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Treatments
Artificial Insemination
Professionals with more than 30 years of experience will accompany you during the process
Free first visit
Treatments
Artificial Insemination
Professionals with more than 30 years of experience will accompany you during the process
Free first visit
Artificial Insemination
What is artificial insemination?
Artificial insemination (AI) is the simplest of the assisted reproduction techniques, consisting of depositing spermatozoa in the female reproductive organs, using appropriate instruments.
This is a painless procedure and much less invasive than other reproductive techniques such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Depending on the origin of the sperm sample used, we can distinguish two types: Conjugal Artificial Insemination (CAI) with partner sperm, and Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID) with sperm from a bank.
- Conjugal Artificial Insemination (CAI) with partner sperm – in other words, using a sperm sample from the partner. The probability of pregnancy in this case is around 15-25%.The patient must be able to ovulate spontaneously or thanks to treatment, and have at least one viable Fallopian tube. In the case of CAI, the method most often used is intrauterine insemination, which is often combined with medication to stimulate the development of the patient’s ovarian follicles.
- Artificial insemination by donor (AID) with sperm from a sperm bank. This is an assisted reproduction technique used mainly in cases of infertility in which the patient has at least one viable fallopian tube, and the male has a severe condition affecting sperm production, making it necessary to use spermatozoa from a sperm bank. It can also be used in the case of women without a male partner who want to have a baby. The success rate is 20-30%.
Artificial Insemination
What is artificial insemination?
Artificial insemination (AI) is the simplest of the assisted reproduction techniques, consisting of depositing spermatozoa in the female reproductive organs, using appropriate instruments.
This is a painless procedure and much less invasive than other reproductive techniques such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Depending on the origin of the sperm sample used, we can distinguish two types: Conjugal Artificial Insemination (CAI) with partner sperm, and Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID) with sperm from a bank.
- Conjugal Artificial Insemination (CAI) with partner sperm – in other words, using a sperm sample from the partner. The probability of pregnancy in this case is around 15-25%.The patient must be able to ovulate spontaneously or thanks to treatment, and have at least one viable Fallopian tube. In the case of CAI, the method most often used is intrauterine insemination, which is often combined with medication to stimulate the development of the patient’s ovarian follicles.
- Artificial insemination by donor (AID) with sperm from a sperm bank. This is an assisted reproduction technique used mainly in cases of infertility in which the patient has at least one viable fallopian tube, and the male has a severe condition affecting sperm production, making it necessary to use spermatozoa from a sperm bank. It can also be used in the case of women without a male partner who want to have a baby. The success rate is 20-30%.
Artificial Insemination
When is it indicated?
Consult our specialists
Artificial insemination is applied in various situations to achieve conception. When it is possible to conceive through either in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or through artificial insemination, the treatment chosen should be the least invasive – in other words, artificial insemination.
As we will see later, the fertility problems that can be solved with artificial insemination differ according to the AI type used.
The following fertility problems can be resolved using conjugal artificial insemination:
- Female infertility due to cervical causes.
- Mild or moderate endometriosis.
- Problems affecting the ovulation cycle: in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anovulation, or problems in the follicular phase.
- Problems preventing sperm being deposited in the vagina: delayed ejaculation, vaginismus, premature ejaculation, impotence.
- Mild male factor infertility: problems in the semen parameters, although these must not be very severe, as a minimum amount of spermatozoa is required for AI to have a chance of success.
- Unexplained infertility: when preliminary analysis does not show a definite cause, beginning AI is recommended. Although no pathologies have been detected, this does not mean none exists, simply that it was not possible to diagnose them with the tests done so far.
- Immunological infertility: incompatibility between the female reproductive organs and the sperm. This is usually due to antibodies being produced by the woman, which destroy the spermatozoa. This cause is not common, and we still do not know exactly how it works.
Indications for artificial insemination by donor
Although first attempts at artificial insemination will usually use semen from the future father, sometimes this is not possible and we have to use donor sperm. AID may be performed in the following situations:
No male partner: in single women and lesbian couples.
Genetic diseases in the man, where transmission to the
child cannot be avoided using preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGG).
Severe male factor infertility: if, after several ICSI cycles, conception has not taken place and the woman’s characteristics are suitable for this technique.
STDs carried by the man: if, after several washings, absence of virus in the semen cannot be guaranteed – in other words, there is a risk of infecting the partner.
Artificial Insemination
When is it indicated?
Artificial insemination is applied in various situations to achieve conception. When it is possible to conceive through either in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or through artificial insemination, the treatment chosen should be the least invasive – in other words, artificial insemination.
As we will see later, the fertility problems that can be solved with artificial insemination differ according to the AI type used.
The following fertility problems can be resolved using conjugal artificial insemination:
- Female infertility due to cervical causes.
- Mild or moderate endometriosis.
- Problems affecting the ovulation cycle: in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anovulation, or problems in the follicular phase.
- Problems preventing sperm being deposited in the vagina: delayed ejaculation, vaginismus, premature ejaculation, impotence.
- Mild male factor infertility: problems in the semen parameters, although these must not be very severe, as a minimum amount of spermatozoa is required for AI to have a chance of success.
- Unexplained infertility: when preliminary analysis does not show a definite cause, beginning AI is recommended. Although no pathologies have been detected, this does not mean none exists, simply that it was not possible to diagnose them with the tests done so far.
- Immunological infertility: incompatibility between the female reproductive organs and the sperm. This is usually due to antibodies being produced by the woman, which destroy the spermatozoa. This cause is not common, and we still do not know exactly how it works.
Indications for artificial insemination by donor
Although first attempts at artificial insemination will usually use semen from the future father, sometimes this is not possible and we have to use donor sperm. AID may be performed in the following situations:
No male partner: in single women and lesbian couples.
Genetic diseases in the man, where transmission to the child cannot be avoided using preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGG).
Severe male factor infertility: if, after several ICSI cycles, conception has not taken place and the woman’s characteristics are suitable for this technique.
STDs carried by the man: if, after several washings, absence of virus in the semen cannot be guaranteed – in other words, there is a risk of infecting the partner.
Artificial Insemination
The Artificial Insemination process
Consult our specialists
Before starting CAI or AID treatment, a personalised individual study of the couple is necessary. The basic tests performed during this consultation are:
- Ultrasound scan to confirm that the uterus and ovaries are in suitable condition to begin treatment.
- Hysterosalpingography to assess the permeability of the fallopian tubes.
- Ovarian reserve testing. This analyses the anti-Mullerian hormone, estradiol and FSH, plus an ultrasound antral follicle count.
- Testing for infectious diseases.
- Seminogram of the partner (not needed if using a sperm donor)
However, our specialist medical team will decide if more tests are necessary in each case.
Starting Treatment
Once we have the results of all the tests, treatment can begin.
The first stage consists of ovarian stimulation. This is done by administering gonadotropins, beginning in the first three days of menstruation.
This medication provides a controlled stimulation of the ovaries. About 5 days after stimulation begins, another medication is added with GnRH antagonists, which controls the ovarian stimulation and enables a better response to the gonadotropins, as well as avoiding an LH spike to stop ovulation.
This medication must be taken daily.
Approximately every 48 hours, ultrasound scans will be performed to monitor the follicles, and the gynaecologist will decide when the artificial insemination should take place.
At this moment the patient must stop taking all the medication and be given an injection to induce ovulation. Ovulation can be induced by an hCG hormone agonist.
Artificial Insemination
Insemination will take place 36 hours after this medication is given. A small semen sample will be deposited in the uterus using a cannula. Anaesthetic is not required and the procedure can be done in the doctor’s office.
Pregnancy Test
La prueba de embarazo se realiza entre 10-14 días post transferencia.
Consult our specialists
Before starting CAI or AID treatment, a personalised individual study of the couple is necessary. The basic tests performed during this consultation are:
- Ultrasound scan to confirm that the uterus and ovaries are in suitable condition to begin treatment.
- Hysterosalpingography to assess the permeability of the fallopian tubes.
- Ovarian reserve testing. This analyses the
anti-Mullerian hormone, estradiol and FSH, plus an ultrasound antral follicle count.
- Testing for infectious diseases.
- Seminogram of the partner (not needed if using a sperm donor)
However, our specialist medical team will decide if more tests are necessary in each case.
Starting Treatment
Once we have the results of all the tests, treatment can begin.
The first stage consists of ovarian stimulation. This is done by administering gonadotropins, beginning in the first three days of menstruation.
This medication provides a controlled stimulation of the ovaries. About 5 days after stimulation begins, another medication is added with GnRH antagonists, which controls the ovarian stimulation and enables a better response to the gonadotropins, as well as avoiding an LH spike to stop ovulation.
This medication must be taken daily.
Approximately every 48 hours, ultrasound scans will be performed to monitor the follicles, and the gynaecologist will decide when the artificial insemination should take place.
At this moment the patient must stop taking all the medication and be given an injection to induce ovulation. Ovulation can be induced by an hCG hormone agonist.
Artificial Insemination
Insemination will take place 36 hours after this medication is given. A small semen sample
will be deposited in the uterus using a cannula. Anaesthetic is not required and the procedure can be done in the doctor’s office.
Pregnancy Test
The pregnancy test will be carried out 10 to 14 days after transfer.
In Vitro Fertilisation
Risks of the procedure
According to the Spanish Fertility Society:
Artificial insemination with partner semen (IAC): In general, the average probability of conception in each cycle is 10-15%. If pregnancy is not achieved, the process is usually repeated up to five times in a row. A large majority of our patients conceive in the first three treatment cycles.
Artificial insemination with donor sperm (AID): If the woman has no health problems, the likelihood of conception after a suitable number of treatment cycles (around 6) can be as high as 80%. If, as well as the male fertility problems leading to the use of AID, there are female infertility factors or a poor prognosis for conception, the probability is reduced, as with patients who are not in an AID treatment.
Possibility to adapt payments to your needs
Representative example for a loan of €800 over a period of 12 months. Cash price €800 TIN 0%, APR 0%. 12 installments of €66.66. Total amount financed: €800. Total price in installments and total amount owed: €800. Financing offered by Sabadell Consumer Finance and subject to your approval.
Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination success rate
According to the Spanish Fertility Society:
Artificial insemination with partner semen (IAC): In general, the average probability of conception in each cycle is 10-15%. If pregnancy is not achieved, the process is usually repeated up to five times in a row. A large majority of our patients conceive in the first three treatment cycles.
Artificial insemination with donor sperm (AID): If the woman has no health problems, the likelihood of conception after a suitable number of treatment cycles (around 6) can be as high as 80%. If, as well as the male fertility problems leading to the use of AID, there are female infertility factors or a poor prognosis for conception, the probability is reduced, as with patients who are not in an AID treatment.
From
800€
Up to 12 monthly installments of €66
0%
of
interest
Possibility to adapt payments to your needs
Representative example for a loan of €800 over a period of 12 months. Cash price €800 TIN 0%, APR 0%. 12 installments of €66.66. Total amount financed: €800. Total price in installments and total amount owed: €800. Financing offered by Sabadell Consumer Finance and subject to your approval.
Testimonials
Patients’
stories
Read our patients’ testimonials about this method.
Testimonials
Patients’ stories
Read our patients’ testimonials about this method.
- How are donors selected?
The characteristics of each patient are studied exhaustively for computerised matching with our sperm banks. - Are there contraindications?
The probability of miscarriage after AID conception is the same as for the general population. If there is a miscarriage after a successful AID, another treatment period can begin until another conception takes place, or until reaching the maximum recommended number of cycles (not including the cycles before the pregnancy).
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Dr. Guillermo Gauthier
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Barcelona
Carrer de Torras i Pujalt 11-29 .
Planta 3, Despacho 5
Bilbao
Colón de Larreátegui
Kalea, 47
Sabadell
Carrer Església
7, 1 piso