Insemination usually describes an artificial method of mixing sperm with an egg for fertilization. Insemination can be done in several ways, and is usually done with the assistance of a fertility center. Insemination is always done around the time of ovulation, which is when the egg is released from the ovary. Eggs live only 12 to 24 hours and sperm live for up to 3 to 5 days, the American Pregnancy Association (APA) reports, so timing is crucial.
Home Insemination
It's possible to self inseminate at home. A freshly ejaculated semen sample or a thawed sample from a sperm bank is placed in the vagina with the help of a syringe or a cervical cap, which hold the sperm near the cervix. Ejaculated sperm is collected in a clean cup and drawn up into a syringe (without a needle). The syringe is gently placed into the vagina, as near to the mouth of the cervix as possible. It's impossible for the syringe to get lost in the vagina, so don't worry about inserting it too deeply, assures the Malpani Clinic.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the injection of sperm directly into the uterus. Prior to injection, the sperm is washed and concentrated in the laboratory, enhancing its degree of potency, and eliminating prostaglandins, which are contained in unwashed semen and can cause cramping in the uterus, according to the Malpani Clinic. IUI is sometimes done in conjunction with fertility medications that increase the chance of developing a good egg, or more than one egg, which boosts the chance of pregnancy.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) involves removing mature eggs from follicles in the ovary and placing them with sperm overnight in a dish in the fertility laboratory. The next day, the eggs are checked for fertilization. If cell division continues, the growing embryo is placed back into the uterus after several days, the APA states.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Insemination (ICSI)
ICSI is used in conjunction with IVF when the man has a very low sperm count, or poor sperm motility. A single sperm is injected directly into an egg. Despite the fact that each egg is inseminated with one sperm, fertilization doesn't always occur because not all eggs or sperm are normal and able to fertilize. Healthcommunities Urology Channel states that fertilization occurs between 50 to 80 percent of the time.
