Insemination involves placing sperm into a woman’s reproductive system to allow fertilization to take place.During this procedure, a healthcare provider checks a couple’s health to determine if there are conditions that affect fertility. Here is more information about this fertility treatment:
Sperm Collection
A male partner provides sperm at a fertility clinic or at home, but it must be delivered to the clinic within a short time to boost viability. If using donor sperm, a healthcare provider sources it from a sperm bank after it has been tested for genetic and infectious conditions. Once the sperm is collected, it goes through a process called sperm washing to separate healthy sperm from unwanted components. This process is beneficial for improving the quality of a sperm sample and making fertilization much easier. It also removes any chemicals in the semen that cause discomfort or adverse reactions when inserted into the uterus.
Ovulation Tracking
Timing boosts successful insemination, as it needs to occur when the woman is ovulating — the period when her body releases an egg. Ovulation predictor kits detect an increase in luteinizing hormone, which is triggered when ovulation is about to occur. Some fertility specialists order blood tests to measure estrogen levels that increase when the egg is about to be released. Blood tests are more accurate because they give more precise hormone readings. Using an ultrasound, doctors see the growth and development of follicles that contain eggs to know when ovulation is about to occur. If you don’t ovulate regularly due to underlying fertility conditions, a provider prescribes certain medications to stimulate ovulation.
Introduction of Sperm
When introducing sperm into a woman’s body, a doctor inserts a speculum to access the cervix easily. A thin, flexible tube known as a catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. The washed sperm is injected directly into the uterus using a syringe attached to the catheter. By placing sperm directly into the uterus, the sperm bypasses the cervix and travels a short distance to the fallopian tubes. This method is helpful when there are sperm count or motility issues that prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. It’s also suitable when the cervix has thick mucus, which may prevent sperm from penetrating or moving toward the uterus.
Fertilization and Implantation
After depositing semen in a womb, the sperm fertilizes the egg, forming a zygote that develops as it moves toward the uterus. Once the embryo reaches the uterus, it implants into the uterine lining, making some patients experience cramping and light spotting. After successful implantation, your body produces a hormone that helps sustain the uterine lining for pregnancy. A few weeks after insemination, a doctor may schedule an appointment to test you for pregnancy. This professional uses blood tests and ultrasound to confirm if the procedure was successful or not.
Book an Appointment for Insemination
Before introducing sperm to the womb, a healthcare provider tracks your ovulation so that fertilization can be successful. These experts may prescribe some medications and monitor the entire process to attain reliable results. To know if insemination is right for you, call a fertility clinic today.