Artificial insemination or assisted reproduction

The methods of artificial insemination can help childless couples to have a baby, if not the desire for children can be fulfilled in a natural way. With artificial insemination, the doctor takes sperm and egg together inside or outside the female body. Since medicine here in the act of procreation and the process of engaging the natural sexuality of a couple is decoupled, the procreation of many people is perceived as artificial.

General information on artificial insemination
Techniques of assisted reproduction
Complications and risks of artificial insemination
Arrangements for the implementation of an artificial insemination
Reimbursement by the statutory health insurance

General information on artificial insemination

In Germany, remaining between 15 and 20 percent of all infertile couples. In 2006, Germany made almost 60,000 artificial inseminations. However, it can not be calculated after each artificial insemination with a pregnancy, because the various forms of treatment do not always produce the desired results. Often, several treatments are necessary until a pregnancy begins.

Techniques of assisted reproduction

Whether and which can help the techniques of assisted reproduction one pair at a planned child, clarifies the attending physician based on the individual circumstances. The treatment itself is not limited to a single date. There are several steps necessary investigations and treatment, the case of a failure must often be repeated several times. Therefore, treatment can take several months.

Among the techniques of assisted reproduction:

    Insemination (insemination)
    In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
    Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
    Gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT)


None of the techniques guarantees the occurrence of pregnancy. Couples who opt for artificial insemination should therefore bring a high degree of perseverance, patience and mental strength.

Complications and risks of artificial insemination

The methods of artificial fertilization involve various risks and complications. It can, for example by hormone stimulation in some processes lead to unwanted multiple pregnancies. In addition, the stimulation with hormones also strongly attacks in the woman's body. Surgical procedures can lead to infection or injury to the bladder, intestines or blood vessels. Where sperm taken directly from the testes, is also a risk of injury for men

Besides the physical discomfort, treatment may also have a strong psychological impact of the couple to follow. This is especially true if the treatment is carried out over a longer period of time and a big part of life for examination or inspection at the doctor's appointments are aligned muss.Ärzte can recommend in this case, a psychological support.

Arrangements for the implementation of an artificial insemination

The medical details and requirements for implementation of an artificial fertilization are regulated by a relevant directive of the Federal Committee of Physicians and Sickness Funds. In order for a pregnancy with medical help can be brought about, must be met include the following requirements:

    The couple must be married and it may only sperm and egg cells of the spouses (homologous system) can be used in treatment.
    Only health insurance for over 25 years are entitled to benefits for artificial insemination. In male insured that the 50th Years of age and in female insured that the 40th Years of age, there is no longer entitled to benefits for artificial insemination.
    Both partners must be carrying at the time of HIV-negative. In women, there must be an effective addition of rubella protection.
    Prior to implementation, the couple must have a physician on the medical, social and psychological aspects of artificial insemination educate and advise. This doctor may not perform the artificial insemination itself, but must refer the couple to a facility or another physician.
    The health insurance must be obtained prior to treatment a treatment plan and agree to this.
    Only when a reasonable prospect of success of a measure to induce pregnancy, this may also be carried out.


Legal rulings do the possibilities of artificial insemination its limits. Thus, for example in Germany, egg donation, embryo donation, the pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and surrogacy prohibited by the Embryo Protection Act. The freezing of germ cells (cryopreservation) is permitted only under certain conditions.

Reimbursement by the statutory health insurance

Measures for artificial insemination in Germany are part of the health insurance benefits. The statutory and private health insurers generally pay an investigation in which the reason for infertility is found. The acquisition cost for each method of artificial fertilization is regulated separately. Unmarried couples must adjust to the fact that they must assume the cost for an artificial insemination itself. Detailed information on individual cases can give the respective insurance company.

In an insemination with hormonal stimulation has the statutory health insurance fund half the cost for up to three medical treatments and medications. At insemination without hormonal stimulation of the half to eight treatments and the required medication is taken. Donor sperm is used in this treatment contribute, so the couple is the cost of this in the rule itself.

In IVF and ICSI has the statutory health insurance at half the cost of up to three treatments. If, however, even after the second attempt no fertilized egg in the glass, further treatment is due to a lack of chances of success are often not paid. As with the artificial insemination with sperm from a foreign donor, the cost of IVF and ICSI treatment are not covered by the statutory health insurance, if the sperm comes from a foreign donor.