At-Home Insemination Guide

At-home insemination is an alternative to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). It is significantly cheaper than other forms of assisted reproductive technology, leading some couples and individuals to try it first before moving on to more expensive, more invasive alternatives.

It is also a popular choice for couples where neither partner naturally produces sperm, or a partner who naturally produces semen is experiencing infertility. While it may not be as consistent as other therapies, it can still yield reliable results if used for multiple rounds of treatments. 

In this article we shall be discussing how you can boost your chances of success with at-home insemination. We shall share tips regarding timing, technique, and tracking ovulation, in order to maximize your conception potential.

What Is At-Home Insemination?

Artificial insemination is a process in which sperm collected from either one of the prospective parents or a third party, is implanted directly into the uterus using a small catheter. While this process is typically conducted in a clinical setting, some people may prefer to do this in a home setting, for any one of a variety of reasons.

At-home insemination uses a syringe with no needle - rather than a catheter - to deposit a sperm sample into the vagina. This method of insemination is sometimes called intravaginal insemination (IVI) or intracervical insemination (ICI). It is distinct from IUI in that, due to the use of a syringe, the sperm sample is not deposited directly into the uterus.

Many couples and individuals that are facing fertility challenges look into artificial insemination options, particularly in instances where the partner whose sperm would normally be used, is experiencing infertility, or in cases where neither partner produces sperm naturally. 

At-Home Insemination Success Rates

At-home insemination takes place in a less controlled environment compared to other forms of infertility treatments, therefore there are more variables in play that can impact the success rate of the treatment. Nonetheless, research shows it can be an effective form of treatment after three or more rounds, with a pregnancy rate of more than 40 percent according to one study.

How to Increase Your At-Home Insemination Success Rate

Many people find that they need to undergo multiple rounds of at-home insemination before getting their desired outcome, and it is usual for it to take several tries. That being said, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of a successful IVI attempt.

Time the Insemination

In order to have the best results, at-home insemination should be attempted during ovulation - roughly two weeks before the start of a period.  Ovulation can be tracked more accurately using an ovulation tracker, which tests the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine in order to detect ovulation. LH levels usually rise in the days immediately leading to ovulation, therefore at-home insemination should ideally be performed the day before ovulation, or in the 48-hour window that follows.

Understanding the Home Insemination Kit

There are a variety of at-home insemination kits, and the one you choose may come down to personal preference, or recommendation by the guidance of a sperm donation agency if you decide to employ a third-party donor. Regardless of the kit used, it is important to familiarize yourself with how it works before trying an at-home insemination.

Basically, most kits consist of a soft-tipped syringe and some sample collection containers. The sample collection container will either already contain a donated sperm sample, or will be sterilized for collection from a parent or third-party donor.

Some kits include a long, thin catheter similar to those used in IUI treatments. It is inserted into the vagina but not fully into the uterus as is the case in IUI. For kits that do not contain a catheter, the syringe itself is inserted into the vagina and plunger is then depressed, depositing the collected sperm sample into the vagina.

Choose the Right Position for At-Home Insemination

When it is time to perform the at-home insemination, the partner expecting to carry the pregnancy should lie on their side, or on their back, with a pillow under them to raise their hips. This position is ideal in preventing the sperm sample from leaking, letting gravity move the sample further into the uterus. Most at-home insemination guides recommend resting in this position for 20 to 30 minutes following the procedure, to ensure that the sample is not accidentally wasted.

At-Home Insemination FAQs

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

At-home IVI should be done within a two to three-day span surrounding ovulation itself, meaning immediately before, during, or immediately after ovulation. Attempts before this are unlikely to leave enough viable sperm in the uterus by the time ovulation occurs. On the other hand, waiting longer than a day or two after ovulation means that sperm gets into the uterus outside of the typical fertility window of a regular menstrual cycle.

Can I pee after at-home insemination?

Urinating, having rested for 20 to 30 minutes after an at-home insemination attempt, will not increase or decrease the odds of success. Urine travels out of the body from the bladder through the urethra- a completely separate tract from the reproductive system - and will not come into contact with the sperm sample or flush it out.

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

At-home insemination usually takes several rounds of treatment. When considering using a sperm bank or other third-party agency to obtain a sperm sample, many people will order two or three vials at a time in order to have enough for several attempts. If you are thinking about having more than one child through IVI, consider ordering more vials at a time if you plan to use the same donor for more than one child.

Bottom Line

At-home insemination is a more private option for artificial insemination compared to other services which are provided in a clinical setting. It is a popular choice for couples with whom neither partner naturally produces sperm, or for individuals wishing to become pregnant independently. While it is not as effective as treatments such as IUI and IVF, it can still yield positive results for many and is a significantly cheaper, less invasive option.

If you have further questions about IVI, or need guidance on where to begin, Nevada Fertility Center can help. Our team of expert healthcare providers have offices across the country and are ready to help you on your family planning journey.