There are a number of reasons human artificial insemination is beneficial for those who choose it as their method of conception. Though many may view it as a last resort for having a family, quite the opposite is true. With the number of fertility of procedures available for those who desire a family, artificial insemination may just be the option that best meets their needs.
Parenthood
Artificial insemination is not only beneficial for infertile couples, but it has also become an increasingly popular method for single women who wish to have a baby even though they wish to remain single. It is also a good option for single men in search of a surrogate, and offers gay and lesbian couples the opportunity to have a child without adopting.
Cost
Cost is a major factor when it comes to any fertility procedure. Artificial insemination is much more affordable than other procedures, and in some instances, insurance will cover some or all of the cost. The average cost of artificial insemination is $953, while the average cost of one cycle of in vitro fertilization for those without insurance is $7071.
Choice of Anonymity
If a woman prefers not to know her child's father personally, she has the option of using a sperm bank and enjoying complete anonymity. In most cases, the men donate anonymously and are required to sign away their parental rights to the child that may be conceived from their donation. Before purchasing the sperm, women are given basic genetic information about the donor, such as hair and eye color, height and weight, and in some cases, religion. If they like the information, they can purchase the sperm and proceed with the insemination process, secure with the knowledge it has been tested for virility and that it is healthy.
Choice of Knowledge
Some women choose to know their donor, and sometimes opt to use a close friend. In some instances, they interview men who may be interested in helping them. This gives them the opportunity to get to know the donor on a more personal level and gain a greater knowledge about them as a person, as well as family history. During their interview, the woman may request a detailed medical history, request to see medical records, and ask the man to be tested for any genetic abnormalities that may affect the baby. This method also saves them money--rather than having to purchase their sperm, they only need to pay for the cost of the insemination.
Successful Methods
There are two methods used for artificial insemination, both of which have high success rates. The first is intracervical insemination, a method in which the sperm are inserted into the cervix and then travel to the uterus, just as they would during natural intercourse. The second is called intrauterine insemination, a method in which the sperm are inserted directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix completely. Because the sperm do not have to travel to find the egg, the odds of fertilization taking place are increased when this method is used. Regardless of what method is chosen, both are less invasive procedures than in vitro fertilization.
Tags: artificial insemination, average cost, insemination method, insemination method which, method which