Introduction
Artificial insemination is a fertility procedure where sperm is directed placed in the reproductive tract of a female. There are actually three different types of artificial insemination; intravaginal, intracervical and intratubal insemination. In this article, we learn about all three and how they are performed.
Intravaginal Insemination
The least used method of artificial insemination is intravaginal insemination, or IVI. This form involves the placement of sperm directly into the vagina near the cervix. Although this can be done at a fertility clinic, IVI is usually performed by the couple in the comfort of their own home.
This method is only recommended if the couple is not conceiving due to ejaculation difficulties. IVI is only highly effective if the woman is fertile and ovulating regularly. The procedure is done by the extraction of semen by a fertility doctor and stored in a sterile syringe. The couple then take the syringe home and insert it all the way inside the woman's vagina until it is close to the cervix. The semen is then injected by the cervix.
The cost of the IVI procedure can range up to $500. The success rate of this procedure is 10 to 30 percent.
Intracervical Insemination
Intracervical Insemination, or ICI, is considered non-invasive and painless. Unlike IVI, it is only performed at the fertility clinic. A sperm sample is collected and a doctor places it directly inside the cervix so that it is able to travel through the uterus and up the fallopian tubes. During the procedure, the woman's vagina is held open with a speculum. After the cervix is exposed, a catheter is inserted inside the cervix. Attached to the catheter is the syringe containing the sperm sample; the sperm travels through the catheter and directly into the cervix. The sperm is prevented from leaking out by placing a sponge over the cervix.
ICI is the first method that a couple will probably try after unsuccessful attempts to conceive on their own. It is the preferred method because it only takes 10 minutes and costs around $300. The success rate is 10 percent but can be raised to 30 percent with numerous procedures per cycle.
Intratubal Insemination
Intratubal Insemination (ITI) is less common than ICI but more commonly used than IVI. This is the most expensive and invasive form of artificial insemination. The couples that choose ITI are having problems conceiving with ICI and want to go to the next level. Women who are having difficulties ovulation are also candidates for ITI.
ITI involves placing the sperm sample directly in the fallopian tubes. It is performed one of two ways. One way is to use the same cathedral method that is used with the ICI procedure. The other way is through laparoscopic surgery to find the fallopian tubes. If surgery is performed, a camera is inserted into a tiny incision in the abdomen. The camera is used to find the fallopian tubes. There the sperm sample is inserted.
The cost of ITI is upwards of $1000, depending on the method used. The success rate has been proven to be 5 to 30 percent, but some argue that it is significantly higher.
Tags: fallopian tubes, sperm sample, artificial insemination, success rate, artificial insemination intravaginal, directly into, fertility clinic