Artificial impregnation

Artificial Impregnation is a medical procedure that involves the deliberate introduction of sperm into a female's uterus or cervix for the purpose of achieving pregnancy by means other than sexual intercourse. The main types of artificial impregnation are artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Overview

Artificial impregnation is a method of treating infertility. It may be used when a woman's partner is infertile or when a woman chooses to have a child without a partner. The procedure can be performed using sperm from a known donor, or anonymous donor sperm can be obtained from a sperm bank.

Types

Artificial Insemination

Artificial insemination is a technique that can help treat certain kinds of infertility in both men and women. In this procedure, sperm are inserted directly into a woman's cervix, fallopian tubes, or uterus. This makes the trip shorter for the sperm and bypasses any possible obstructions. Ideally, it makes pregnancy possible where it wasn't before.

In Vitro Fertilization

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. Mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus.

Risks and Complications

Artificial impregnation procedures carry some risks, including an increased chance of multiple pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women undergoing IVF. There is also a small risk of infection after artificial insemination.

Legal and Ethical Issues

The use of artificial impregnation has raised a number of legal and ethical issues, including the rights of donors, the status of embryos, and the rights of children born as a result of artificial impregnation.

See Also

• Assisted reproductive technology
• Sperm donation
• Surrogacy