Artificial Insemination at Home – Scheduling, Process and Success Rate

NOTE:- Performing artificial insemination at home is ILLEGAL in India. Any such attempts will invite legal implications, and also the baby born out of this process will be considered illegitimate. This blog is only for general information about how it is done abroad. Even abroad, this is done under legal advice only.

There can be many reasons behind opting for artificial insemination. These include difficulty getting pregnant, the desire to be a single mother, and so on. Most people undergo artificial insemination procedures under the guidance of their gynaecologist, who generally has a good amount of experience regarding the subject. However, if someone does not like the idea of doing this at a fertility clinic, there is the option of doing it at home as well. The most common method is known as the Turkey Baster method, as it involves the use of a handheld suction device used in preparing turkey meat. Based on this principle, there are various ways in which they can get it done. Many questions are often asked regarding this procedure. Will it be safe? Is it complicated? How successful are the chances of conceiving using home artificial insemination methods? All of these questions and more will be explained in the article below in detail.

What Is Home Insemination?

The Turkey Baster was originally used as a home artificial insemination device, used by the woman herself in the privacy of her home. Once the required semen sample is collected in a cup or a bowl, it can be sucked up using the turkey baster. The next step involves inserting the baster into the vagina and squeezing the semen out. However, these days basters are not used; in fact, specialised syringes and home insemination kits are sold which can help one do the job.

Creating a Plan With the Doctor Before Insemination

While this method can be performed at home, it can also be planned with the doctor beforehand. Here are a few points as to how the doctor offers support:

• If the partner’s semen isn’t used, it will be obtained from a trustworthy source as suggested by their doctor.
• While the concept is simple, there are various factors regarding the conception of a viable foetus. The doctor can help figure out anything that is needed regarding ovulation, insemination procedure, and so on.
• A needleless syringe can also be requested to the doctor preferably with a plunger which is longer than four inches.

Scheduling Insemination at-home

Once the plan has been created, it is time to schedule at-home insemination. This requires the understanding of the ovulation cycle.

• It helps the woman keep an eye on her own cycle to know when she might be producing ova.
• She can also use an artificial insemination at home kit specifically designed to identify when she is ovulating by checking the levels of luteinising hormone in her urine.
• Generally, ovulation occurs around ten to fifteen days after the first day of the period.
• Another sign she can watch out for is the presence of a sticky translucent discharge from her vagina.
• Several women also go through some cramping during ovulation.
• The woman can measure her basal body temperature, as during ovulation the temperature goes through a slight increase. For this, she will have to procure a specific basal thermometer and take the measurements right after waking up before she steps out of bed.
• Even if she is ovulating when she has artificially inseminated herself, this does not mean she will get pregnant, as several unrelated reasons can hinder the pregnancy.

How Artificial Insemination Is Performed at Home?

Here are some basic points regarding what is needed and how the artificial insemination process is performed at home:

1. What Is Needed?

• Sterilised needless syringe
• Clean cup or bowl to keep the semen
• Towels and pillows for cleanliness and comfort
• Anything the woman might need to help her relax, such as soothing music

2. How It Is Performed?

• The semen has to be collected in a clean and sterilised cup or bowl. It is important that a condom is not used for this purpose as it can contain certain chemicals that are spermicidal.
• The syringe plunger has to be pulled out, then the air pushed out of it. Now that a vacuum has been produced, the tip of the syringe is dipped in the bowl with the semen in it.
• The semen is sucked as much as possible through the syringe. If required, some medical saline is added in the bowl to extract any remaining semen.
• Any air bubbles formed in the syringe are removed by gently tapping on the side. The air is slowly pushed out by pressing the plunger gently.
• Now, the woman places herself in a comfortable position, as she will not be moving much for the next thirty minutes.
• A thick pillow will be kept below her waist so her hips are at a higher position than her upper body.
• The syringe is gently inserted into her vagina, and she starts injecting the semen as slowly as she possibly can. This is because the semen can escape the vagina if she sprays it too fast.
• Once all the syringe is entirely emptied, she can carry on with her daily activities.

Some Methods of Doing at Home Insemination

Here are some methods to perform IUI home insemination:

1. Fresh Sperm ICI Method

The Fresh Sperm Intracervical Insemination (ICI) method is a fertility technique where fresh sperm is introduced into the cervix to increase the chances of conception. This method is often used by couples trying to conceive at home or with the assistance of a healthcare provider.

In the ICI method, freshly collected sperm is prepared and then carefully inserted into the cervix using a syringe or other specialized devices. The goal is to place the sperm closer to the cervix to improve the chances of reaching the egg and fertilization occurring.

This method is often chosen by couples who want to take a more intimate and natural approach to conception, as it can be performed in the comfort of their own home. It’s important to note that the success of the ICI method can vary and is influenced by factors such as timing, sperm quality, and overall fertility health.

Couples considering the Fresh Sperm ICI method should do thorough research, consider consulting a healthcare professional for guidance, and ensure they have a clear understanding of the technique and its potential outcomes.

2. Frozen sperm ICI method

The Frozen Sperm Intracervical Insemination (ICI) method is a fertility technique that involves using frozen or cryopreserved sperm for at-home insemination. This method is commonly chosen by couples or individuals who are working with a sperm donor or who have stored sperm for various reasons, such as medical treatments or future use.

In the Frozen Sperm ICI method, the frozen sperm is thawed according to specific guidelines provided by a healthcare professional or sperm bank. The thawed sperm is then introduced into the cervix using a syringe or other suitable equipment. The goal is to place the sperm closer to the cervix, increasing the chances of fertilization.

Similar to the Fresh Sperm ICI method, timing and proper technique are crucial factors for success in the Frozen Sperm ICI method. The frozen sperm’s quality and viability, as well as the overall fertility health of the individual or couple, can impact the outcome.

It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist when using the Frozen Sperm ICI method. They can provide guidance on timing, thawing procedures, and overall fertility management to optimize the chances of successful conception.

Individuals or couples considering the Frozen Sperm ICI method should seek professional advice, do thorough research, and ensure they are well-informed about the process before proceeding.

Tips for Insemination

These at home insemination tips are to be kept in mind when the woman plans to go through artificial insemination at home:

• She has to make sure that she only uses sterilised items as this procedure can leave her open to the risk of infections.
• She has to make sure the injection reaches all the way to the entrance of the cervix, making it much easier for the sperms to swim towards the egg in the uterus.
• It is recommended the woman has an orgasm after the semen is injected. This is because, during orgasms, the cervical muscles contract and vacuum up any semen inside the uterus.
• She has to only use the equipment one time, and then throw it away. This avoids any contamination.
• She needs to wash her hands before and after the procedure.
• She has to stay in the same position for at least half an hour for the sperm to reach the egg.

How Does the Insemination Process Work?

This process works the same way as natural insemination. In this case, however, instead of a penis ejaculating semen into the vagina, a syringe is used to do the same thing. Once the sperms are in the cervix, they will enter the uterus, where one of them fuses with the egg, forming a zygote. The zygote then develops into a foetus over time.

How Much Time Is Required for Artificial Insemination at Home?

This method can be attempted as many times as the woman wants until she gets results. As long as she ensures that she performs the procedure during her ovulation, it should work sooner or later. If it doesn’t seem to be working after repeated attempts, she should contact her doctor.

Risk of Home Insemination

Some risks associated with artificial insemination at home:

1. Improper Placement

Not placing the sperm deep enough so that it reaches the cervix.

2. Hygiene Neglect

Using unsanitary items or not cleaning the hands during the process.

3. Initial Success Challenges

Not trying enough times, as it may not work the first time.

What Is the Home Artificial Insemination Success Rate?

How effective is artificial insemination at home? The efficacy rate is slightly lower than what would happen with natural intercourse. For instance, anecdotal evidence shows that the chances of getting pregnant with artificial insemination at home are around ten to fifteen percent per ovulation, whereas with natural intercourse the chances are much higher, between twenty to thirty per cent.

Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Conceiving With at-home Artificial Insemination

Wondering about the ways to increase your chances of conceiving with at-home artificial insemination? These tips might help!

1. Regularly Track Your Fertility

It’s crucial to understand your menstrual cycle before any fertility procedure. Ovulation trackers gauge hormone levels, helping identify peak fertility within your cycle. Employ a fertility tracker for a complete cycle before at-home artificial insemination to predict optimal fertility timing.

2. Comprehend Legal Implications

In many states, supervised medical professionals are required for artificial insemination to ensure donor parental rights termination. When using donor sperm for at-home insemination, consider creating legal documents or maintaining payment and communication records with the donor to safeguard your parental rights. Opting for an organization ensuring legal rights during donor sample acquisition could be beneficial. Seek legal advice if uncertain about at-home insemination ethics.

3. Master Proper at-home Insemination

Before attempting at-home artificial insemination, fully grasp the procedure. Success rates for ICI are lower than traditional fertility methods, and errors could diminish chances further. For successful at-home insemination, use a sterile syringe to introduce partner or donor sperm vaginally. Gently insert it as deeply as comfortable, aiming for proximity to the cervix. After insertion, recline for 15-30 minutes to aid sperm movement into the uterus for fertilization. Diligently follow these steps to get success in at-home insemination.

4. Time Your Test Correctly

Post at-home artificial insemination, the excitement of pregnancy test results may kick in. Yet, recall that it takes weeks for a positive outcome, and false-positives can occur. For precise results, test on your expected period-start day, roughly two weeks after ovulation. If positive, wait 1-2 weeks before consulting a doctor for a blood test confirmation.

FAQs

1. Is Home Insemination Using Donor Sperm Considered Safe?

Indeed, home insemination with donor sperm is entirely safe. Upon ordering the donor sperm to your residence, you can comfortably conduct the insemination at home.

2. Which Type of Sperm Is Recommended for Home Insemination Procedures?

ICI sperm is commonly used for home insemination. While IUI sperm is an option, its higher cost often leads to ICI preference. The key distinction lies in whether the sperm is washed.

The sperm can be from the woman’s partner or an unknown donor. Sperm banks are the best option for the latter, as they keep specific and clear records about the genetics of the donor, the quality of the sperm, and so on. The woman should ensure she uses a legal agreement when taking sperm from someone she knows, in case only she wants to have rights to the baby.

References/Resources:

1. Intrauterine insemination (IUI); mayoclinic.org; https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/intrauterine-insemination/about/pac-20384722

2. 8 Steps to Home Insemination Using Donor Sperm; creatingafamily.org; https://creatingafamily.org/infertility-category/infertility-blog/8-steps-to-home-insemination-using-donor-sperm/

3. Home Inseminations; thespermbankofca.org; https://www.thespermbankofca.org/insemination-pregnancy/home-inseminations/

4. Home insemination with donor sperm; hfea.gov.uk; https://www.hfea.gov.uk/donation/donors/home-insemination-with-donor-sperm/

5. What is IUI?; plannedparenthood.org; https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/fertility-treatments/what-iui

Also Read:

What Is Assisted Reproductive Technology?
Pregnancy Symptoms After IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination ) vs IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)