At-Home Insemination Guide

Many couples struggle to conceive naturally and are always searching for other options that may help them have a successful pregnancy. For such couples, at-home insemination becomes an alternative method to becoming a parent.  

Before choosing this route, it’s important to understand how the process works, including its benefits, risks, mistakes to avoid, and potential success rate. This article will provide a comprehensive view of what you need to know should you choose to inseminate at home. 

Key Takeaways

• At-home insemination is an affordable, less invasive alternative to other fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination.
• While it is not as consistent as some other forms of therapy, it can still yield reliable results if used for multiple rounds of treatments.
• At-home insemination is a popular choice for couples in which neither partner naturally produces sperm or couples in which a partner who does naturally produce semen is experiencing infertility.

What Is At-Home Insemination

Conception and successful pregnancy can be a challenge for many couples. Such couples look for alternatives in the form of assisted reproductive technologies to help them along this journey. Artificial insemination is a great option for couples whose partners have challenges with the quality and quantity of sperm. 

This is a great option as it is significantly cheaper than other forms of assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, leading some couples and individuals to try it first before moving on to more expensive, more invasive alternatives.

During intrauterine insemination, sperm is collected either from one of the parents or a third party and implanted directly into the uterus using a small catheter rather than through intercourse. While this process has a relatively high success rate, some prospective parents don’t want to have the process conducted in a clinical setting for any one of a variety of reasons.

Step in at-home insemination. Also known as intravaginal insemination (IVI) or intracervical insemination (ICI), the sperm in this case isn’t deposited in the uterus. At-home insemination can be done with fresh or frozen sperm but fresh sperm has a higher success rate than frozen sperm in this method. This is because fresh sperm is viable for a few days while frozen sperm, once thawed, is only viable for 12-24 hours.

At-Home Insemination Success Rates

Insemination done in a clinic like Ivy Fertility where expert healthcare providers are ready to help you on your family planning journey has a higher success than when done at home. This is because at-home insemination takes place in a less controlled environment and many variables can impact the success rate of the treatment. 

Nonetheless, a 2021 study found the subjects who participated in at-home insemination had more than 40% success rate making it an effective form of treatment for many people. 

How to Increase At-Home Insemination Success Rate

Many individuals who opt for at-home insemination may have to do several rounds before attaining a successful pregnancy. However, one can increase their chances of a successful at-home insemination procedure. 

Time the Insemination

At-home insemination should be done best when one is ovulating, particularly the day before ovulation or within 48 hours of ovulation. You can time this more accurately by using an ovulation tracker. You can also use tests that measure the amount of luteinizing hormone in urine to detect ovulation, as LH levels rise in the days immediately prior to ovulation.

Understand the Home Insemination Kit

Choose an at-home insemination kit you understand. The kit you choose boils down to personal preference or the sperm donation agency you go with. Most kits come with a soft-tipped syringe and some sample collection containers. The sample container will either already contain a donated sperm sample (if you use a third-party sperm donation agency) or will already be sterilized for use. 

Some kits come with a long, thin catheter, which you will insert into the vagina, or the syringe itself is inserted directly into the vagina. The plunger is then depressed, depositing the collected sperm sample into the vagina.

Choose the Right Position for At-Home Insemination

The best position for at-home insemination is lying down on the side or the back with a pillow under to raise the hips. This position prevents the sperm sample from leaking and lets 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 the sample is not accidentally wasted.

Common At-Home Insemination Mistakes

When used correctly, at-home insemination kits can increase your chances of conception and reduce overwhelming feelings of helplessness when facing infertility. To increase your chances of success, here are some common mistakes you can avoid. 

• Don’t insert too far. While you may have the desire to increase your chances, inserting the syringe too far can cause cramping or pain. This means that the syringe has gone too far. 
• Ensure the insemination isn’t too shallow. Just like too deep can be bad for you, too shallow may not get the job done. The goal is to deliver the sperm as close to the cervix as possible. This will give a better chance of conception.
• Don’t use lubrication. Vaginal lubricants can be toxic to sperm, sometimes reducing sperm motility by 49%. Lubrication can also disrupt the sterile environment needed for insemination and potentially impact your chances of conception success.
• Keep your hands clean and ensure there’s a clean environment when performing an at-home insemination. 
• Only open the syringe when you’re ready. Don't lay the syringe anywhere or touch the sides of it as any bacteria can affect the process and cause an infection. 
• Lie down after. Once your’e done, lie down for some time. Ensure you pee before you begin the process to avoid getting up or tainting the insemination. Also, don't attempt to clean yourself up.

At-Home Insemination FAQs

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

Yes. At-home insemination should be done immediately before, during, or immediately after ovulation, within a two to three-day span surrounding ovulation itself. Any attempts done before this period may be unsuccessful.  

Can I pee after at-home insemination?

No. You should wait to pee at least 30 minutes after an at-home insemination procedure. Experts actually recommend peeing before you start the process. However, 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? 

Preferably two or three. At-home insemination though reliable may take some time before it takes. If you are considering having more than one child through, you may consider ordering more samples at a time if you are planning to use the same donor for more than one child.

Bottom Line

At-home insemination is a great private option for artificial insemination. It offers a relaxing environment that makes it easier for couples struggling with low sperm count and hoping to become pregnant independently. While it is not as effective as some other processes like IVF, it can still yield positive results for many and is a significantly cheaper, less invasive option.