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For many women, starting a family is a dream they have had since they were young. However, for some women, this dream can become a struggle due to low ovarian reserve. This condition refers to a decrease in the number and quality of a woman’s eggs, making it difficult for her to conceive naturally. Thankfully, advancements in reproductive technology have provided women with low ovarian reserve with alternative options for conceiving, such as intra cervical insemination (ICI) and sperm washing.
What is Intra Cervical Insemination?
Intra Cervical Insemination (ICI) is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman’s cervix. It is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office or at home with the help of a fertility kit. ICI is often used as a treatment for low ovarian reserve, as it increases the chances of sperm reaching the egg by bypassing any potential barriers in the cervix.
During the ICI procedure, a small catheter is used to place the sperm into the cervix, close to the opening of the uterus. The sperm then travels through the cervix and into the fallopian tubes, where it can fertilize the egg. ICI is typically done around the time of ovulation to increase the likelihood of conception.
ICI is a popular option for women with low ovarian reserve because it is a less invasive and less expensive option compared to other fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It also allows for a more natural conception process, as the sperm is not directly injected into the egg.
What is Sperm Washing?
Sperm washing is a process that separates healthy sperm from other components of the semen, such as dead sperm and debris. This procedure is commonly used in combination with ICI to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy for women with low ovarian reserve.

Intra Cervical Insemination and Sperm Washing for Women with Low Ovarian Reserve
The sperm washing process involves mixing the semen with a special solution and spinning it in a centrifuge. This separates the sperm from other substances and concentrates the healthy sperm. The sperm is then placed into the cervix during the ICI procedure. Sperm washing is also used to remove any potential toxins or viruses from the sperm, reducing the risk of infection or transmission during the ICI process.
Why is ICI with Sperm Washing Beneficial for Women with Low Ovarian Reserve?
ICI with sperm washing is a highly beneficial option for women with low ovarian reserve for several reasons:
1. Increased chances of success: ICI with sperm washing increases the chances of conception by placing the sperm directly into the cervix, bypassing any potential barriers in the reproductive tract.
2. Less invasive: Unlike other fertility treatments, such as IVF, ICI with sperm washing does not require any injections or procedures inside the uterus. This makes it a less invasive option for women with low ovarian reserve.
3. Cost-effective: Compared to other fertility treatments, ICI with sperm washing is a more cost-effective option, making it accessible to more women.
4. Natural conception process: ICI with sperm washing allows for a more natural conception process, as the sperm is not directly injected into the egg.
5. Reduced risk of transmission or infection: Sperm washing helps to remove any potential toxins or viruses from the sperm, reducing the risk of transmission or infection during the ICI process.
In summary, ICI with sperm washing is a beneficial option for women with low ovarian reserve who are trying to conceive. This procedure offers a more natural and less invasive approach to fertility treatment, while also increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. With advancements in reproductive technology, women with low ovarian reserve now have more options available to help them achieve their dream of starting a family.
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