Glossary
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Definition
AI (Artificial insemination)
Sperm from the partner or a donor is introduced into the woman's uterus through a narrow tube.
Artificial insemination is the oldest MAP technique. It can be performed using the partner's sperm ('AIH') if he is fertile but the woman is not (in cases where the Fallopian tubes are blocked but the ovaries are functional). The aim is to bring together their gametes. AI can be carried out using donor sperm ('AID') where sterility is due to the man.
More information
AIH is indicated when female sterility is related to a cervical mucus problem (where the spermatozoa cannot travel up the woman's genital tract), as well as in cases of unexplained sterility or male impotency. The child is the couple's genetic offspring since it is produced by one of the mother's oocytes and one of the father's spermatozoa. AID is indicated when the man is sterile because of a total absence of spermatozoa or an excessive proportion of anomalies. In the case of AID, the child is the mother's genetic child, but not the father's (the genetic father is the anonymous sperm donor). Success rates range between 7 and 25 % per attempt.
