- published: 19 Nov 2013
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Insemination is the deliberate introduction of sperm into the uterus of a mammal or the oviduct of an oviparous (egg-laying) animal for the objective of impregnating a female for reproduction. Insemination normally takes place during, and as the result of, sexual intercourse between a male and a female, when semen is ejaculated by the male into the female's reproductive tract, but can take place in ways not involving sexual intercourse.
Insemination by sexual intercourse is commonly referred to as natural insemination. In humans, insemination is most commonly performed by sexual intercourse with a male sexual partner of the female's choice, and sometimes not of her choosing. (See: sexual selection.) It can also be performed by a sperm donor. In most cultures intravaginal insemination by a male other than the female's normal sex partner is subject to social and sexual inhibitions and taboos, and has legal, moral and interpersonal implications. The incidence of intravaginal insemination by sperm donor is not known, because the arrangement is usually informal and all parties prefer to keep the arrangement confidential.