Artificial insemination

Artificial insemination refers to a procedure that is used to help an infertile woman become pregnant. Artificial insemination is used when traditional fertilization cannot take place. It is recommended for infertility. Artificial insemination is also used when the father's sperm count is low. A prerequisite for the process of artificial insemination is that the fallopian tubes of the woman must be in good condition, free of any disease and blockage.

The process of artificial insemination may be started with a course of fertility medicines that the woman is given so as to stimulate production and maturity of eggs. Close monitoring is done to evaluate hormone levels and any other risk factors. The woman's ovulation cycle is determined by noting the body temperature and vaginal discharge. Ultrasound is also used for determining the time of a woman's ovulation. The artificial insemination process is done with sperms either from the woman's partner or a donor. It is then injected into the woman's cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes. It may be subject to a special treatment called 'washing' which makes it more concentrated for fertilization.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a popular assisted reproduction technique. The eggs from the woman and the man's sperm are taken and fertilization takes place in a petri dish outside the woman's womb. This fertilized embryo is then implanted in the woman's uterus. GIFT (Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer) is a variation on this technique wherein the woman's eggs are retrieved and mixed with the man's sperm and immediately placed into the woman's fallopian tubes. ZIFT (Zygote Intra Fallopian Transfer) involves transfer of fertilized egg to the uterus. GIFT and ZIFT involve laparoscopic surgery.