Recent years have seen numerous advances in science. Reproductive health is one of the areas that has benefitted greatly due to these advances. The advent of artificial Insemination, AI, has been a major breakthrough. AI is the direct insertion of semen into the vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes of a female for the purpose of pregnancy. The technique aids in managing certain kinds of infertility. The most popular form of AI is intrauterine artificial insemination which entails placing the sperm directly into the uterus. Apart from being used in humans, this treatment is a common practice in pigs and dairy cattle.
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.
Like any other medical procedures, there are a number of risks and complications associated with AI. Multiple births are bound to happen when fertility drugs are used, this increases the likelihood of miscarriages or premature deliveries. Another complication is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) which although a rare occurrence may advance to severe symptoms such dehydration.
Success rates of artificial insemination are determined by factors such as sperm and egg quality and the female age. Generally, using IUI, it is about 15-20% per cycle. Unstimulated IUI may not be successful for couples with mysterious infertility.
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.
Like any other medical procedures, there are a number of risks and complications associated with AI. Multiple births are bound to happen when fertility drugs are used, this increases the likelihood of miscarriages or premature deliveries. Another complication is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) which although a rare occurrence may advance to severe symptoms such dehydration.
Success rates of artificial insemination are determined by factors such as sperm and egg quality and the female age. Generally, using IUI, it is about 15-20% per cycle. Unstimulated IUI may not be successful for couples with mysterious infertility.
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