What is the artificial insemination technique?
Artificial insemination consists of facilitating the meeting of the male and female gametes within the internal genital tract of the woman. The sperm are deposited inside the uterus at the moment when ovulation is taking place.
In what cases is the use of this assisted reproduction technique indicated?
The technique is indicated in cases of sterility of unknown origin, in ovulatory dysfunctions, when there are factors related to cervical mucus, male subfertility (mild oligospermia), impossibility of depositing sperm in the vagina or to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
How is the couple prepared to start the process?
Generally, ovarian stimulation with drugs for several days is necessary. For this purpose, ultrasound controls are required to determine the most suitable moment to schedule the insemination.
How is insemination performed and does it cause discomfort?
To perform the insemination, the sperm are deposited in the uterus by means of a fine catheter that is passed through the cervix.
Generally it is a simple technique, except when there is a problem in the cervix, in which cases some discomfort may be felt.
What factors determine the success of this technique?
As in the rest of the assisted reproduction techniques, the factors that determine the success of artificial insemination are fundamentally the age of the woman as well as the quality of the semen.