Why does artificial insemination work

For example, couples who are having trouble conceiving due to male infertility often have success with IUI because it reduces the number of obstacles between the sperm and the egg.

IUI is also effective in treating female infertility, and is especially commonly suggested for women living with endometriosis or ovulation disorders. Finally, IUI is frequently recommended for single women who wish to become pregnant, for LGBT couples, and in cases when a doctor is unsure why a couple is infertile.

An appointment will be scheduled for during ovulation to ensure optimal timing for a potential pregnancy. Women with thick cervical mucus that prevents sperm from reaching an egg may also get IUI. To begin the IUI process, the intended mother will take medications to elevate fertility. Doctors will prepare a semen sample — either from the intended father or a donor — by separating the sperm from the seminal fluid, says Tanmoy Mukherjee, M.

Next, the doctor will mix the sperm with liquid, load it onto a catheter, and insert it inside of the vagina. When the catheter reaches the uterus, doctors will dispense the sperm inside. Mukherjee says the process resembles a Pap smear. Here are Dr. A simpler artificial insemination method, intracervical insemination ICI imitates natural intercourse. Unwashed, liquified semen from either a donor or the intended father is loaded into a syringe specially designed for ICI.

Then it's inserted inside of the vagina and slowly emptied near the cervix. A woman should lie on her back during the procedure and a half hour afterwards. If all goes well, the sperm will travel to the fallopian tubes and form a pregnancy.

First name. Last name. Phone number. Email address. Shannon Hee Kyung Kim Prof. Michael Chapman. How did you hear about us? Some infections take a while to show, so the sperm will be frozen for 6 months to allow time for infections, such as HIV, to be detected. The sperm is frozen whether it's from someone you know, or from a registered and licensed sperm bank. Choosing to use donated sperm can be a difficult decision, and you should be offered counselling before you go ahead. There are many different factors involved, so it's best to talk to your fertility team about your individual chances of success.

Some women have mild cramps similar to period pains, but otherwise the risks involved with IUI are minimal. If you have fertility medicine to stimulate ovulation, there is a small risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Read more about this condition on our page about the risks of IVF. There's also a chance that you will have more than 1 baby, which has additional risks for both you and your babies. Page last reviewed: 10 March Next review due: 10 March Intrauterine insemination IUI. You may be offered IUI if: you're unable to have vaginal sex — for example, because of a physical disability or psychosexual problem you have a condition that means you need specific help to conceive.