The assisted reproduction techniques they become the only alternative for many women to achieve a pregnancy. when they exist problems or impediments to achieve it naturally these complex procedures are an option. We hear about these frequently but would you know what is the difference between artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization?
Sometimes we confuse them. We do not know exactly what these techniques consist of and what are the differences even though they are numerous. That is why in Madres Hoy we have proposed today to clarify these doubts in a simple way. We believe it is important since each of these techniques is indicated for different patients and different fertility problems.
Artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization are the most used treatments, and also the best known. each one of them is indicated for different patients and it is the gynecologist that you should consult to first identify the problem and thus evaluate which is the most appropriate procedure. Let's see in broad strokes what one and the other consist of.
Artificial insemination
artificial insemination deposits the capacitated semen, previously in the laboratory, inside the woman's uterus. To do this, the patient is subjected to mild ovarian stimulation. Once deposited, the spermatozoa swim to the fallopian tubes, where the egg is found, and fertilization takes place naturally.
It is a simpler technique than In Vitro Fertilization but it requires the woman to have the patent tubes and the man a good seminal quality.
In vitro fertilization
In In Vitro Fertilization, the woman is also subjected to controlled ovarian stimulation. However, in this case it is somewhat more aggressive than in the previous one. the end is get the eggs which are then extracted through a surgical intervention known as follicular puncture.
The retrieved eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with the partner's or donor's semen, and then the best quality embryo or embryos are transferred into the woman's uterus for pregnancy to take place.
Differences between both techniques
Are you now clear about what the different techniques consist of? Then we are sure that you have already deduced some of the differences between artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization. Are we wrong? It's time to check it out. These are the most important differences:
- The first is a simplest technique and, for this reason, it is bet on it in the first place whenever the conditions allow it.
- While in Artificial Insemination fertilization is intrauterine, in In Vitro Fertilization, it is carried out in a controlled laboratory and, later, once the embryo is formed, it is transferred to the mother's body. He place where fertilization occurs It is, therefore, another big difference.
- ovarian stimulation It is different in each technique. While in Artificial Insemination the stimulation is minimal, in In Vitro Fertilization it is more aggressive in order to be able to obtain between six and fifteen ovules.
- In AI the risk of multiple pregnancy it is scarce, through IVF instead it is common since more than one fertilized gamete is inserted.
- Only in In Vitro Fertilization is there the possibility of using the donor eggs, since it requires the extraction of ovules for fertilization in the laboratory.
- Another difference between the two reproduction techniques is their economic cost. In Vitro Fertilization, as it requires surgical intervention and laboratory fertilization, is more expensive.
- With In Vitro Fertilization, success is around 60%, Artificial Insemination only increases the chances. chances of pregnancy in an 15%.
Did you know the differences between artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization? Are you now more clear about what each technique consists of? Remember that you can consult your gynecologist if you have any doubts about it and that this will be the one who can advise you if you want to get pregnant but there are problems for it.