Artificial Insemination at Home

Artificial insemination at home is noninvasive, and does not burn a hole in your pockets. To define it in simple terms, it is a procedure wherein, the male's sperm is injected into the women's reproductive tract using artificial methods and not by sexual intercourse. This procedure may involve inserting the sperm directly into the cervix [known as intracervical insemination (ICI)], base of the cervix [known as intravaginal insemination (IVI)], directly into the uterus [known as intrauterine insemination (IUI)], or into the fallopian tubes [intratubal insemination (ITI)].

How Is Artificial Insemination Carried Out At Home

# The process is best carried out when the female is most likely to ovulate. Ovulation is known as the most fertile time of the month when there are maximum chances of conceiving. It usually occurs between 12 - 14 days before the start of the next period, and it is when an egg is released from the ovary.

# Once you have the sperm specimen from a sperm bank or a donor, the first step would be to attain a comfortable position in a bed (preferably) with your hips raised with a cushion. This position helps to give the inserted sperm a 'head-start' in their journey.

# Now take a needle-less syringe and draw in air and then push out all the air. Thereafter, tilt the sperm container and draw in all the sperm in the syringe. Ensure that there is no bubble formed inside the syringe.

# Insert the syringe gently into the vagina as far as possible, and inject the sperm. Remove the syringe and relax. Experts advise to avoid any movement for at least about 30 minutes. This helps the sperm to reach the egg with ease. Experts also recommend to have orgasm post the procedure. This further increases the success rate of the insemination. This can be done by stimulating the clitoris. It helps the cervix dip into the vaginal pool, and suck up sperm thus, increasing the chances of the sperm to reach the egg.

Intracervical insemination (ICI) and intravaginal insemination (IVI) share similar methods of execution which have been listed above. They are considered to be the easiest. However, for other methods such as the intrauterine insemination (IUI) and intratubal insemination (ITI), it is advised that you consult your health care provider or a medical practitioner in order to seek the required advice and information.

Artificial Insemination Equipment

Depending on the type of artificial insemination, the equipment generally consists of a needle-less syringe or oral medicine syringe; cervical cap, diaphragm; collection bag or condom and mild germicidal soap. Other kits could comprise basal thermometers, kits for ovulation and pregnancy tests, and tests for fertility in men and women. It is extremely important to note that all such equipment must be purchased after consulting a qualified medical personnel.

Cost

Generally, it goes to about $300 - $500 per attempt. Now this amount may vary depending on the success from the first attempt. According to records, the success rate of achieving pregnancy through artificial insemination is about 10 to 20 percent, and so a minimal of five to ten attempts are required. Understand that artificial insemination is not a foolproof procedure, and does not guarantee 100% success that would lead to pregnancy. There have been many cases where people were never able to get pregnant even after several attempts. The prices may also vary according to the centers where the insemination is performed.

What Can Lower Success Rates?

There are various factors that can affect artificial insemination success rates; as already mentioned, not every procedure ends up in a successful pregnancy.

• Success rates lessen with age. Meaning, the older a woman is, the lesser are the chances that she will conceive
• Same goes with poor egg quality, or low quality sperm sample
• There is this medical condition wherein, tissues that are supposed to line the inside of the uterus of a female, grow outside the uterus. It is known endometriosis. A severe form of this condition may also make artificial insemination useless.
• Severely damaged fallopian tubes also, are of no help in making the insemination process a successful one

There are several factors that can affect fertility in couples who want to enjoy parenthood. In some cases, it is a different outlook towards life which some women have and that is to mother a child without a male partner (or without any contribution of a male). Whatever, the reason may be, all boils down to one aspect, and that is motherhood. And artificial insemination is considered to a boon for such people. The beauty of this medical breakthrough is that the pregnancy achieved by this method is no different from the normal one. What is more important is bringing in a new life and nurturing it with care and love.