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Types of Artificial Insemination

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Wanting to get pregnant and not being successful is disappointing and frustrating. One of the most well-known forms of fertility treatment is artificial insemination, in which sperm is inserted into a woman’s reproductive tract. The sperm may be sperm from a sperm donor or from the woman’s partner. The sperm is washed to enhance the quality of the sperm which helps to provide the best chance of attaining a successful pregnancy.

Artificial insemination is usually the first type of fertility treatment tried when the cause of infertility hasn’t been identified. It’s a quick and painless procedure that’s also a good option for single women, same sex female couples or women whose partner has low sperm count or poor quality sperm. There are four types of artificial insemination. 

Intrauterine Insemination

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is an outpatient procedure in which sperm is injected directly into the uterus using a catheter. Fertility drugs are given for a period of time before the procedure is done to help stimulate egg production. Since the sperm is injected directly into the uterus, it doesn’t have far to travel, which means this type of artificial insemination may have better success rates than other types.

Intracervical Insemination

An alternative to IUI is a procedure in which the sperm is placed in the female’s cervix where it can travel to the uterus on its own to unite with the egg. To improve the chance of success, a conception cap may be worn for a few hours. This approach isn’t usually as successful as IUI, but it is less expensive.

Intratubal Insemination

In this procedure, the sperm is injected into the Fallopian tubes by placing a catheter through the cervix. This may be a good option for women who have thick cervical mucus that decreases the motility of sperm or for women who don’t ovulate regularly.

Intrauterine Tubo-peritoneal Insemination

Another approach is to inject the sperm into both the uterus and the fallopian tubes, which is known as intrauterine tubo-peritoneal insemination. After the sperm is injected, a clamp is placed on the cervix to prevent leakage. This may be a good choice for couples struggling with a mild case of endometriosis or mild male infertility.

Finding the Best Fertility Treatment for You

Being unable to conceive can be emotionally devastating. There are many different reasons that you may be struggling to conceive and finding the best treatment for you involves a thorough examination and family medical history. Factors such as your age and any existing health conditions are considered as well as the health of your partner.

At the Center for Reproductive Health, experienced fertility experts determine the cause of your infertility and explain the best treatment options for you. It’s important to be well-informed and to understand all your options.

Artificial insemination is often the first type of treatment tried, but it’s not the only choice. If you have any questions or you’re interested in learning more about artificial insemination or other forms of assisted reproductive technology, contact the Center for Reproductive Health today.

 

See Dr. Mor’s Publications

Eliran Mor, MD

Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Santa Monica, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA
Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA Doctor Mor received his medical degree from Tel Aviv University-Sackler School of Medicine in Israel. He completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, Dr. Mor completed a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility […]
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FAQ

What does a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist do?

Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to managing medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive tract, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialists undergo additional years of training to provide fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Reproductive endocrinologists receive board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

When should I see an REI specialist?

In general, patients should consider consulting with an REI specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully to achieve pregnancy. The chance of conceiving every month is around 20%, therefore after a full year of trying approximately 15% of couples will still not have achieved a pregnancy.

However, if a woman is over the age of 35 it would be reasonable to see a fertility specialist earlier, typically after 6 months of trying.

Other candidates to seek earlier treatment are women who have irregular menses, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women who have had 2 or more miscarriages, or problems with the fallopian tubes (prior ectopic pregnancy).

What are the reasons we are having trouble conceiving?

Approximately 1/3 of the time cause for infertility is a female factor, 1/3 of the time a male factor, and the remaining 1/3 a couples’ factor.

At CCRH, we emphasize the importance of establishing a correct diagnosis. Both partners undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history and physical exam.

Furthremore, the woman’s ovarian reserve is assessed with a pelvic ultrasound and a hormonal profile. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will confirm fallopian tube patency and the uterine cavity is free of intracavitary lesions. A semen analysis is also obtained to evaluate for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Additional work up is then individualized to direct the best possible treatment option for each couple.

What is IVF? What is the process like?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process that involves fertilization of an egg outside of a woman’s body.

The process starts with fertility drugs prescribed to help stimulate egg development. In your natural cycle, your body is only able to grow one dominant egg, but with stimulation medication we can recruit multiple eggs to continue to grow. After about 8-10 days of stimulation, the eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then cultured under a strictly controlled environment within specialized incubators in the IVF laboratory for 3-5 days while they develop as embryos. Finally, embryos (or an embryo) are transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation.

Should I have IVF?

Before deciding if IVF is the right choice, it’s important to sit down with an REI specialist to discuss available treatment options. For some people, other methods such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the best first choice treatment. At CCRH, we believe each individual couple is unique and not everyone needs IVF.

Is the IVF procedure painful?

While not painful, the fertility medications may some side effects including headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. The injection sites may also bruise.

Will IVF guarantee a baby?

Unfortunately, no. Many people think once they start IVF it’s a matter of time that they will be pregnant and have a baby. But according to national statistics per the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART), on average 40% of assisted reproduction cycles achieve live births in women under age 35. The chances of success then continue to decrease with advancing age.

At CCRH, we employ only evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. While we cannot guarantee a baby, we guarantee that you will receive the best, most advanced, personalized care to help you maximize your chance of a baby.

What is the success rate for IVF?

The average IVF success rate (success measured in live birth rate) using one’s own eggs begins to drop around age 35 and then rapidly after age 40. This is due to the decline in egg quantity and egg quality as a woman ages.

Our clinic’s success rate consistently beats the national average year after year.

Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment? How much does IVF cost?

Individual insurance plans often do not have any coverage for infertility treatments. If you have a group plan, you can call members services to see if they have coverage for infertility (including consultation/workup and IVF).

After your consultation with our REI specialist, one of our dedicated account managers with sit with you to go over the cost of treatment.

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