Group 1: Jessica Cheung, Cassondra Kaddoura, Michael McLean, Kirendeep Pandher, Ivy Truong

Introduction
This Wikipedia page examines the reproductive technology commonly used today called artificial insemination (AI) With many celebrities and tv shows devoted to artificial insemination, it has become a hot button topic for many to discuss and consider.

History
Artificial insemination can date back, unofficially, as far as the 1400’s. There were apparently attempts then to inseminate King Henry IV’s wife, Juana. The first official recordings of the process were in 1970 by a man named John Hunter. 1939 was the first time an animal was successfully conceived through artificial insemination. The modern techniques we use today were originally used on animals, mostly cattle and swine. Often they would take an animal with preferable genetic traits and use the process to impregnate several females of the species at a time. This allowed for stronger genetic traits along with efficiency in the breeding process. The first human pregnancy due to artificial insemination was in the 1950’s and since has become very popular. As of the 1970’s sperm banks began to develop and the industry became commercialized. It is a very openly available resource to many people and some governments even fund a certain amount of attempts for eligible women.

The following is a timeline found of "Milestones in the History of Human Artificial Insemination"

1790 – John Hunter first reports artificial insemination in medical literature.

1899 – Efforts begin in Russia to develop practical methods for human artificial insemination.

1909 – Human artificial insemination grows more controversial. The Catholic Church objects to all forms of artificial insemination.

1939 – The first animal, a rabbit, is conceived by artificial insemination.

Mid 1940s – Artificial insemination becomes an established industry. In Nazi Germany, doctors performed artificial insemination experiments on Jews, gypsies and concentration camp internees.

1949 – Scientists develop improved methods of freezing and thawing sperm.

1950 – Cornell University scientists discover that antibiotics can be added to the sperm solution in artificial insemination processes.

1953 – the first successful pregnancy from artificial insemination of frozen sperm is reported.

<1970s – The sperm bank industry is developed and aritificial insemination becomes commercialized.

Procedure
Artificial insemination is the technology used to impregnate a female by means of technological methods, rather than intercourse. The insemination process is done by taking the sperm of a male and injecting it directly into the female. The most conventional method is by inserting the sperm directly into the cervix, however there are two other methods where the injections are made in varying areas of the uterine horn. When humans use this technology there are certain procedures done with the sperm in order to clarify it is safe to use and to get the best use out of it. The woman is tested to determine when she is ovulating either by a personal kit or the doctor will perform an ultrasound. The sperm used is tested, “washed” and filtered before use and when the woman is ovulating it is injected, using a catheter, into your uterus through a cervix.

The whole process for humans takes about ten minutes and is generally painless, except mild cramping for some. Depending on what kind of infertility issues the women has it can take three to six cycles of the treatment. After six cycles women can continue attempting the procedure but will often start looking into other options. When going through this process some women take medication to stimulate ovulation. This is discouraged now because it can cause multiple births, which the clinics try to avoid due to pregnancy and infant complications.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Another popular option for couples and woman who are unable to naturally conceive is in vitro fertilization. Because both procedures are constantly compared throughout this page, it is important to understand the difference between the two.

In vitro fertilization is a process by which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside of the womb. IVF is a major treatment in infertility when other methods of assisted reproductive technology have failed. The process involves hormonally controlling the ovulatory process, removing ova (eggs) from the woman's ovaries and letting sperm fertilize them in a fluid medium. The fertilized egg (zygote) is then transferred to the patient's uterus with the intent to establish a successful pregnancy.

Less expensive than in vitro insemination
In vitro insemination typically costs on average $12,400 per cycle. This includes lab screenings for both parents, ultrasound and other lab work, egg recovery, and embryo transfer. Artificial insemination costs $500+ per cycle. In vitro insemination is almost 3 times more expensive that that of artificial insemination, making AI a much more economical choice for the couple or woman who wishes to become pregnant.

Natural
Artificial insemination can be described as a procedure that causes women to become pregnant without intercourse. After the injection of sperm, everything else is natural; fertilization still occurs within the woman, woman still have to carry the baby in her womb and has to go through the labour process.

In in vitro fertilization however, the fertilization occurs outside the woman, and therefore, when the zygote is placed back into the woman it forces the body to adapt quickly to the foreign object of a fertilized egg. Artificial insemination is natural and allows the woman's body to gradually adapt just like a natural pregnancy.

Solution to Human Infertility Issues
Artificial insemination helps the following people that want children: 1. couples that struggle to naturally conceive children themselves 2. single women 3. lesbians Problems that couples may have when conceiving children is low sperm count, INSERT WOMEN'S ISSUES. Since the woman's eggs are used in the artificial insemination procedure, women have children with their actual DNA. Adoption is not the only solution for women that want children anymore!

Solution to Animal Breeding Issues
Artificial insemination can also be used with animals that have trouble conceiving children. It is also used for breeders that want specific genetic traits in the offspring. If a breeder has a male with desirable traits, then the male's sperm can be used to impregnate a female and the offspring will have a greater chance of having desirable traits.

Low Success Rate
Success rate typically depends on several factors such as the age, health, and reason why an individual cannot conceive. Compared to other means of artificial reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination has a low success rate of (on average)15% per cycle as opposed to the average of in vitro being 37%. The chances of conceiving through IVF are therefore more than double that of artificial insemination.

Relatively Expensive
It is true that artificial insemination is one of the cheaper methods of artificially conceiving. However, it can still be quite pricey for the average-earning household. Each trial of artificial insemination is typically $500, and it takes on average 3-6 trials before becoming pregnant or switching methods. Other expenses to consider are: • the cost of investigation and diagnosis • the cost of drug therapy

Risk of Developing Ovarian Hypsterstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Stimulated cycles are when a woman uses medication to help stimulate her ovaries to produce more follicles and in turn help with conceiving. However, with taking these medication, there is a risk of developing Ovarian Hypsterstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). OHSS symptoms can be classfified into three categories: mild, moderate and severe. mild symptoms: • abdominal bloating and feeling full • nausea • diarrhea • slight weight gain.

moderate symptoms: • excessive weight gain (weight gain of greater than 2 pounds per day) • increased abdominal girth, vomiting, diarrhea • darker urine and less in amount • excessive thirst, and skin and/or hair feeling dry • mild symptoms

severe symptoms: • fullness/bloating above the waist • shortness of breath • urination significantly darker or has ceased • calf and chest pains • marked abdominal bloating or distention • lower abdominal pains • mild and moderate symptoms

Sperm Donation
A donors sperm is able to produce a maximum of ten children. This limit is placed to ensure future problems such as half brothers and half sisters. Even with the limit the chance still exists and their have been cases in which half brothers and half sisters have actually gotten married not knowing they were related.

Genetic Abnormalities
Even though a donors sperm is screened, the sperm may have a chance of being diseased or have genetic abnormalities. Earlier cases have provided evidence that some diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) can and has been transmitted via Artificial Insemination through infected donors. Their are also many types of genetic diseases that can be passed down from the sperm donor. It is not necessary for the donor to even know of any abnormalities in his genes which results in a higher risk of genetic defects. Only by looking at the history of the decedents the donor comes from and by creating a family pedigree may a specialist discover genetic problems, but this is rarely the case a donor has been tested. The client must make an informed decision based on these potential complications and is fully responsible of the offspring conceived.

Multiple Children
Artificial Insemination is unable to control the number of eggs fertilized and therefor having a possibility of multiple children. Some couples may not be prepared to have more then one off spring during a pregnancy. This could become a potential hazard for mothers as well as the children conceived by Artificial Insemination. Complications such as miscarriages are possible as well as premature labour, Placental abruption, and blood transfusion syndrome.The risks for complications become higher depending on the number of babies the mother is carrying. After birth the children may also face difficulty breathing along with the effects of being premature.

Jon and Kate Plus 8
Jon and Kate Plus 8 is a show featured on TLC that follows a married couple and their eight children which were all conceived through artificial insemination. Kate was unable to naturally have children herself due to being diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome so Jon (her husband) and herself, underwent artificial insemination treatments. They successfully had fraternal twin girls born October 8, 2000 named Cara and Madelyn or "Maddy". In October 2003, while pregnant for the second time, Kate was hospitalized for over stimulated ovaries. It was then revealed through the ultrasound that there were six sacs with seven embryos. The doctor suggested selective reduction, but the couple decided against it, and welcomed sextuplets on May 10, 2004. There were three boys and three girls in the set: Aaden, Collin, Joel, Alexis, Hannah, and Leah.

It is important to note that Jon and Kate considered the risks associated with artificial insemination such as costs, and the chances of having multiple children.

The Pregnant man
Thomas Beatie, or more commonly known as the pregnant man, gave birth a baby girl on July 29, 2008. Thomas, who was formerly a woman, used donor sperm and his own eggs to undergo artificial insemination. He also had to stop taking testosterone to allow his body to release hormones required for a normal pregnancy, he has continued to stop taking male hormones to prepare for his second child, due in June. Even though Thomas is legally a man, he only decided to have his breasts removed, leaving his female reproductive organs intact. "I don't feel like removing your sexual reproductive organs will make you any more of a man or any less of a woman," he said.

This has become a controversial issue pushing societies' perceptions on traditional pregnancy and the role of genders. Thomas has even reported receiving death threats and hateful messages.

Conclusion
Artificial Insemination is a good option for people with infertility issues as long as the risks are taken into consideration.