Types Of Assisted Reproductive Treatment
Ovulation induction
Ovulation induction may be used by women who are not ovulating or are not ovulating regularly. Ovulation induction involves taking a hormone medication (tablet or injection), which stimulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone. This encourages the development of one or more follicles. When the follicles are large enough, another hormone is administered which releases the egg from the follicle. If the couple has intercourse around this time, the chances of conception are greatly increased.
Artificial Insemination
Artificial insemination (AI) also known as intrauterine insemination (IUI), is used to treat women who have normal and healthy fallopian tubes, but for unknown reasons cannot conceive. This may be due to mechanical difficulties with intercourse – for example a man is not able to achieve an erection or has structural problems of the penis after trauma or surgery. Artificial insemination might also be used when semen has been frozen due to a male partner’s absence or prior to cancer treatment.
The process of AI involves insertion of a male partner’s semen through the female’s cervix and into the uterus at or just before the time of ovulation. AI can be performed during a natural menstrual cycle, or in combination with ovulation induction if the woman has irregular menstrual cycles. Only doctors can perform AI under the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008, although a person is not prevented from performing self insemination. If a pregnancy is not achieved after a few AI attempts, the use of IVF or ICSI may be discussed.
Donor Conception
There are several ways that donor sperm, eggs or embryos can be used in ART treatments. VARTA has a range of resources to assist you.
Donor sperm (donor insemination)
Donor insemination (DI) may be used when: a male partner does not produce sperm, a male partner does not produce normal sperm, or there is a high risk of a man passing on a genetic disease or abnormality to a child.