At-Home Insemination Guide

There are many couples and individuals who choose to become pregnant using at-home insemination. The main reasons for using this fertility treatment are that the individuals do not produce sperm naturally, or the sperm producing partner is infertile. However, the top most reason is that it is the least expensive fertility treatment.

In most cases, at-home insemination usually requires more than one round to be successful. There are ways to increase your chances of becoming pregnant sooner using this fertility treatment. We shall discuss timing, techniques, and accurately tracking your ovulation, which are crucial to the success of the procedure.

What Is At-Home Insemination?

At-home insemination is also referred to as artificial insemination. It is a fertility treatment in which sperm - from a preferred donor, or a third party donor - is deposited into the vagina using a syringe or catheter. This process is done during an ovulation window, because that is the time a person is the most likely to become pregnant. 

When done at home, a syringe is used to deposit sperm into the vagina. At a clinic, a catheter is used, and the sperm is deposited directly into the uterus. When the sperm is deposited into the vagina it is called intravaginal insemination (IVI), and when it is deposited into the uterus, it is called intracervical insemination (ICI).

Success Rates of At-Home Insemination

Since at-home insemination is performed in a home setting - which is not as controlled an environment as medical facility - many other factors.

influence the success of the process. It may take three or more rounds for the procedure to be successful. The chances of pregnancy using at-home insemination are more than 40 percent with multiple tries.

Increasing Your At-Home Insemination Success Rate

To increase your chances of becoming pregnant with at-home insemination, there are several variables you need to take into account:

The Timing

Timing is the most crucial variable when it comes to conception because for one to become pregnant, the sperm must fertilize the egg during the ovulation window. This is true whether one is trying to become pregnant naturally, or using artificial fertility treatments.

The ovulation window lasts two to three days in the two weeks prior to your period. The exact moment an egg is released is unknown, therefore ovulation tracker can be used to give a more accurate indication of when ovulation is likely to happen. 

An ovulation tracker measures the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine. This matters because LH levels typically become elevated as your body comes closer to ovulating. Ideally, your best chance of success with at-home insemination falls the day before ovulation, but you still have about 48 hours from that point.

The Kit

The market is filled with a variety of at-home insemination kits. You could select one, based on preference or, you could have one recommended to you by a sperm donation agency. 

Once you have decided on the kit to use, familiarize yourself with its contents. Most kits contain a soft-tipped syringe, including some sterilized sample collection containers for the sperm sample. 

If your sperm sample is coming from a third party donor, the kit may have a container with the donated sperm. Additionally, the kit may also come with a catheter.

The Position

Once you are familiar with the kit, set a time where you know you will not be interrupted to do the procedure. It does not hurt to use the bathroom beforehand to avoid moving about before the process is complete. Additionally, if it helps, set up the room in a way that helps you relax. 

For the procedure itself, lie on your side or, on your back with a pillow under your hips to raise them. In this position, gravity helps to move the sample deeper into the uterus and prevents the sperm sample from leaking out. 

Deposit the sperm sample into the vagina using the syringe or catheter from your kit. (Do not try to insert the sperm sample directly into the uterus). Stay resting in the laid back position for another 20 to 30 minutes. To make sure that the sperm sample is not accidentally wasted.

In Summary

Usually, at-home insemination is preferred as a first option when it comes to fertility treatments because it is the least expensive, as well, it is the least invasive type of assisted reproduction therapy. 

Patients also enjoy having the option of doing it themselves. Although it may require several tries for one to see positive results, becoming pregnant is still possible using this method. 

If you have questions or need some direction on where to begin your family building journey, Ivy Fertility’s team of experts are available to guide you. Contact us our facilities across the country.

At-Home Insemination FAQs

What is the best time to do at-home IVI?

The best time to do at-home IVI is during ovulation. Before ovulation means that there likely will be less viable sperm available in the uterus when ovulation does occur. After ovulation means that there is a likelihood of missing fertility window altogether.

Is it okay to pee after at-home insemination?

Yes, it is okay to pee after at-home insemination, as long as you have rested for the recommended 20 to 30 minutes.

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

Having a few extras on hand is advisable - in the event that you need to repeat the process or intend on doing IVI in future.