What Is Artificial Insemination And Who Is A Candidate?
Artificial insemination is defined as the placement of semen into the female reproductive tract by means other than intercourse. When a couple opts to have artificial insemination, they may be doing so for a number of reasons. There are several male infertility issues that warrant the use of this common procedure, as well as a few female infertility issues.
When a man has an abnormality in his reproductive system it can trap the sperm inside the body. These men, and their partners, are prime candidates for artificial insemination. Men with impotence or severe hypospadias, or who have a semen abnormality such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility, are also prime candidates. Although, it is often thought that artificial insemination is only beneficial for male factor infertility, it can be extremely beneficial for female factor infertility as well.
Some common female factor infertility issues where artificial insemination would be useful for woman who have a condition where their cervical mucus destroys or paralyzes the sperm before it has a chance to make it inside the uterus. Remember, artificial insemination would place the sperm inside of the reproductive tract bypassing this mucus, thus preventing the death of the sperm. Also, abnormalities in the female reproductive system that prevent the entry of sperm would likewise benefit from artificial insemination.
Although artificial insemination is the answer for many infertile couples, there are a few qualifications the man and woman must meet to be candidates for this procedure. The man must be able to produce live and healthy sperm, and the woman must have a regular monthly cycle where ovulation occurs. If you have tried for a year or more to conceive and have been unsuccessful and you meet the two requirements listed above, contact your doctor and set up an appointment to sit down and talk it over.
