What happens to you - The procedure
Artificial insemination (AIH) is also known as intra-uterine insemination (IUI). This treatment involves the placing of concentrated sperm, supplied by the male partner, directly into the uterine cavity at the time of ovulation. Semen is collected by masturbation and then the scientists at the fertility centre concentrate the sperm to select the best available swimming sperm. Normally it takes 2 hours to concentrate a sperm sample to be ready for insemination. The female partner should return a little later that day for insemination.
What you have to do
Generally inseminations are carried out either on the day before ovulation or on the day of ovulation. It is necessary to determine the exact timing of ovulation to maximize the chance of pregnancy from the treatment. Detection of ovulation can be done in a number of different ways. For the purposes of intra-uterine insemination we have to be quite precise with the timing. There are kits (Clearplan) available which are used to detect a rise in a certain hormone (luteinising hormone, LH) which occurs just prior to ovulation. This is the usual method of determining when to utilize insemination. Occasionally these kits are unreliable and thus, at least in the first treatment cycle, a blood test is performed to confirm that ovulation is about to occur. When menstrual cycles are very irregular, serial blood tests and pelvic ultrasounds (usually performed transvaginally) have to be used to accurately assess the time of ovulation. A fine catheter is attached to a syringe containing the concentrated sperm mix. A speculum is placed in the vagina and the catheter is introduced through the uterine cervix into the uterine cavity. The sperm is then squirted into the uterus. Usually you will have to wait 5 to 10 minutes before leaving the Fertility Centre after the insemination is performed.
Benefits & Advantages
Pregnancy rates from artificial insemination are 5% to 10% per month or 35% to 40% over a 6 month course of therapy.
Side Effects & Complications
Occasional mild cramping or discomfort can occur. There are no known serious side effects or complications from this treatment.