At-Home Insemination Guide

At-home insemination is also known as artificial insemination. It is a cheaper alternative to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). It is popular among couples where the partner who naturally produces semen is facing challenges of infertility, or couplings where neither partner naturally produces sperm. 

While it may not be as consistent, it can still yield results if used for multiple rounds. Further, because it is significantly cheaper than other forms of assisted reproductive technology, some couples and individuals try it first before moving on to the more expensive alternatives.

We shall discuss ways to boost your chances of success with at-home insemination by sharing tips on timing, technique, as well as tracking ovulation.

What Is At-Home Insemination?

In artificial insemination, sperm may be collected from a prospective parent or a third party. It is then implanted directly into the uterus using a small catheter. This process is usually conducted in a clinical setting, but some people may prefer to do it in the privacy of their homes, for a variety of reasons.

The at-home procedure is different from the clinical procedure in that i uses a syringe with no needle - rather than a catheter - to deposit the sperm sample into the vagina. This method, sometimes called intravaginal insemination (IVI) or intracervical insemination (ICI), is different from IUI in that, due to the use of a syringe, the sperm sample is deposited into the vagina.

Success Rates of At-Home Insemination

Compared to other forms of infertility treatments, the at-home insemination process is conducted in a less controlled environment. This means that more variables that are in play can impact its success. Research has however shown that it can be effective after three or more rounds, with pregnancy occuring at a rate of more than 40 percent.

Increasing Your At-Home Insemination Success Rate

Many individuals and couples undergo multiple rounds of at-home insemination before becoming pregnant, which is typical with this treatment. With that in mind, let us address what you can do to improve your chances of succeeding at IVI.

Timing

As with all fertility treatments, timing is key for the best results. First, you should attempt this during your ovulation window which typically falls around two weeks before your period starts.  

For more accuracy, you can use an ovulation tracker, which tests the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine which typically rises in the days leading to ovulation. Ideally, the procedure should be done on the day before ovulation, or within the 48-hour window following ovulation.

The Home Insemination Kit

There are many types of at-home insemination kits and your selection may be out of personal preference, or following a recommendation by a sperm donation agency - if you use a third-party donor. Either way, familiarize yourself with how your works before trying an at-home insemination.

Most kits contain a soft-tipped syringe and a few sterilized sample collection containers. A container may already have a donated sperm sample, or be used to collect sperm from a parent or third-party donor.

Some kits may have a long, thin catheter similar to the ones used in IUI treatments. For IVI, this catheter is inserted into the vagina but not into the uterus. If the kit you have does not have a catheter, you will use the syringe itself to deposit the sperm sample into the vagina.

The Right Position

It is recommended that the partner who will carry the pregnancy lie on their side, or on their back, with a pillow under them to raise their hips. This position allows gravity to move the sample deeper into the uterus and also prevents the sperm sample from leaking. Rest in this position for 20 to 30 minutes to ensure that the sperm sample is not accidentally wasted.

In Summary

At-home insemination allows for more  privacy compared to other fertility treatments that are typically conducted in a clinical setting and is much more affordable and less invasive comparatively. While it is not as effective as IUI and IVF, it can still lead to pregnancy.

If you have any more questions about IVI, or need advice on where to begin, Nevada Center For Reproducive Medicine's team of expert healthcare providers are ready to help you on your family planning journey at any of our facilities across the country.

At-Home Insemination FAQs

Is there a best time to do at-home IVI?

Yes, IVI should be done within the two to three-day ovulation window. Before this window, there might not be enough viable sperm left in the uterus at the time ovulation occurs. Longer than a day or two after ovulation could cause sperm to miss the fertility window altogether.

Can I pee after at-home insemination?

Yes you may, after having rested for the recommended 20 to 30 minutes following the procedure. It will not increase or decrease the odds of success. Urine travels out of the body through a separate tract and will not come into contact with the sperm.

How many vials should you have for at-home insemination? 

Because IVI typically takes several attempts, consider ordering two or three vials at a time. If you are thinking about having more than one child through IVI, consider ordering more vials for future use.