Introduction
Fertility treatment is used when people can not conceive naturally, usually because of a medical problem e.g. a man is not producing enough sperm, or a woman is not ovulating. There are different forms, depending on the problem. Often, couples may have to try many fertility treatments for months or years in the hope of success. It doesn’t always work. It can be very expensive. However, it can bring great pleasure if it is successful. Childless couples may face the following options:
- IVF – In Vitro Fertilisation (in glass): Egg and sperm are brought together in a test-tube. Embryo is put back inside the woman’s body.
- AI – Artificial Insemination: Sperm is collected and placed in the woman’s uterus artificially.
- AIH – Artificial Insemination (Husband): Artificial Insemination using the husband’s healthy sperm.
- AID – Artificial Insemination (Donor) Artificial Insemination using an anonymous donor’s sperm, e.g. if the husband’s sperm are not healthy, or a woman has no partner.
- Surrogacy – If a woman cannot have children, her husband’s sperm is used to impregnate another woman – a 3rd party. She gives birth and hands the baby back to the couple.
