Artificial insemination with partner sperm
Artificial Insemination is an easy procedure, which is done in the examination room of the doctor; it
feels like a PAP smear. It is a non-invasive and non-expensive procedure with a good success rate. The
partner brings in a sperm sample in the morning. The laboratory needs 2 hours to improve the sperm
sample. The procedure itself is usually done in the late morning. A tiny flexible plastic tube is
inserted into the uterine cavity.
The natural cycle of the woman can be followed with ultrasound and blood tests to check when ovulation
occurs or stimulation can be given to grow eggs.
Artificial Insemination with Donor sperm (AID)
Artificial Insemination with Donor sperm is traditionally done for male infertility. However, since the
invention of ICSI many men with low sperm counts can have their own biological child. Therefore it is
usually reserved for men with no sperm cell production at all. Lesbian couples and single women may
also request artificial insemination using donor sperm.
The sperm donor is selected prior to starting the treatment cycle. Information on the donors age,
physical characteristics, occupation, medical / family history, hobbies and personality can be used
to help choose an appropriate donor.
All donors complete a questionnaire to ensure they have no history of genetic disease or illness that
may influence future offspring. In addition they must have a good semen analysis so that the sperm
function will still be good after freezing and thawing prior to insemination. The donors all have the
following blood tests performed – HIV, RPR (for syphilis), CMV and Hepatitis B and C serology. The
sperm is cryopreserved (frozen) for 3 months and then the HIV test is repeated. The sperm can only be
used after 3 months to ensure the donor is not in the window period of HIV infection.
Sperm donation in South Africa is anonymous and therefore the identity of the donor is legally
protected. In the United Kingdom children born following sperm donation may be entitled to find out
the identity of the donor, this is not the case in South Africa.
Fertility Drugs for Artificial Insemination (partner or donor sperm)
Fertility drugs are started on the third day of the period and medications are given to stimulate eggs
to grow. These medications may include tablets containing clomiphene citrate e.g. Clomid, Fertomid,
Clomihexal or fertility injections containing FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) eg Gonal-F, Menopur.
These are all used to stimulate the growth of eggs (oocytes). The follicles containing eggs can be seen
on ultrasound scan. Monitoring of the treatment cycles using blood tests and ultrasound scans
usually starts on day 10 – 11 of the cycle.
Ovulation may be triggered by using an injection called HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) e.g.
Ovidrel, Pregnyl. This is used 36-38 hours prior to artificial insemination.
The procedure of artificial insemination is performed in the doctor’s rooms. This procedure is similar
to a routine gynaecological examination for a PAP smear. A speculum is inserted to visualize the
cervix and a tiny flexible plastic tube is inserted into the uterine cavity in order to insert the
prepared semen sample.
A pregnancy test can be performed 14 days after the procedure to check whether it has been successful.
Cape Cryo Bank:
www.capecryobank.co.za
