Electrical or vibratory stimulation may be used to help a man who cannot ejaculate normally. A collection condom is an option if the woman is allergic to her partner's sperm. Sperm can be surgically removed from the male reproductive tract; this method is often used when the male partner is impotent or paralyzed.
When Does Artifical Insemination Occur?
Timing of artificial insemination is important. If the woman is ovulating normally, AI would be carried out just after ovulation, as this is when she is most fertile. Prior to the AI procedure, the woman will track her periods or use a hormone detection kit to determine what her usual cycle is. Some women may need hormonal treatments to induce ovulation. The procedure is typically done in a doctor's office.
Is Artificial Insemination Safe?
AI is generally safe and has few side effects. However, multiple births may occur if fertility treatments are used. A woman who is carrying more than one fetus has a slightly increased risk of miscarriage or early delivery. Fertility medications can also have side effects, such as making the ovaries swell. Related symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Although no more than six AI cycles are recommended, approximately 65 percent of women become pregnant by the sixth cycle. If you and your partner are struggling with infertility issues, or if you are a single woman or in a same-sex relationship, there is help. You may contact us for answers to your questions or for information about AI, as well as the other services we offer. Call us at New York Reproductive Wellness to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
