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What does it involve?

Artificial insemination involves depositing a semen sample, previously prepared in the laboratory, into the uterine cavity using a thin catheter. This technique is performed during ovulation to facilitate the union between the egg and sperm, thereby increasing the chances of fertilization.

Under physiological conditions, each month and alternately, a structure called a follicle grows in the ovary, containing an egg inside. During ovulation, the ovary releases this egg, which is picked up by the fallopian tube, where, if applicable, sperm will arrive to fertilize it and subsequently implant it in the uterine cavity.

Artificial Insemination with Partner's Semen (IAC)

Stages of IAC

  • 1. Hormonal Stimulation and Ultrasound Monitoring

    Before artificial insemination, the ovaries must be stimulated with hormonal treatment (FSH) to induce the growth of multiple follicles and the ovulation of several eggs. This is how the technique's effectiveness is increased. However, careful monitoring of this cycle is necessary to assess the ovary's sensitivity to medication, avoid excessive responses that could increase the risk of multiple pregnancies, and adapt the ovulation induction protocol to each response.

    Therefore, a specialist in assisted reproduction is responsible for performing all monitoring and supervising the entire process.

    Once the time of ovulation is determined, the insemination is scheduled. At that time, the couple will provide a semen sample to the laboratory for processing to obtain the spermatozoa used in the insemination.

  • 2. Semen Sample Preparation. Sperm Capacitation

    Before insemination, the semen sample must be prepared in the laboratory using different sperm preparation techniques.

    On the day of insemination, the couple must deliver the sample to the laboratory approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled insemination time. According to WHO (World Health Organization) recommendations, sexual abstinence of 2 to 7 days is advisable.

    This sample is processed in the laboratory to select the highest-quality and most motile sperm, separating them from the other semen components: seminal plasma, immotile or low-motility sperm, other cells...

    The final goal is to obtain the best sperm and induce the necessary physiological changes (sperm capacitation) to facilitate egg fertilization.

  • 3. Insemination

    It is a quick, simple, and painless technique.

    It involves loading the processed semen sample into a thin catheter. The gynecologist will deposit it through the cervix into the patient's uterus.

    After a few minutes of rest, the patient can leave the clinic and resume normal activities.

  • When is Artificial Insemination (IAC) Recommended?
    Artificial Insemination is a simple technique, recommended in cases of:
    • Abnormal semen parameters
    • Ovulatory dysfunction
    • Endometriosis
    • Cervical factor
    • Immunological factor
    • Unexplained infertility
    • Inability to correctly deposit semen inside the vagina
    There are some cases where IAC is not indicated:
    • Advanced maternal age
    • Low sperm count (below 3 million post-processing)
    • Blocked fallopian tubes
    • Excessive ovarian response to stimulation

Artificial Insemination with Donor Semen (IAD)

  • 1. Hormonal Stimulation and Ultrasound Monitoring

    Before artificial insemination, the ovaries must be stimulated with hormonal treatment (FSH) to induce the growth of multiple follicles and the ovulation of several eggs. This is how the technique's effectiveness is increased. However, careful monitoring of this cycle is necessary to assess the ovary's sensitivity to medication, avoid excessive responses that could increase the risk of multiple pregnancies, and adapt the ovulation induction protocol to each response.

    Therefore, a specialist in assisted reproduction is responsible for performing all monitoring and supervising the entire process.

    Once the time of ovulation is determined, the insemination is scheduled. At that time, the couple will provide a semen sample to the laboratory for processing to obtain the spermatozoa used in the insemination.

  • When is Donor Insemination (IAD) Recommended?
    Artificial insemination with donor semen (IAD) is recommended:
    • When the man has hereditary diseases
    • Testicular inability to produce sperm (azoospermia)
    • Severe male factor
    • For women without a male partner.