Difference between artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization

Assisted reproduction, even in the 21st century, is unknown to a large part of the world population. In general, when someone wants information about these methods, it is because they have been trying to have children for some time without achieving the expected result.

Getting started as a self-taught person on these topics can be a bit confusing, the technicality and instruments used for assisted reproductive treatments present a new world of exploration. That is why we are going to explain in an easy and direct way the definitions and differences between artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization. 

You should know that these two treatments are the ones that are most in demand today and it is very common to confuse them despite being different treatments.

Artificial insemination

It is considered a simple treatment, based on the evaluation of a semen sample from the couple or a donor, to analyze them and select those with the highest success rate. These will be inseminated in the woman's uterus when she is in the ovulation phase, and finally it proceeds naturally, fertilizing the ovum to develop the embryo. 

In vitro fertilization

This treatment is much more complex than artificial insemination, and consists of several steps. The bottom line is that many phases are performed in a laboratory. To control the development of the embryo.

Therefore, the eggs and sperm are previously evaluated and selected, to be artificially fertilized. Developing 2 to 3 embryos that will be implanted in the uterus of the future mother.To find out if the procedure was successful, a pregnancy test is performed after a week.

Differences between artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization

The processes are completely different, and now that you know their methodology, we are going to explain the most significant differences observed between them:

• Artificial insemination It is a more natural process, as we know it is only responsible for selecting the sperm in better conditions and implanting them on the day of ovulation when the future mother is more likely to become pregnant, facilitating her fertilization.

Instead the in vitro fertilization It is a process where more medical equipment is required, developing various phases in the laboratory, and artificially causing fertilization. This method is used when the internal structure of the patient has an alteration that prevents her from recreating the scene of fertilization. Where external help is required.

• The in vitro fertilization is an effective procedure for patients with complicated infertility problems, in which artificial insemination it would not be effective, cases such as tubal obstruction, sperm quality problems. These are some situations where in vitro fertilization has high success rates.

Artificial insemination to the It is not an invasive technique compared to in vitro fertilization, as the fertilization phase cannot be reached, it is essential to extract the eggs, which will require a small medical intervention, anesthesia is used to avoid discomfort. However, at the end, the patient can walk normally.

• Another essential difference is the success rates, artificial insemination being a more natural process it is closely linked to natural probabilities. So it has a 15% success rate compared to natural pregnancies. Instead in vitro fertilization Being an artificial process, it has a 50% success rate in the first cycle, and in two or three attempts it has a 90% success rate.

As an extra piece of information, the remaining embryos can be frozen or donated, which facilitates the procedure if in the future the couple decides to undergo the treatment again.

Only a professional is able to tell you which is the correct procedure for you, based on your medical records, examinations and the state of your reproductive organs. That is why we emphasize the importance of going to specialized centers that meet all security and trust standards. 

Thus, the chances of success increase. We recommend Celagem as a specialist clinic in everything related to assisted reproduction, they have years of experience and qualified personnel for each phase of the process.