[Artificial insemination]

The first artificial inseminations (AI), performed some 200 years ago, took place during menstruations since the ovulation and fertilization processes were then totally unknown. Nowadays, AI is usually carried out during the "ovulation period", which means a lack of accuracy in the estimated gametes meeting time which may reach several days. We formulate the hypothesis, supported by an analysis of international results, that AI is more effective when performed at the time of, or soon after follicular rupture, i.e. 36 to 48 hours after an endogenous (LH surge) or exogenous (hCG injection) induction, especially in case of male infertility. Under these conditions, it seems that intrauterine (rather than intracervical) AI performed after ovarian stimulation (and not in a spontaneous cycle) helps solve the problems of many infertile women before a more complex medical assistance is contemplated.