Making pregnancy possible with an innovative new treatment called Intratubal Insemination using FemaSeed
Reproductive medicine is always advancing to help patients become parents, and the FCLV team strives to bring the latest fertility treatments to hopeful parents. For decades, our Las Vegas infertility clinic has offered intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Now, we have an exciting new treatment known as intratubal insemination using FemaSeed.
We were honored to be the only clinic in Nevada chosen for the clinical trial of this new technology. Additionally, we are proud to be the first fertility center in Nevada to offer this new family-building option.
What is FemaSeed?
FemaSeed is a fertility treatment. Specifically, it’s a form of artificial insemination. It delivers sperm right to the fallopian tube that contains the mature egg. These delicate tubes are the site of conception. This means the fallopian tube is where a sperm fertilizes an egg.
During sexual intercourse or IUI, the sperm enter the uterus through the vagina. The sperm then move to the fallopian tube to fertilize the waiting egg.
Using this technique, there’s no need for sperm to travel from the uterus to a fallopian tube. A doctor directly places the sperm in their final destination. As a result, the likelihood of conceiving increases for some patients.
How does this procedure work?
Some patients are familiar with the steps of IUI or IVF. However, most are unfamiliar with how FemaSeed works. Intratubal insemination using this technique enhances fertilization through a series of four steps.
- Ultrasound guidance. Our ultrasonographer will use a transvaginal ultrasound to find the side that is likely to contain the egg.
- Device placement. After determining which fallopian tube contains the egg, the doctor will place the specialized device into the uterus through the vagina. They will then position the device toward the appropriate fallopian tube under abdominal ultrasound guidance.
- Sperm delivery. The doctor will deliver the sperm to the fallopian tube using the device.
- Device removal. To complete the procedure, the doctor will remove the device. The sperm will remain in the fallopian tube to increase the chances of fertilizing the egg.
About two weeks after the procedure, the doctor will have the patient return to take a pregnancy test. The hope is that the test will be positive and confirm that the procedure was a success.
How is intratubal insemination different from intrauterine insemination?
Although both fertility treatments have the word “insemination” in the name, they are different.
- Intrauterine insemination, or IUI, involves placing sperm into the uterus.
- In contrast, intratubal insemination delivers sperm directly to the fallopian tubes.
With insemination using this special device, the sperm go right where they need to go, without the need to travel through the uterus.
What can you expect during this procedure?
This new type of insemination is an outpatient procedure that occurs at our Las Vegas infertility clinic. A staff member will take you to your room. They will give you privacy while you change into a cloth gown and get settled on the exam table.
Your doctor will first perform a transvaginal ultrasound. Next, they will place the FemaSeed device through the vagina to reach the uterus. They will then position the device and release the sperm to the appropriate fallopian tube. The entire process takes just a few minutes.
Some patients experience mild cramping during or after this procedure. For this reason, our team may recommend medication for menstrual cramps to reduce any discomfort.
What are the advantages?
Our Las Vegas infertility clinic offers insemination with this new device because it has several advantages.
- Enhanced fertilization. This procedure gets the sperm right to the fallopian tube that contains the mature egg to enhance fertilization.
- Affordable. When compared to IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), this new insemination procedure is much more affordable.
- Less invasive. Unlike IVF, there’s no need for an egg retrieval procedure with this process.
- Saves time. All the steps of this procedure take only a few minutes.
- Minimal side effects. Most patients only experience mild cramping after this procedure.
This combination of benefits makes this technique a great option for many patients hoping to achieve pregnancy.
Who can benefit from this new procedure?
Our Las Vegas infertility clinic finds that many patients are good candidates for intratubal insemination. The main requirement is that the patient undergoing it has at least one open fallopian tube.
However, this procedure is not a good fit for patients with active pelvic infections, sexually transmitted infections (STI) or a recent uterine perforation. Anyone who has an intrauterine device for birth control will need to have it removed before this procedure.
How much does it cost?
Hopeful parents are pleased to learn that FemaSeed is more affordable than IVF. If you are interested in exploring this option, our financial team can provide you with a quote after you meet with one of our doctors. They can also help you navigate your insurance benefits for fertility and find ways to make treatment more affordable.
Our Las Vegas infertility clinic is here to answer any questions about this new treatment option, and to empower you on the path to parenthood. Contact us to learn more about this family-building option.