Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsGoalTypesProcessRisksCost and Insurance CoverageIVF vs. Artificial Insemination
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Goal
Types
Process
Risks
Cost and Insurance Coverage
IVF vs. Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination is a procedure that places sperm into the cervix or uterus around the time ofovulationin hopes of becoming pregnant.Infertilityis the most common reason people use artificial insemination.
Other reasons include being in a same-sex relationship, having atransgender partner, or being single and wanting to have a child. There are different types of artificial insemination with varying costs.
This article discusses artificial insemination, including the types, costs, and alternatives.
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Goal of Artificial Insemination
About 19% of heterosexual women in the United States cannot get pregnant after one year of trying.Nearly half of those infertility cases are due tomale factors, which includes problems such as a lowsperm count, low motility (inefficient movement of sperm), abnormally shaped sperm.
Each year, about 1.9% of infants born in the United States are conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART).
During natural conception, sperm travel from the vagina, through the cervix (opening of the uterus), into the uterus, and up thefallopian tubes, whereegg fertilizationoccurs. Artificial insemination is often the first intervention to assist in conception if traditional methods (intercourse) haven’t resulted in pregnancy. The different types of artificial insemination include:
Artificial insemination is a low-risk and noninvasive procedure conducted in a clinic or the comfort of your home. However, there are key considerations when performing artificial insemination.
Ovulation
Whether having artificial insemination in a clinic or your home, an essential factor is ovulation. Many people undergoing artificial insemination will take medications that help induce ovulation. These medications can cause more than one egg to be released, which can result in more than one embryo developing and implanting. These medications are also used for people who do not ovulate on their own.
The following classes of drugs are often used to induce ovulation during artificial insemination:
Timing of Insemination
Artificial insemination usually occurs close to the time of ovulation so the sperm is in the fallopian tube, ready to fertilize the egg.Healthy sperm can live for several daysin the female reproductive tract.
The Procedure
If artificial insemination occurs in a clinic, a healthcare provider will place aspeculuminto the vagina to visualize the cervix. A sperm-filled syringe with tubing attached will be placed in either the cervix or uterine cavity, where the contents of the syringe will be emptied. It takes a few minutes and could be mildly uncomfortable. Some people may experience cramping or light bleeding.
At-home artificial insemination is performed in a recumbent position (lying down) with a pillow under the hips. You or your partner will use a syringe or cervical cap (or menstrual cup) to deliver the sperm into the vagina at the cervix level. If the sperm is frozen, allow it to thaw for 15 minutes before the procedure.
Success Rates
It can take several rounds of artificial insemination to become pregnant. Factors that affect successful artificial insemination include:
If you are wondering what your specific success rate with artificial insemination is right for you, speak with a healthcare provider or a fertility specialist.
Although artificial insemination is usually a low-risk procedure, people can experience the following risks:
What You’re Not at Risk ForThe chance of birth defects is 2% to 4%, despite how you got pregnant.
What You’re Not at Risk For
The chance of birth defects is 2% to 4%, despite how you got pregnant.
Estimated Cost and Insurance Coverage
Check with your insurance company, state law, and local family planning organizations to help calculate the cost of artificial insemination in your area. Generally, the average price of one round of IUI is $300-$3,000.
In Vitro Fertilization vs. Artificial Insemination
IUI vs. IVF: Deciding Which Is Right for You
Summary
Artificial insemination costs vary based on insurance coverage and your state. Although infertility is the most common reason for artificial insemination, this procedure is a valuable fertility option for LGBTQ+ families. Invitro fertilization is an alternative to artificial insemination.
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