What is Insemination?

The IVF process consists of many different stages. One of the most important stages of the IVF process is insemination. In this article prepared by Kalem Bebek, we have addressed the questions of what insemination is and why insemination is performed for pregnancy.

What is Insemination?

The journey to pregnancy doesn’t always go as planned.

Today, with the development of technology and innovative treatment methods, couples with infertility can realize their dreams of starting a family.

So, what is insemination treatment for pregnancy?

What is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?

Insemination or intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the first treatments applied for pregnancy. IUI is a safe procedure that is performed without the need for surgery.

Insemination, simply put, involves placing sperm directly into the uterus.

First, the male partner’s sperm health is measured with semen analysis. Studies show that sperm health is very effective on the success of IUI.

Couples with poor sperm analysis results are generally directed to IVF treatment rather than insemination.

The IUI procedure takes only a few minutes and does not require anesthesia. It is similar to a Pap smear test (cervical screening test). It is a simple and quick procedure that allows sperm to enter the woman’s uterus with the help of a small catheter. The timing of the procedure is determined by the woman’s cycle and when she ovulates.

Why is Insemination Performed for Pregnancy?

Placing sperm into the uterus increases the number of sperm reaching the fallopian tube. The aim is to increase the chances of fertilization. IUI thus provides an advantage to the sperm. However, the sperm must reach the egg and fertilize it on its own.

In Which Situations Should Insemination / IUI Be Preferred?

• Women with unexplained infertility,
• Situations with mild male factor infertility,
• Women with ovulation problems.

Why Are Fertility Medications Used in Insemination (IUI) Treatment?

Your doctor will coordinate your IUI treatment with your normal menstrual cycle and perform the procedure during the ovulation period. Using fertility medications under the guidance of your doctor can increase egg production and improve the chances of pregnancy.

Women with endometriosis or unexplained infertility benefit the most from a combination of fertility medications and insemination.

What is Ovarian Stimulation (Ovulation Treatment)?

During a woman’s natural ovulation process, typically one egg is released each month. Only one egg is released from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes.

During insemination treatment, fertility medications may be used to stimulate the ovaries. This allows multiple eggs to be released, increasing the chances of pregnancy. Your doctor may give you fertility medications at the beginning of your menstrual cycle.

What is Ovulation Time?

If you start fertility treatment, you will track your ovulation cycle with your doctor.

Your doctor will confirm ovulation with ultrasound as it approaches. The IUI procedure typically happens one or two days after ovulation. Your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan for the timing of your IUI procedure.

What is Semen Preparation / Semen Analysis?

When ovulation occurs, a sperm sample is taken from the male partner. The sample is then prepared in our laboratory for insemination.

Then, the sperm sample is “washed” in the laboratory to select the more motile sperm, concentrate the sperm, and remove any unnecessary components.

How is Insemination (IUI) Performed?

The insemination procedure is a simple process. It is performed when ovulation occurs and the semen sample is ready. The procedure takes about twenty minutes. After the procedure, you can continue with your day.

Pregnancy Test

Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment two weeks after the insemination procedure and conduct a blood test. Blood tests are more sensitive than home pregnancy tests and help detect pregnancy at an earlier stage.

In this article, we have discussed what insemination is. Click here to visit our blog page for more information on IVF and IVF processes.