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There are various methods of doing AIH (artificial insemination by husband). The crudest and simplest technique involves simply injecting the entire semen sample into the vagina by a syringe. However, this is a waste of time if used for treating an infertility problem; after all, why go to a doctor to do something which you can do for yourself at home? Remember, a syringe is no better than a penis. It is only useful if the reason for doing AIH is the inability of the husband to ejaculate in the vagina. However, a number of doctors still use this as they do not have the expertise to offer anything better.
A refinement of this technique is that of using a spilt ejaculate. The first squirt of semen which gushes forth during ejaculation is richest in sperm. This is because the sperm "surf" on the wave of the seminal fluid which carries them forward to the outside world. The man masturbates into a 2-part container, so that this first part goes into one container, while the rest goes into another. This is not as difficult as it sounds, and gets easier with practice! The first bottle is saved and the contents used for artificial insemination. This method is suitable for a small proportion of cases (for example, for the uncommon problem of a large volume of semen, which "dilutes" the sperm; or where laboratory facilities for sperm processing are not available).
In this method, the sperm are removed from the seminal fluid by processing the semen in the laboratory and they are then injected directly into the uterine cavity. It is not advisable to inject the semen direct into the uterus, as the semen contains chemicals (prostaglandins) and pus cells which can cause severe cramping and even tubal infection.
For couples with psychologic problems such as impotence, an alternative option is self-insemination. Basically, the man masturbates into a clean container, and then injects the semen into the vagina after the ejaculate liquefies in 15-30 minutes. This can be done using a sterile disposable 5 ml plastic syringe. Some couples find it helpful to use a vaginal speculum, so that the man can deposit the semen high up into the vagina. (You can also use a bent spoon in a pinch!) A flashlight is helpful, and you can use disposable gloves as well, if you so desire. Timing the insemination is very important, and cervical mucus monitoring and ovulation prediction kits can be used to ensure correct timing.
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility