Artificial insemination is generally simpler, less expensive, and less invasive than other types of reproductive technology. However, it cannot help all infertile couples. For example, if a woman's fallopian tubes are blocked, artificial insemination will be of no use because the sperm will have no way of reaching the egg. In other instances, a woman may experience some sort of irregularity in her egg-producing cycle, or a man may have a low sperm count for physical reasons. These sorts of problems cannot be treated with artificial insemination. But with the development of ovulation- stimulating drugs and advances in microsurgery techniques, such infertile couples were given two other options. They could embark upon a course of hormone treatment to boost sperm or egg production or, when appropriate, undergo surgical procedures to correct structural abnormalities.

Female Hormone Imbalance

In about...