Artificial insemination - Introduction

Artificial insemination is a treatment for infertility, when a couple cannot conceive a baby. It involves directly inserting sperm into a woman s womb.

When is artificial insemination used?

Artificial insemination can help a couple conceive if:

• there is a problem with the man s sperm or he has erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
• there is no obvious reason why the couple cannot conceive (unexplained infertility)
• the woman has ovulation problems or mild endometriosis, when cells usually found in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the reproductive system, such as the fallopian tubes, ovaries or vagina

Women without a male partner, such as women in same-sex partnerships, have also used artificial insemination to become pregnant.

See Artificial insemination - why it is used for more information.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is the technique used for artificial insemination, and it has a good record of success.

Figures from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) in 2006 found that IUI has a success rate of around 15% for each cycle of treatment. However, a number of factors can affect this. See Artificial insemination - results for more information.

In IUI, a man provides a sample of sperm, which is then "washed" and filtered using special techniques. This ensures that only the highest-quality sperm is used for the procedure.

During the procedure, the concentrated sperm is passed directly into the woman s womb through a thin tube called a catheter.

See Artificial insemination - how it is performed for more information.

Sperm donation

If the male partner cannot produce any healthy sperm, frozen sperm from a donor can be used.

Some couples obtain donated sperm from someone they know. However, in most cases, sperm is obtained from an unknown donor.

Donor anonymity

In the past, sperm donors remained anonymous from the parents and the child produced by the donated sperm. However, in 2005, the law regarding donor anonymity changed.

Anyone born from donated sperm after April 1 2005 can apply to HFEA to obtain information about the identity of the donor, once they have reached 18 years of age.

The HFEA is the independent regulator for all fertility clinics in the UK.

Artificial insemination on the NHS

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that up to six cycles of IUI treatment should be offered to couples free of charge on the NHS if:

• the man has mild fertility problems
• the woman has mild endometriosis
• the couple has unexplained fertility problems

A "cycle" refers to one course of IUI treatment.

The availability of fertility treatment on the NHS varies throughout the UK. In some areas, the waiting list for treatment can be very long. The criteria that must be met to be eligible for treatment can also vary.