While sexual intercourse is the method most women use to get pregnant, other options exist. Artificial insemination is a procedure that can help a woman conceive without having sex. Although this method can be costly, it offers an alternative to couples with fertility problems, as well as providing homosexual couples and single women with parenting possibilities.
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist. Discuss your options with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment available for your individual situation. Your fertility clinic may require you to participate in counseling sessions prior to artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.
Step 2
Consume a nutritious diet in preparation for pregnancy. Avoid junk foods, cigarettes and recreational drugs. Eat a balanced diet that contains a variety of nutritious foods, such as lean meats, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Ask your doctor about taking prenatal vitamins to help prepare your body for pregnancy.
Step 3
Keep track of your ovulation cycles by taking your basal body temperature on a daily basis. Your doctor may also direct you to examine your cervical mucus and track the changes on a chart. Take any fertility medications your doctor prescribes to improve your chances of pregnancy.
Step 4
Talk to your doctor about the results of the sperm analysis performed on your husband’s or your partner’s sperm. The health and motility of the sperm will affect your chances of conceiving. You may need to choose an anonymous sperm donor who will supply healthy sperm for fertilization.
Step 5
Schedule the insemination date with your doctor. Your doctor may administer an injection that contains human chorionic gonadotrophin approximately 34 to 38 hours before your artificial insemination appointment. During the insemination procedure, lie on the examination table as you would for a pelvic exam. Relax while your doctor inserts the sperm into your vagina. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor may use a soft catheter to deposit the sperm into your cervical canal or your uterus. Your doctor may insert a small sponge against your cervix to help hold the sperm in place. Relax in your prone position for about 15 to 20 minutes, or as long as your doctor recommends.
Step 6
Return to the fertility clinic for your follow-up visits. Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or nausea. Be prepared to repeat the artificial insemination procedure if the first attempt does not result in pregnancy.
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