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Home Insemination: Everything You Need to Know

By CNY Fertility Published on
Home Insemination: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on home insemination! In this article, we will explore what you need to know about the process, including the most effective techniques, success rates, how to obtain reputable donor sperm, and things to watch out for.  We hope our insights and practical advice help you navigate this journey with confidence.

What is Home Insemination? 

Home insemination, also known as intracervical insemination (ICI), is a “procedure” that entails deliberately placing sperm near the cervix or inside the vagina using a syringe, cervical cap, or other devices. 

Home insemination is the least invasive and least expensive way to try to get pregnant using donor sperm. Most often performed by individuals or couples in the comfort of their own home, there is usually no need for medical supervision or clinical assistance. 

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Who is Home Insemination Good For? 

Home insemination can be particularly beneficial for a few groups of people, including:

  • Same-sex couples for whom home insemination provides a more intimate and personal experience than clinical fertility care. 
  • Single individuals who want to become parents without the need for another partner. 
  • Couples with fertility challenges can opt for home insemination as a less expensive option to address issues such as low sperm count, low sperm quality, and cervical mucus problems.

What are the success rates for home insemination?

Factors that impact the success rates for home insemination include sperm quality, overall health, various markers of fertility, age, and BMI. 

Overall, home insemination success rates have been found to range between 10-15% per menstrual cycle. This makes home insemination about as successful as conception through intercourse.4

In comparison, intrauterine insemination (IUI) has a success rate between 18-20%, while cumulative  IVF success rates are around 40% per cycle, though this changes significantly with age (50% for women under 30 declining to around 20% for women 38-40). 5 6

A 2015 study of 1,843 women found successful pregnancy rates over six cycles were only slightly higher for IUI (40.5 percent) versus ICI (37.9 percent).7

A 2017 study examined ICI success rates for couples in three different age groups who could not have sex because of vaginismus or erectile dysfunction. The researchers found that over six cycles the 20-33 group had a 69% success rate, the 33-36 group had a 43% success rate, and the 36 and older group had a 25% success rate. 6

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What is the Process of Home Insemination? 

The process of home insemination typically entails the following: 

  • Undergoing fertility testing through your primary care physician, OBGYN, a fertility clinic, or through an online service.
  • Obtaining donor sperm from a reputable sperm bank or a known donor who preferably has undergone a semen analysis and other testing recommended by the FDA. 
  • Tracking the female partner’s menstrual cycle to determine when she will ovulate.
  • Preparing the sperm for insemination by bringing it up to body temperature
  • Carefully inserting the sperm into the female partner’s reproductive tract using a sterile delivery device during the time in her menstrual cycle when she is most fertile. 

Steps for Effective Home Insemination

At the time of home insemination, the procedure for most people will be as follows:

  1. The partner receiving the sperm finds a comfortable position.
  2. Slowly glide the syringe or catheter into the vagina until it is close to the cervix.
  3. Very slowly inject the sperm so that it coats the outside of the cervix.
  4. Attempt to have an orgasm via clitoral stimulation, but without penetration.
  5. Remain lying down with your hips elevated for 15-30 minutes.
  6. Follow the instructions on your kit to either wash or dispose of the insemination kit. 

The Importance of Tracking Ovulation

Tracking your ovulation is perhaps the most important factor in your control to optimize your chances of conceiving successfully. 

Women are at their most fertile 2 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation. This usually occurs 12-14 days before the start of the next menstrual period.5

of the likelihood of conceiving based on day of insemination relative to ovulation

After ovulating, the chance of becoming pregnant is essentially 0% until you enter the fertile window of your next cycle. 

Keep in mind that the timing of your menstrual cycle may change from month to month, so it’s best to get familiar with your cycle for a few months before doing home insemination. 

Various ways to track ovulation 

  • Calendar Method: Track the first day of your period on a calendar or in an app for at least six months to determine your menstrual cycle length, which is the number of days between the start of consecutive periods. Ovulation typically occurs 12–14 days before your next period. To find your fertile window, count five days before ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after.
  • Basal Body Temperature: Measure your temperature every morning before getting out of bed. A slight rise in basal body temperature indicates ovulation, and you’re most fertile in the two to three days before this increase.
  • Cervical Mucus: Notice any thick, slippery mucus similar to egg whites, which signals ovulation is near or occurring.
  • Ovulation Predictor Tools: Use over-the-counter ovulation predictor kits (OPK), tracking bracelets, or lab tests to detect hormonal changes before ovulation. Start testing daily, typically between 10 AM and 2 PM. A positive OPK result indicates the day before ovulation.
  • Cycle Tracking Apps: Apps can analyze your cycle’s timing and duration to predict ovulation. For instance, Flo Health uses machine learning to forecast ovulation for both regular and irregular cycles.

Fertility Testing Before and After

Before attempting home insemination, it is wise to undergo fertility testing. Fertility testing is inexpensive compared to the cost of donor sperm, which can range between $400 and $2500. 

Fertility testing can also reveal issues that may impede your chances of getting pregnant and provide treatments for overcoming them and optimizing your potential for success. 

If you’ve tried a few rounds of home insemination without success, then re-testing is also good option. 

Options for seeking fertility testing include: 

  • Your primary care physician or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) can provide initial fertility testing. If it turns out that you need additional care or testing, they can refer you to a specialist.
  • Fertility clinics specializing in reproductive health can test for specific factors such as ovarian reserve, hormone levels, and ultrasound imaging of the reproductive organs. For people using a known donor, fertility clinics can also perform semen analysis. 
  • Online fertility testing services offer fertility testing kits that can be used at home to assess markers of fertility, including hormone levels.

Remember to communicate your plans for home insemination so that your healthcare provider can support you with the appropriate tests and guidance. 

Choosing the Right Kind of Sperm for ICI

If you’re planning on purchasing donor sperm for your ICI, it is important that you choose either IUI or ICI-ready sperm.

Standard IUI-ready sperm is washed, meaning that the healthiest sperm has been separated from seminal fluid and concentrated. While an ICI-ready vial is unwashed. 

The prevailing view is that the extra seminal fluid in ICI vials may help sperm travel up into the uterus. However, there is no statistical difference in terms of success rates between IUI or ICI-ready sperm.3 The main difference is the price. ICI-ready donor sperm is less expensive than IUI-ready sperm. 5

Vials of IUI and ICI-ready sperm typically come with a syringe or catheter for insertion into the cervix.

Finding Reputable Donar Sperm 

One of the first steps when considering a sperm donor is to think about the characteristics you would like your child to have. Attributes such as athleticism, educational aptitude (IQ), musical and artistic ability, physical appearance, occupation orientation, and interests can be a good way to build a profile of your ideal sperm donor. 

Once you’ve thought about the attributes you would like your child to have the next step is choosing your donor. There are three main categories of sperm donors for home insemination: 

  • A known donor: Often a family member, friend, or acquaintance willing to go through the necessary testing and donation process. Using sperm from a known donor is often done with the consultation of a reproductive lawyer.
  • An anonymous is obtained through a sperm bank. You will receive information about their essential characteristics such as family history, race, education, appearance, and interests. Anonymous donors are required to be tested for infectious diseases and may have to meet other screening criteria specific to the sperm bank, such as family history and genetic testing. 
  • An open donor is also obtained through a sperm bank, but the donor is willing to be known to the parents and child.

If you have questions about donor sperm or any other family building needs, feel free to schedule a consultation with one of our fertility specialists. 

A selection of the state approved banks that CNY works closely with include: 

How Many Home Insemination Cycles Should I Try?

Most people should attempt no more than six unsuccessful home insemination cycles. After that, you are strongly encouraged to consult with a fertility specialist. 

Home Insemination: The Bottom Line 

Home insemination offers an accessible starting point for same-sex couples and single parents looking for an affordable and intimate approach to assisted conception. 

It is important to approach the process with careful planning and a good understanding of the process. Fertility testing before and after attempts can offer valuable insights and increase your odds of success. Selecting the right type of donor sperm is pivotal. 

With proper preparation and informed decision-making, home insemination can be a promising avenue toward fulfilling the dream of starting a family.