Artificial insemination is here as a solution for couples who dream of having children but are hampered by infertility. In this procedure, sperm is injected directly into the woman's uterus, increasing the chances of fertilization and pregnancy.

The process is easy and comfortable, it can be done painlessly in your doctor’s office. Interested in trying it? Let's learn more about artificial insemination.

What is Artificial Insemination?

Difficulty getting pregnant is something that many couples can face. For those who long for a baby, artificial insemination comes as a solution. In contrast to the natural process where sperm have to fight to reach the egg cell in the fallopian tube, artificial insemination helps "pick up" sperm and deliver them directly to their "destination".

Artificial insemination is a medical procedure that inserts sperm cells into a woman's uterus through a thin catheter during ovulation. This process increases the chances of pregnancy for couples experiencing infertility, both due to male and female factors. Compared to natural methods, artificial insemination provides a greater chance of fertilization. 

Artificial Insemination Procedure

Artificial Insemination (IUI) is an alternative method to help married couples who are having difficulty getting pregnant. The IUI process is generally carried out in several stages, namely preparation, implementation of the procedure, and post-procedure care.

1. Preparation

Before starting IUI, you and your partner will undergo a series of health checks. This examination includes x-rays, blood tests, sperm analysis, transvaginal ultrasound, and HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography). The goal is to ensure that you and your partner's health conditions are optimal for IUI, as well as to assess the chances of successful fertilization.

Doctors will not recommend IUI if abnormalities are found in the female reproductive organs, such as severe endometriosis or blockage of the fallopian tubes due to pelvic inflammation.

If all examination results are normal, the doctor will continue with sperm sample preparation. The best sperm will be selected to increase the chances of fertilization.

The doctor will also monitor your fertile period (ovulation) to determine the best time to carry out IUI. You can choose to wait for ovulation naturally or use medication to speed up ovulation. Generally, IUI is performed 1-2 days after ovulation.

2. Implementation Procedure

Artificial insemination (IUI) generally only takes about 10 minutes. Following are the steps taken by the doctor:

1. The patient lies in bed.
2. The doctor uses a speculum to open the vagina and look at the cervix.
3. A sperm-filled catheter is inserted through the vagina and into the uterus.
4. Sperm is sprayed near the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs.
5. The patient is asked to lie down for a few minutes.
6. The doctor removed the catheter and speculum. 

3. Treatment Post Procedure

After undergoing the IUI procedure, patients can return home and resume daily activities as usual. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as progesterone, to help increase your chances of pregnancy post-procedure. In some cases, female patients may experience spots or blood spots from the vagina for 1-2 days after the procedure.

Two weeks after IUI, patients are advised to do a pregnancy test. If pregnancy has not occurred, the doctor may recommend artificial insemination again.

For couples who are trying artificial insemination for the first time and it hasn't produced results, don't be discouraged. Just repeat the procedure several times before moving on to another fertility therapy. It should be remembered that artificial insemination has varying chances of success, depending on several factors such as the woman's age, the partner's reproductive health condition, and sperm quality. Consult a gynecologist to get the right information and guidance regarding artificial insemination and other fertility therapy options.

References:

https://www.alodokter.com/inseminasi-buatan-ini-yang-harus-anda-ketahui 

https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/apa-itu-inseminasi-buatan

https://www.halodoc.com/kesehatan/inseminasi-buatan

https://bocahindonesia.com/proses-inseminasi-buatan/