Artificial insemination offers benefits to people who want to have a baby but cannot conceive for one reason or another. First and foremost, artificial insemination offers infertile couples the chance to start a family. Women who choose to remain single but want to have a child also use artificial insemination to become pregnant.
There are two different types of procedures used during artificial insemination. The first involves inserting the sperm directly into the cervix (intracervical insemination, or ICI) and most resembles natural intercourse; this is because the sperm still need to travel to the uterus on their own for fertilization to take place. The second procedure involves inserting the sperm directly into the uterus (intrauterine insemination, or IUI), which increases the chance for fertilization because the sperm do not need to travel to the uterus on their own.
Cost
Compared to other fertility procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination is relatively inexpensive. The National Infertility Association (see References) reported that the average cost for one cycle of IVF is $8,158--although other estimates run much higher--and for one cycle of artificial insemination, $865. Some insurance companies will cover part of the costs.
Side Effects
Artificial insemination is less invasive than other infertility treatment methods and has fewer side effects. Sometimes fertility drugs are prescribed for the woman, the man, or both, but not always. The procedure is also painless.
Options
Most often married couples will use the husband's sperm for artificial insemination, but if there are health or fertility problems with the man, or a woman who wants to have a baby does not have partner, individuals may choose to use a sperm bank. Sperm banks screen their donors carefully, and donors sign legal forms and relinquish all parental rights. Often women or couples can choose the donor based on physical features, health, and even temperament and religion.
Another option offered by artificial insemination is the use of donor eggs, if the woman cannot produce healthy eggs on her own.
Closest to Natural
Artificial insemination allows for natural fertilization to take place in the body. This aspect appeals to couples who want to create a baby in a way closest to traditional intercourse.
Screening
Regardless of whether the sperm used for artificial insemination comes from the husband, a sperm bank, or another donor, it is always washed and tested before the insemination in order to reduce the likelihood of passing any genetic defects on to the baby.
Tags: artificial insemination, artificial insemination, because sperm, directly into, fertilization take, fertilization take place