Is artifical insemination more effective than sexual intercourse?
If a woman has failed to conceive by sexual intercourse with her partner because of his low sperm count or motility, will artifical insemination with the same man's sperm improve her chances?
I believe it weakens our species as a whole. Low sperm count or motility tends to be genetically self-correcting, as those genes aren't passed on. Now they will be, a male child of such a union may well have the same problem.
It could work. But the problem isn't always with the low sperm count. It may be because they're trying too hard, and having sex too often. It's best to do it (have sex) once every 2-3 days. Let it build up.
There are many things that can lead to low sperm count. Something as basic as stress can reduce the count. I had a friend who went to a fertility specialist and was even told he couldn't have beer while TTC. Rather than going with any kind of medically-assisted way, I'd suggest trying to identify why he has low count to begin with. You could discover there's nothing- in fact, sperm counts are reducing in men across the board- it's an epidemic. Boys born today have sperm counts that are half that of their grandfathers/ great-grandfathers. Some are pointing the finger at artificial estrogen and such that are in the environment and plastics. On the other hand, he could have an actual medical problem that needs treatment. That's why a medical exam is important.
Something like artificial insemination is usually used when the father and mother are not in a romantic relationship. i.e. A donor is being "used." Doctors typically only recommend it when the couple is together if the sperm isn't as active as it should be or if the father has impotence. So, it could be a solution if motility is the problem, but that's because the sperm is deposited up by the cervix, so it doesn't have to travel as far. You could just lay on a pillow with your pelvis angled and let gravity help with much the same results. (The last part is my opinion. Anyone who can debunk my theory is welcomed to it.)
If the problem is the count, they tend to look at IVF- in vitro fertilization. That's where the egg is fertilized outside the body and given a chance to develop. Those that appear viable are then transferred to the mother with the hope that they'll implant. IVF may be an option if motility is a problem too.
Anyway, like I said, motility and count are usually treated differently. A fertility specialist would be able to tell which, if any problem, is evident. A specialist will also likely give you a list of non-medical things to try first, such as making lifestyle changes, to see if that impacts the health of the sperm. If that doesn't work, then they start looking at things like IVF and insemination.
Thank you so much for a lovely answer, JA. Actually the question wasn't for me. I'm already 45 with no intention of experiencing first motherhood, but for a younger colleague of 31, married eight years and childless. Her husband has the sperm problem, but is against any form of artificial fertilisation. He considers it as a slur on his "manhood". We want her to peruade him that nobody needs to know. I shall certainly share your answer with her, as I'm sure it will help.
Ah. I totally understand. I'm sure there is a ton of literature out there about the declining sperm counts in general. That might make him feel better about it. He may also feel better knowing that silly things like stress or even wearing tight underwear can reduce count. None of those have anything to do with "manliness." Your friend can also try conception-friendly positions. I won't elaborate here in the main section too much, but anything that lets gravity take care of some of the work (helping the sperm reach the egg) will help- during and after.
It certainly is in animal husbandry. For humans it's no where near as much fun as the old fashioned way though.
But for your specific example I think in vitro fertilization might be the closest thing to a sure-fire solution.
This post was edited by Salt and Red Pepper at July 27, 2017 4:35 PM MDT
Slartibartfast 