Intrauterine Insemination - A Closer Look At The Process

Once you have tried all the natural methods for conception, or even after you have tested a few fertility drugs to see how well they will work for you and your partner, you may want to consider intrauterine insemination. This process has helped many couples to conceive, and may be the best method for your family.

If you are generally healthy, and have found that you and your partner do not have any abnormal difficulties when it comes to sperm or egg count, then your doctor may recommend intrauterine insemination, or artificial insemination, after you have been trying to have a baby for more than a year. The process is done using the male's sperm, which is injected into the female reproductive system surgically. If there are obstructions in the fallopian tubes, or if the position of the cervix is slightly off, then this method may be the most effective. Women with polycystic ovaries can also use this method to treat infertility, but the process may take a little longer. Usually, people use intrauterine insemination for about six months or so, but if there are complications with a woman's ovaries, certain medications may be given to regulate ovarian activity, in addition to the insemination treatment.

If this method does not work after some time, then your doctor may recommend IVF, or in vitro fertilization. This is when a woman's eggs are taken outside of the woman's body, fertilized with her partner's sperm in a laboratory, and then placed back into the woman in order for a pregnancy to take place. If there is a problems with the woman's ovaries or eggs, then donor eggs are used in the IVF process. If there are issues with the man's sperm count, then donor sperm is used. Using donor eggs and sperm is usually not the primary method that couples choose, since it means that genetically, the baby will only belong to either the man or the woman. However, this method have been successful for couples that have found it difficult or impossible to conceive.

If you think that intrauterine insemination may be the best method of conception for you and your partner, then you should visit your doctor right away to talk about the timeline for treatment, and to find out what type of lifestyle adjustments you will need to make in order for the process to be a success. The cost of intrauterine insemination will also be a factor, since the procedure can be very expensive, so be sure to talk to your doctor and your insurance company about possible payment options. For more information, visit www.ivillage.com or www.babycenter.com.