When a couple has some problems to conceive and starts considering the option to visit a fertility clinic, it is normal being concerned. A couple should ask for assistance to conceive after having one year of unprotected sex without obtaining a pregnancy; starting from age of 35 years old an appointment should be scheduled after six months after various attempts. The first instinct you receive when there is a suspect of a conceiving problem is searching the web to find different options to have a baby. This can be even more confusing for the couple because of the existence of several assisted reproduction techniques which are suited to patients’ needs. In light of this confusion, it is important being aware of the existence of two main treatments: Artificial Insemination (AI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) which include a large range of possibilities. Once you know this information, a new doubt comes to mind: AI or IVF . Which one is the most suitable fertility treatment for me? This decision depends on the specialist in reproductive medicine. Sometimes a couple goes to the clinic and for an economic reason decides to undergo AI treatment but it is possible that the specialist suggests going straight to IVF.
AI or IVF , differences
Artificial Insemination is a simple technique consisting in placing sperm into uterine cavity. The embryo fertilization occurs naturally in the woman’s body.
Nevertheless, in vitro fertilization is based on the previous extraction of woman’s eggs in order to carry out the fertilization in a laboratory and then transferring the embryos.
Indications about Artificial Insemination
Artificial Insemination is recommended when a man has some conceiving problems because of one of the following reasons:
- Alteration in semen quality and/or quantity: for example, an alteration in sperm motility.
- Alteration in the cervix which prevent sperm from getting into the uterus.
- Female infertility: ovarian dysfunction or mild endometriosis.
- Impotence
Indications about In Vitro Fertilization
IVF is indicated in patients affected by disorders such as:
- Endometriosis
- Absence of Fallopian Tubes
- Polycystic ovary (serious disorder in ovulation process)
