Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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Who can use it? of Artificial insemination
Intra-cervical insemination is used for couples who have a physical problem with sperm reaching the correct place.
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often used if the female partner has cervical mucus that rejects sperm. It may also be used in cases of unexplained infertility and to overcome some male fertility problems. It is uncommon for pregnancy rates to improve unless fertility drugs are used before IUI. The male partner is also required to have a semen assessment prior to treatment to determine whether the sperm are suitable for the IUI technique.
Sperm analysis looks at the sperm count, whether the sperm are formed normally and able to move freely, sperm survival over a period of time and the presence of anti-sperm antibodies. For IUI to be successful, there needs to be at least 5 million healthy sperm.
Insemination with sperm from a donor may be used if the male partner has no sperm, very poor sperm, or risks passing on an inherited disease. Men who donate sperm must be screened for hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV. Checks for HIV require the sperm to be frozen and quarantined for at least six months.
Many clinics try to match the characteristics of men who donate sperm with the couple receiving treatment. Physical characteristics such as hair and eye colour, build and height may be matched with the male partner. However, this is reliant upon a large bank of sperm donations.
Some NHS hospitals offer artificial insemination treatment, but availability is limited and there are often waiting lists. You should discuss what treatment is available with your GP, as it will depend on what your fertility problem is and whether artificial insemination is likely to be suitable and successful.
