Chances are, if you are about to go through Artificial Insemination (AI), you have already been through a number of tests and treatments by your doctor to prepare you for this procedure.  If you have not had any testing done by your doctor and he moved straight to AI (also known as Intrauterine Insemination or IUI), then we suggest that you read this article before proceeding.  There are a few tests that should have been done by now to ensure that this procedure could have success.

Because AI involves placing the sperm in the uterine cavity during ovulation, the sperm and egg still have to meet inside in order for conception to take place.  The first test that needs to be done is called a hysterosalpingogram, which is a procedure that shows whether or not a woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked.  If there is a blockage in the tube, then an egg can not get through and AI will not be successful.  Many times a tube can be unblocked through laparoscopic surgery.  After the surgery, if the man’s sperm is healthy and has a good count, then AI might not even have to be used in order to get pregnant.

Testing a woman’s ovulation cycle might rule out the need for Artificial Insemination.  If a woman is not having a regular cycle or is not ovulating all together, they might be able to take medicine such as clomid to regulate ovulation, possibly allowing for conception to happen without doing AI.

Another thing that needs to be done is to have the man’s sperm tested.  If a man has very low to no sperm count or extremely poor mobility and motility, then chances are very slim that AI would work.  At that point you would have to either find out if there is a way to improve the sperm quality or count or consider using a sperm donor.

Before you start an Artificial Insemination cycle, we suggest that you discuss this testing with your Doctor.  If he/she does not think it is necessary, you are encouraged to get a second opinion.  AI is an emotional and financial decision.  Before you make the final decision to do it, you need to be sure that you have the highest possibility of success and have ruled out any factors that could work against you.

This entry was posted on Saturday, March 4th, 2006 at 5:17 am and is filed under Fertility. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.