This is a simple assisted reproduction procedure which consists of the artificial introduction of sperm cells directly inside the woman’s uterus in order to achieve pregnancy.
The procedure of Artificial Insemination is the same for both partner artificial insemination and artificial insemination with donor semen. We can distinguish 6 phases:
1. Ovarian stimulation: Controlled through the administration of medication, gonadotropins (FSH), to cause the growth of several follicles (between 1 and 3 follicles) in the ovaries. Monitoring of the stimulation is carried out through visits with transvaginal ultrasounds, normally 2 or 3, which count and measure the growing follicles.
2. Ovulation induction: When we observe at least 1 follicle larger than 18mm, it is time to start the ovulation through injection of the hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), releasing the ovule(s) 36-48 hours later toward the fallopian tubes. The date and time are then scheduled for carrying out the insemination.
3. Preparation of the semen: On the day of the insemination, the partner semen or donor semen is processed in the laboratory using selection and sperm capacitation techniques which allow us to select and recover the sperm cells with best mobility from the ejaculate. The sperm capacitation procedure for a semen sample requires incubation of the sperm cells in special culture media under appropriate micro-environmental conditions (6% CO2 and 37ºC). The sperm recovery and capacitation procedures used most often are discontinuous density gradients and the “swim-up” technique.
4. Intrauterine insemination: Carried out in the gynaecological clinic as an outpatient service, no kind of anaesthesia is required and it is not usually uncomfortable. The capacitated semen sample is placed inside the uterine cavity through the use of appropriate cannulas. Additionally, we advise patients not to carry out IAC more than 3-4 times, as the chances of obtaining a pregnancy do not increase significantly after this number of attempts. After the insemination, the woman must remain at rest for a few minutes before going home with the instructions and recommendations. From this time, she may continue living a totally normal life.
5. Luteal phase support: After the artificial insemination, the patient is provided with a hormone supplement with a mainly progesterone base which will help to improve the conditions of their endometrium and facilitate the correct implantation of the embryo in the uterus.
6. Scheduling of the pregnancy test: 14 days after insemination, a pregnancy test will be taken to determine the presence of Beta-HCG in the urine. If positive, 7 to 10 days later the presence of visible pregnancy will be checked by ultrasound.
The main risk is multiple pregnancy which occurs in 15-20% of pregnancies achieved. In exceptional cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may occur (in approximately 1% of patients), which appears particularly in patients under 30 years of age or in those affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- Mobile sperm count of over 3 million progressive sperm cells after sperm capacitation.
- Having at least one permeable fallopian tube studied by hysterosalpingography (HSG).
- Absence of stage III-IV endometriosis.
- Sterility of unknown origin.
- Single women / same sex couple.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome.
- Minor male factor.
- Cervical factor.
Additionally, other factors will have to be evaluated, such as the age of the patient (under 38 years), their ovarian reserve and the type of sterility of the couple.
At FIV Valencia successful results achieved with partner artificial insemination (IAC) amount to 15% of the pregnancy rate per insemination cycle carried out. When 4 accumulative cycles are completed, the pregnancy rate rises to 50%. Of all these pregnancies achieved, 15-20% are twin pregnancies.
The results achieved with artificial insemination with donor semen (IAD) amount to 22% of the pregnancy rate per insemination cycle, reaching 60% in patients who have completed a maximum of 4 cycles.
You choose the transfer date, and we will organize your trip and the treatment cycle, adapting everything to your personal needs.
We have many years of experience with patients from abroad and in particular from Italy, so we know just what you need to make you feel at home. With our help, you can undergo the treatment in two simple steps:
1º Make a first visit to FIV Valencia, during which you can also vitrify a sperm sample. That way you can come the second time just for the IVF transfer!
2º Choose the day that best suits your needs to make the transfer! We will take care of the rest.
Over 90% of our patients become pregnant. Pregnancy rate over 50% per attempt.
The most advanced technologies
20 years of experience and successes
C/ Santa Rosa, 12; 46021
VALENCIA (España)
