Insemination

Insemination, commonly referred to as “artificial insemination”, consists of depositing treated sperm into the woman’s reproductive system. The sperm cells come from her partner or a donor.

Egg Collection

Egg collection can be accomplished by following the woman’s natural cycle, without medication. In such cases, the exact moment of ovulation must be calculated. With this method, a doctor can only collect a single or a very limited number of eggs. Collection must be done just before natural ovulation.

Another method consists of using a combination of drugs for ovarian stimulation. This treatment enables the production of a larger number of mature eggs.

Women who do not ovulate or whose eggs are of a poor quality can use another woman’s eggs. Women in need of an egg donation can find a donor or purchase frozen eggs.

Certain rules govern the donation of eggs. Talk to your doctor to find out more.

Depending on the cause of the male issue, sperm collection is done through masturbation or medical intervention.

Infertility or genetic diseases in the man means resorting to a sperm donor. Single women and lesbian couples can also receive a sperm donation to start a family.

Some additional rules apply to the processing of sperm from a donor. Since 1996 in Canada, donor sperm must be frozen and quarantined. It must then undergo various tests to screen for diseases that can be transmitted to the mother and genetic abnormalities that can be transmitted to the fetus.

Freezing sperm is a way of conserving it. Sperm is frozen and stored at a low temperature. Once thawed, the sperm can be used for fertilization through artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.