THE DONOR SPERM INSEMINATION PROCESS

There are times when a couple can’t get pregnant by themselves. They can, and often do, go to a fertility doctor for help. Denver fertility specialists are trained to assist couples who experience difficulties with conception. It’s a long arduous process that can take a very long time to complete, however. Sometimes, Sperm Donor Clinicdonor sperm is needed to help a woman get pregnant via artificial insemination.

The Donor Sperm Insemination Process

Artificial insemination is another name for donor sperm insemination (DSI). Before this procedure, the Colorado fertility doctor will ensure that the woman is ovulating by taking a few tests. A semen sample will be collected by either the male or donor and washed. The washing gives the greatest chance of fertilization. The best sperm will be collected out of this fluid and placed in a catheter.

Through the vagina, the sperm is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The process should be short and relatively painless. She will likely be asked to lie down for at least 15 minutes, but up to 45 minutes. It has been described as similar to getting a pap smear.

Afterwards, the woman should be able to resume her usual routine throughout the day, but avoid strenuous activities. In some cases, she will need to be placed on fertility medication to increase the likelihood of pregnancy by causing superovulation, which releases several eggs at the same time.

Success Rate of Artificial Insemination

The success rate of donor sperm insemination is different for everyone. However, there are some things that may reduce your chances. Such as:

• The older you are, the more at risk the pregnancy.
• If the woman has poor egg quality.
• If the man has poor sperm quality.
• If the woman has severe endometriosis, this may lower their ability to conceive.
• If there is a blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes.
• If there is a severe health problem or illness.

Artificial insemination procedures are done in several different types of situations. They may be done if there is no explanation for the infertility, a man’s sperm is absent, or if there is a problem with the woman’s cervix. Also, if the woman does not have a male partner, she can opt for artificial insemination.

Normal intercourse and DSI or AI produced similar results and success rates. Superovulation provides a greater chance with AI to produce conception. If the reason for infertility lies with the male, this procedure doubles the rate of conception. Superovulation only slightly increased the chance of pregnancy in this case.

Risks associated with Donor Sperm Insemination

There are some risks involved with the DSI procedure, so the patient should always be highly informed. One risk is that the woman may conceive more than one child, which is difficult for both baby and mother. With AI, there is a risk of infection, and some women may experience severe cramping with insemination. There is a risk of puncturing the uterus during the procedure.

With fertilization drugs and insemination, there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OSH). Sometimes there are higher birth defects with certain procedures.

Final Thoughts

A fertility doctor should always be consulted before deciding something on your own. A donor’s sperm is frozen for at least six months, so the donor can be tested twice to check for infectious diseases, such as HIV and other illnesses. Fresh sperm are always more effective than frozen sperm. Be sure that the donor you choose is the one you want.

If you go to a Denver fertility specialist, there are several things that should be done. A list of prior concerns or reproductive problems should be written down. Any concerns the woman has about this process should be written down so all fears or hopes can be addressed and verified. If there has been a history of diabetes, cancer, STDs or other serious illness, it should always be discussed with the doctor, so it can be addressed as well. If there are genetic conditions that could be a factor, this also must be considered.