Artificial insemination consists of a fertility treatment in which a sperm sample is placed inside the uterus of the women while she is ovulating.
What are the steps of the process?
Artificial insemination consists of three main steps:
Ovarian stimulation + gynaecological tests
Sperm sample preparation + insemination
How is the treatment performed?
Find out everything you need to know.
General information
When is artificial insemination recommended?
Artificial insemination is recommended for cases in which the woman is not over the age of 38, although this could be extended when it is not a sterility problem. Indications for artificial insemination are:
No partner or female partner that requires the use donor sperm
When the cause of sterility is unknown despite having performed the basic fertility evaluation
When there is a mild male factor that can improve with sperm preparation in the laboratory
When there is a severe male factor that recommends the use of donor sperm
When there are ovulation abnormalities
When a couple has difficulty having sexual intercourse
In all these cases, it is recommended that you go to an “artificial insemination clinic” specialising in assisted reproduction to achieve a pregnancy.
Which previous tests are necessary?
The recommended tests for performing artificial insemination are:
Hormone test to examine the ovarian reserve. The Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) value can be determined at any time during the cycle, and the FSH and Estradiol value on day 3 of the cycle.
Semen analysis with motile sperm recovery (MSR) test to evaluate whether the partner’s sample is of sufficient quality to perform an insemination.
Gynaecological ultrasound to rule out uterine and ovarian diseases. It is also used to evaluate the ovarian reserve by antral follicle count.
Hysterosalpingography to evaluate tubal permeability. It consists of a contrast injection into the uterine neck while x-rays are being performed.
Serologies to rule out the presence of transmissible infectious diseases.
How often can an insemination be performed and what is the attempt limit?
As with natural cycles, inseminations can be repeated in each cycle. It is not necessary to have one month off to increase success rates.
The success rates for inseminations remain stable during the three first attempts. If no pregnancy is achieved after 3 inseminations, we recommend trying a different and more effective treatment.
What are the possible risks linked to the treatment?
The main risk of artificial insemination is a multiple pregnancy, which will depend on the number of follicles that develop during the stimulation phase. This risk is manageable with ultrasound monitoring during the treatment.
Ovarian stimulation and gynaecological tests
How are the ovaries stimulated?
Controlled ovarian stimulation is performed by administering hormones through daily subcutaneous injections from the first few days of the cycle.
The stimulation protocol will be individually adjusted according to the woman’s ovarian reserve. During stimulation, ovarian response should be monitored by serial ultrasounds until the development of 1 or 2 follicles is achieved. At this point, ovulation will be triggered to perform artificial insemination after 36-40 hours.
How often do I have to go to the clinic during ovarian stimulation?
During the treatment, you will have to go to the clinic several times to check follicular development. Usually, no more than three ultrasound scans will be required to schedule the artificial insemination.
How often can artificial insemination without stimulation be performed?
Ovarian stimulation is not essential for women that are producing eggs as normal. Nevertheless, it is recommended in all cases since it significantly improves the chances for success.
Sperm collection and preparation
What type of sperm can be used in artificial insemination?
The sperm used for artificial insemination can come from the partner or a donor. In the event of using donor sperm, it will be chosen as set out by Law, maintaining the maximum physical similarity with the patients. The sperm concentration in donor samples is of the highest quality, greatly exceeding the established limits to ensure the highest chances for pregnancy.
How is the sperm prepared?
On the day of insemination, the sperm sample will be prepared in the laboratory by sperm capacitation process, to select the progressively motile sperm suited for egg fertilisation.
Care after artificial insemination
Do I need to take any supplement after insemination?
It is recommended to take progesterone supplements for a few days after insemination, to encourage embryo implantation.
Can I resume normal life?
During treatment, the woman will not notice any significant difference to her natural cycle. Therefore, it is recommended to lead as normal a lifestyle as possible.
When shall the pregnancy test be taken?
It is recommended to take a urine pregnancy test two weeks after insemination.
Real reviews from our patients
★★★★★4.5 · 557 reviews on Google
★★★★★
I thank IVF Barcelona. The team was welcoming and the first insemination was successful. I am happy, I am a mother to a wonderful little boy!
Translated from original: French
I thank IVF Barcelona. The team was welcoming and the first insemination was successful. I am happy, I am a mother to a wonderful little boy!
Je remercie ivf Barcelone. L'équipe a été chaleureuse et la première insémination a fonctionné. Je suis heureuse, je suis maman d'un petit garçon déjà merveilleux !
★★★★★
Our experience with the ivf clinic in Barcelona began in 2023. With so much uncertainty we sent an email where they immediately organized a video call with Doctor Olivares where he explained to us very precisely what to…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: Italian
Our experience with the ivf clinic in Barcelona began in 2023. With so much uncertainty we sent an email where they immediately organized a video call with Doctor Olivares where he explained to us very precisely what to do... After various checks we started our first transfer (IVF) in November 2023 with a first failure (Biochemistry) second attempt May 2024 (Insemination) negative, third attempt August 2024 (IVF) negative, fourth attempt November 2024 (Ropa method) negative until arriving June 2025 (Embryodonation) Our miracle or rather our miracles (Twins) after so many hopes and attempts they were our rainbow after the storms.. We could have chosen other clinics but we preferred only ivf. With every email, call or doubt they were always available and Doctor Olivares never made us feel wrong, on the contrary he was sorry every time we until the last transfer that was sure to go well ... I recommend the IVF clinic in Barcelona and especially the friendly and helpful staff.
La nostra esperienza con la clinica ivf di Barcellona è iniziata nel 2023. Con tanta insicurezza abbiamo mandato un email dove ci hanno subito organizzato una videochiamata con il Dottore Olivares dove ci ha spiegato con molta precisione cosa dover fare...Dopo vari controlli abbiamo iniziato il nostro primo transfer (Fivet) nel novembre 2023 con un primo fallimento (Biochimica) secondo tentativo maggio 2024(Inseminazione) negativo,terzo tentativo agosto 2024(Fivet) negativo,quarto tentativo novembre 2024(metodo ropa)negativo fino ad arrivare giugno 2025(Embriodonazione) Il nostro miracolo anzi i nostri miracoli (Gemellini ) dopo tante speranze e tentativi loro sono stati il nostro arcobaleno dopo le tempeste.. Potevamo scegliere altre cliniche ma noi abbiamo preferito solo ivf ad ogni nostra email ,chiamata o dubbi loro erano sempre disponibili e il dottore Olivares non ci ha fatto mai sentire sbagliate anzi lui era dispiaciuto ogni volta qnt noi fino a l'ultimo transfer che era sicuro che andava bene ... Consiglio la clinica IVF di Barcellona e soprattutto lo staff cordiale e disponibile.
★★★★★
We highly recommend Barcelona IVF for the exceptional quality of their care. We came from Toulouse specifically for this clinic, drawn by its reputation and the quality of its services, and we absolutely do not regret…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
We highly recommend Barcelona IVF for the exceptional quality of their care. We came from Toulouse specifically for this clinic, drawn by its reputation and the quality of its services, and we absolutely do not regret our choice. From the very first contact, we felt listened to, reassured, and supported. The explanations are always clear, and the follow-up, before, during, and after treatment, is impeccable. The entire team demonstrates great kindness, which is essential in fertility treatment. Thanks to artificial insemination that worked on the first try, our little boy is here in our arms 🥰 It is an immense joy for our family. A huge thank you to the whole team for helping make our dream come true. We will definitely be back for baby number two in about a year and a half 💙
Nous recommandons vivement Barcelona IVF pour la qualité exceptionnelle de son accompagnement. Nous sommes venues de Toulouse spécialement pour cette clinique, attirées par sa réputation et la qualité de sa prise en charge et nous ne regrettons absolument pas notre choix. Dès le premier contact, nous nous sommes sentis écoutérs, rassurées et entourées. Les explications sont toujours claires et le suivi, avant, pendant et après le traitement, est irréprochable. Toute l’équipe fait preuve d’une grande bienveillance, ce qui est essentiel dans un parcours PMA. Grâce à une insémination artificielle qui a fonctionné dès le premier essai, notre petit garçon est là dans nos bras 🥰 C’est un immense bonheur pour notre famille. Un immense merci à toute l’équipe pour avoir contribué à réaliser notre rêve. Nous reviendrons sans hésiter pour bébé 2 d'ici 1an et demi 💙
★★★★★
I am a 29-year-old French woman. Wanting to have a child on my own, and having had a less than ideal experience with French hospitals and the CECOS (very long waiting times, rushed appointments), I was told to expect a…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
I am a 29-year-old French woman. Wanting to have a child on my own, and having had a less than ideal experience with French hospitals and the CECOS (very long waiting times, rushed appointments), I was told to expect a 2-3 year wait... I turned to Spain and after much research, I chose the IVF clinic located in Barcelona. Communication was immediately smooth thanks to Léa, who takes her role as medical assistant/translator very seriously, providing all the necessary information and answering all my questions, which clearly clarifies the process. I underwent artificial insemination with a donor after a consultation with Dr. Carrillo: a video appointment due to the distance, and you can schedule the appointment as soon as you like, either quickly or later. You leave feeling reassured, informed about the procedure, and ready to embark on this journey. The longest step is your treatment: but you're never alone. A medical assistant, in my case Maev, provided technical guidance and acted as a liaison between the doctor and me regarding medication and hormone dosages, as well as blood tests. If you have even the tiniest question, she'll answer it. ✈️ 🛩 Barcelona, here we come! Result: after two attempts with artificial insemination by donor (AID), during which I was able to specify physical criteria if I wished, a positive test. A normal pregnancy. I can finally say that I'm a mother to little Elias, and it's beyond words. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank the team at this clinic enough for their work, their dedication to creating families, and giving people the chance to become parents. In short, thank you, "cuìdate" 🩷 Caroline.
Je suis française âgée de 29 ans. Désireuse d'avoir un enfant seule, ayant eu une expérience pas terrible auprès des hôpitaux français ainsi que le CECOS (Délais très longs, rendez vous expeditifs) on m'avait annoncé 2 à 3 ans d’attente... Je me suis tournée vers l’Espagne et après plusieurs recherches j'ai tranchée pour la clinique IVF située sur Barcelone. L’échange a tout de suite était fluide grâce à Léa qui prend son rôle de médical assistante/ traductrice très au sérieux avec toutes les infos utiles et réponds à tout ce qui vous passe par la tête ce qui vous éclaire nettement le chemin. J'ai pratiquée une Insémination artificielle avec donneur, après un entretien avec la Dre.Carillo : un rendez-vous en visio vu la distance, la prise de rendez vous est selon vous, donc rapide ou plus tard comme vous voulez, vous ressortez rassuré, informé du procéder, rassuré aussi et prêt à vous engager dans l’aventure. L’étape la plus longue est votre traitement: mais jamais seul, un médical assistant, pour ma part Maev sont rôle à été de me guider techniquement faire la liaison entre la Dre et moi pour la posologie des médicaments et hormones mais aussi prises de sang si vous avez la MOINDRE petite question, elle y répondra. ✈️ 🛩 Barcelone nous voilà ! Resultat : après 2 essais en IAD dont j'ai pu stipulé des critères physiques si je souhaité. Un test positif. Une grossesse normale. Je peux enfin dire que je suis maman d’un petit Elias, et ça n’a pas de mots. Je pense que j'aurai jamais assez de remercier l’équipe de cette clinique pour son travail, son implication à créer des familles, donner la chance d'être parent. Bref merci à vous, "cuìdate" 🩷 Caroline.
★★★★★
Barcelona IVF is a very professional and welcoming clinic. The staff is attentive, the explanations are clear, and the follow-up before, during, and after is excellent. The clinic is well located and parking is very…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
Barcelona IVF is a very professional and welcoming clinic. The staff is attentive, the explanations are clear, and the follow-up before, during, and after is excellent. The clinic is well located and parking is very easy. We are expecting our first child and we will definitely return to this clinic to give him or her a little brother or sister 🥰 I want to mention that I became pregnant through artificial insemination on the first try... 🤞🏼 Thank you for the happiness you bring to our family 💙
Barcelona IVF est une clinique très professionnelle et accueillante. Le personnel est à l'écoute, les explications sont claires et le suivie d'avant, pendant et après sont au top. La clinique est bien située et il est très facile d'y stationner. Nous attendons notre premier enfant et nous reviendrons, sans hésitez, dans cette clinique afin de lui donner un petit frère ou petite sœur 🥰 Je tiens à préciser que je suis tombée enceinte grâce à une insémination artificielle et ce, dès le premier essaie.. 🤞🏼 Meci pour ce bonheur que vous apportez à notre famille 💙
★★★★★
I would like to thank the Barcelona IVF Fertility Clinic for their outstanding work. I was satisfied from my very first experience; their professionalism was unparalleled. After three unsuccessful attempts at artificial…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
I would like to thank the Barcelona IVF Fertility Clinic for their outstanding work. I was satisfied from my very first experience; their professionalism was unparalleled. After three unsuccessful attempts at artificial insemination at another clinic, I would recommend this clinic to anyone wishing to undergo IVF. Thank you again to everyone, and keep going!
Je remercie la clinica de fertilidad -Barcelona IVF pour le travail remarquable. J'ai été satisfaite dès ma première expérience, un professionnalisme sans pareille. Après avoir essayé trois fois l'insémination artificielle sans succès dans une autre clinique sans aucun succès. Je recommanderai cette clinique à tous ceux qui souhaitent faire une FIV. Merci une fois de plus à tous et aller de l'avant !
★★★★★
We trusted the IVF clinic. After two IUIs (in three months), we now have our daughter in our arms. The staff is caring, attentive, and professional. We highly recommend this clinic.
Translated from original: French
We trusted the IVF clinic. After two IUIs (in three months), we now have our daughter in our arms. The staff is caring, attentive, and professional. We highly recommend this clinic.
Nous avons fait confiance à la clinique IVF. Après 2 IAD (en 3 mois) nous avons aujourd’hui notre fille dans nos bras. Le personnel est bienveillant, à l’écoute et professionnel. Nous recommandons cette clinique
★★★★★
After two IVF attempts in France, we had artificial insemination which worked on the first try ❤️ Our little girl was born on January 6th, we are overjoyed 🙂 I highly recommend this clinic. They are very attentive. We…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
After two IVF attempts in France, we had artificial insemination which worked on the first try ❤️ Our little girl was born on January 6th, we are overjoyed 🙂 I highly recommend this clinic. They are very attentive. We thank the entire team for their help. Eric and Fanny
Après deux tentatives de FIV en france nous avons fait une insemination artificielle qui a marché du premier coup ❤️Notre petite fille est née le 6 janvier nous sommes les plus heureux 🙂 Je ne peux que recommander cette clinique .Ils sont très à l'écoute . Nous remercions toute l'équipe de nous avoir aidé . Eric et fanny
★★★★★
The Barcelona IVF clinic provided excellent support throughout our two IVF cycles (100% success rate on the first insemination). The medical team speaks perfect French, and we generally received responses (emails, phone…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
The Barcelona IVF clinic provided excellent support throughout our two IVF cycles (100% success rate on the first insemination). The medical team speaks perfect French, and we generally received responses (emails, phone calls) in less than 24 hours. The doctor who treated us was incredibly attentive! Located in the hills above Barcelona, the clinic is easily accessible by bus or metro (a maximum 10-minute walk). We also benefited from discounts at hotels near the clinic thanks to their partnerships (between 15% and 30% depending on the season). In terms of cost, IVF costs around €5,000 the first time (because eggs need to be retrieved, but you have enough eggs; subsequent cycles cost around €2,000 maximum). We had our first IVF cycle in 2019 and the second in 2025: the prices haven't increased, which is remarkable! Expect to pay €250 per year for egg preservation if you wish to keep your eggs. In any case, it was a superb experience, with very professional and compassionate medical staff. We highly recommend it!
La clinique Barcelona IVF nous a parfaitement accompagnée dans nos 2 FIVs (100% de réussite dès la 1ère insémination). L'équipe médicale parle parfaitement français, et nous avions en générale des réponses (emails, téléphone) en moins de 24h. La doctoresse qui nous a suivi était absolument aux petits soins pour nous! Située sur les hauteurs de Barcelone, la clinique est facilement accessible en bus ou en métro (compter 10 de marche maximum). Nous avons aussi pu bénéficier de réductions dans les hôtels autour de la clinique grâce à leurs partenariats (ente 15 et 30% selon la saison). En termes de prix, la FIV coûte environ 5000€ la 1ère fois (car il faut faire l'extraction d'oeufs, mais vous en avez assez, les fois suivantes c'est quasi 2000€ maximum). On a fait la 1ère FIV en 2019, et la 2nde en 2025: les prix n'ont pas augmentés et c'est notable! Compter 250€ par an pour a préservation de vos oeufs si vous voulez en garder. En tous cas une superbe expérience, avec un personnel médical très professionnel et humain. Nous recommandons fortement!
★★★★★
I can only thank the staff at this facility for giving me the opportunity to make a dream come true! On my first attempt at artificial insemination, I got pregnant with twins! A gorgeous boy and a girl! The only…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: Italian
I can only thank the staff at this facility for giving me the opportunity to make a dream come true! On my first attempt at artificial insemination, I got pregnant with twins! A gorgeous boy and a girl! The only downside is that they don't let you see a photo of the donor.
Non posso che ringraziare il personale di questa struttura che mi ha dato la possibilità di realizzare un sogno! Al primo tentativo di Inseminazione artificiale sono rimasta incinta di 2 gemelli! Un maschio e una femmina stupendi!! Unica pecca, non ti danno la possibilità di vedere in foto il donatore.
★★★★★
The IVF clinic in Barcelona allowed me to realize my dream of becoming a mother to a wonderful little girl through artificial insemination. The entire process, from the first contact to the big day, was quick and easy…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: French
The IVF clinic in Barcelona allowed me to realize my dream of becoming a mother to a wonderful little girl through artificial insemination. The entire process, from the first contact to the big day, was quick and easy, thanks to the responsiveness and professionalism of the staff. The facilities are welcoming. I especially want to thank Dr. Colodrón and the entire team in charge of my case for the fantastic work they did. I wholeheartedly recommend this clinic to anyone who wants or needs to use a facility like this! I couldn't have asked for a better experience. You have my deepest gratitude. Morgane and Tali 🥰
La clinique IVF de Barcelone m'a permis de réaliser mon rêve d'être mère d'une merveilleuse petite fille, via l'insémation artificielle. Tout le processus, du premier contact au jour J, est rapide, facilité par la réactivité et le sérieux du personnel. Les locaux sont accueillants.. Je remercie tout particulièrement le docteur Colodrón, et toute l'équipe en charge de mon dossier, pour le travail formidable qu'ils ont effectué. Je recommande cette clinique à toute personne souhaitant ou ayant besoin de passer par un établissement comme celui-ci les yeux fermés! Je n'aurais pu souhaiter une meilleure expérience. Vous avez toute ma gratitude. Morgane et Tali 🥰
★★★★★
Our experience, I could say quick the term to be like lightning, we went only once, after a preparation and ovarian stimulation followed by them themselves but in Italy, when the follicle was ready for two days and they…
Read full reviewTranslated from original: Italian
Our experience, I could say quick the term to be like lightning, we went only once, after a preparation and ovarian stimulation followed by them themselves but in Italy, when the follicle was ready for two days and they asked us to stay there, for a simple basic insemination, so we chose as the first time, well with all the sweetness that the doctor carried out everything, here we are within 15 days our result! The prices are affordable and the staff is not stingy and does not see us as credit cards, but they are human and prepared! THANK YOU ALL
La nostra esperienza, potrei dire veloce il termine da essere come un fulmine , siamo andate 1 volta sola, dopo una preparazione e stimolazione ovarica seguita stesso da loro ma in Italia, quando il follicolo era pronto due gg e ci hanno chiesto di stare lì , per una semplice inseminazione base, così abbiamo scelto come prima volta, ebbene con tutta la dolcezza che la dottoressa ha eseguito il tutto , eccoci qua nel giro di 15 giorni il nostro risultato ! I prezzi accessibili e Personale non avaro e non ci vede come carte di credito, ma sono umani e preparati! GRAZIE A TUTTI
★★★★★
Positive results
The rates for pregnancy achieved with artificial insemination depend on the patient’s age. These rates are similar to those a non-sterile couple have during a natural cycle.
Partner sperm
Donor sperm
What does artificial insemination treatment include?
