Artificial Insemination

Dealing with infertility can be incredibly traumatic for couples who want to start a family. At a fertility clinic, you can learn more about the cause of your infertility problems and look for a potential cure. One possible treatment option is artificial insemination. If this is the right treatment for your needs, your doctor will talk to you more about the artificial insemination process.

What is the Artificial Insemination Process?

At Advanced Reproductive Center, our artificial insemination process in Chicago begins with the male partner. At the clinic, staff members obtain and prepare the semen sample. Later, the doctor will implant this semen into the uterus.

While the semen is often from the woman’s partner, this is not always the case. If the male partner cannot provide sperm, the woman may want to use a sperm donation instead. Sperm donations are also a popular choice for LGBTQ fertility options.

If the artificial insemination process involves a donor, the procedure starts with the donor providing a sample and giving it to a sperm bank. Then, the sperm bank tests the sample for transmittable diseases. Afterward, the bank freezes the sperm. A chemical called cryoprotectant helps to keep the sperm safe while it is in cold storage.

There are several methods for using the sperm to fertilize the egg. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the most common option. This form of the artificial insemination process involves using a catheter to implant the sperm directly into the uterus. The doctor uses a speculum to keep the vagina walls open. Then, the catheter goes through the cervix to enter the uterus. Afterward, the doctor uses the catheter to push the sperm into the uterus.

Intrauterine insemination normally happens around the time of ovulation. When the ovaries have just produced eggs, the woman is at her peak level of fertility. To make sure that the woman is at her most fertile point, the doctor may monitor her egg development using both blood work and ultrasounds.

Why Do People Use Artificial Insemination?

There are many different causes of infertility, and artificial insemination will only treat some of them. This technique may help if the woman’s cervix does not produce enough mucus for sperm to travel into the uterus. This treatment can work for women who have endometriosis. It also helps couples who suffer from sperm motility issues.

With the help of the artificial insemination process in Chicago, couples can finally fulfill their dreams of starting a family. If a woman cannot conceive within one year of trying, she may need medical treatment to conceive. Conception is especially difficult for women who are prone to having irregular periods.

Conceiving a Child Is Possible

The artificial insemination process is quite successful at helping couples have a healthy pregnancy. Once the IUI treatment is complete, the woman should wait two weeks before she takes a home pregnancy test. This waiting period is essential because pregnancy hormones will not show up on a test until that point.

If IUI and the artificial insemination process do not work, other fertility services may be able to help. At Advanced Reproductive Center, you can find treatment options such as:

You do not have to lose hope. Through the supportive team at Advanced Reproductive Center, you can learn about the best fertility treatments for your needs. Contact or call us today at 312.485.4847 to find out more.