Monday, April 30, 2018

Solving Fertility Problems With Intrauterine Fertilization

By Deborah Carter


From the earliest days of human existence, people have been concerned about their ability to reproduce. This is what has led to the prominence of fertility-related rituals and other cultural elements in cultures around the world. Sadly though, the struggle against infertility is just as old as the cultural references to fertility. Today, thanks to advances in science and technology there is hope. For many couples around the world, alternative methods such as intrauterine fertilization are making a world of difference to their lives.

This method is one of the many modern assisted reproductive techniques or ARTs that eliminate the traditional conception methods are offered to couples who struggle to conceive. It resolves the problems that contribute to infertility because it eliminates the need for the traditional method of conception, sexual intercourse.

Also known as IUI, the procedure involves the insertion of retrieved and sometimes treated sperm into the uterine cavity. This makes it easier for fertilization of the egg to take place. Naturally, therefore, the procedure is typically done within the same time frame as ovulation.

The ideal candidates for intrauterine are couples who have sperm motility or count issues. The process eliminates the need for the sperm to take the arduous journey to get to the egg. In fact, through this method, the journey is significantly shortened. This increases the likelihood that more of the sperm will actually get to the egg to fertilize it. In some cases, ovulation-inducing drugs are used to ensure that the woman produces strong healthy eggs. This increases the chance of success.

Fertility doctors will generally proceed to IUI only after the woman has undergone fertility evaluation to examine the quality of her eggs as well as the condition of her ovaries and fallopian tubes. Through an HSG, the doctor can determine whether the fallopian tubes are blocked or clear for example. This is important because an IUI that is performed on a woman whose tubes are blocked will inevitably fail. Women with blocked fallopian tubes are often referred for IVF treatment which bypasses the tubes altogether.

Single people often also use this method to produce offspring. Women who wish to become mothers and do not have a partner, same-sex couples or single men often use this route. Donor sperm is used by females who wish to get pregnant but do not currently have a partner. If the same-sex couple is masculine then the service of a surrogate is often enlisted to assist.

One thing that anyone considering this method of conception must prepare for, is the possibility of conceiving multiples. The same is true for other methods in the ART category. When compared to IVF though, IUI has a smaller possibility for multiples. Fertility doctors often do some amount of counseling in preparing their clients for such an outcome.

The modern age has seen numerous changes in the human experience. Fertility is no exception to this as alternative roads to conception such as IUIs are making a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world. Infertility is just one of the ancient problems for humanity that has met its match through modern science and technology.




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