Home IUI with a Midwife: How it Works
I’m here to demystify the process of intrauterine insemination (IUI). IUI is a safe and simple procedure, and having a midwife come to your home to perform the IUI makes all the sense in the world: you are more relaxed and comfortable in your own space, the environment is less clinical, your partner (if applicable) can be involved in the process, and your physical and emotional comfort is prioritized. OK, but how does it all work?
Preparing for Conception with IUI
Long before the IUI takes place, you’ll have laid the groundwork by preparing your body by taking steps to optimize your body for fertility, selecting a donor and obtaining the sperm, and often getting some labs and ultrasounds to evaluate fertility. You might be using either fresh or frozen sperm. Another important and often overlooked step of IUI preparation is learning you cycle and how to identify ovulation. Timing is everything with IUI, as the sperm only live 12-24 hours once inside the uterus, and the egg is only available for fertilization for 24 hours. Therefor, practicing cycle tracking for 3-6 months prior to beginning IUIs can increase the success because you will be more educated on the intricacies of your individual cycle. It is advisable to meet with a midwife for preconception counseling in the months prior to beginning IUIs: a preconception consultation will cover topics such as cycle tracking methods, nutrition and lifestyle changes for fertility, and supplements to support fertility and pregnancy. Bay Fertility Care offers thorough 90-minute preconception appointments, which can also include fertility testing referrals.
IUI and Use of Fresh Sperm
If you are using fresh sperm (from a known donor or from your partner), it will need to be washed by your midwife immediately prior to the IUI. This process takes about an hour and is done in your home. Your donor (or partner) will supply the sample, and the washing process needs to begin within 30-60 minutes after ejaculation. I can bring all the supplies needed for washing: a portable centrifuge, sperm washing medium, vials, pipettes, and gloves. I typically set up on your kitchen table or a countertop, and you are welcome to watch the process or do your own thing while I work. After the sperm has been washed, we are ready for the IUI!
If the sperm you are using comes from the bank, it will arrive to you already washed (select IUI-ready vials). The vial(s) of sperm will arrive to you in a nitrogen tank, where they will remain until we are ready to do the IUI. It takes about 15-20 minutes for the vial(s) to thaw.
The IUI Procedure
The sperm sample is drawn up into a syringe, with a long, thin catheter (tube) attached. We will get you set up on your bed or couch and make sure you are comfortable and well-supported. First, a speculum is inserted into your vagina (just like with a pap smear). Once your cervix is in view, the catheter is inserted through your cervix and into your uterus. This may cause some light cramping, similar to menstrual cramps. Once the catheter is in place, the syringe is slowly depressed to release the sperm directly into the uterus. If you have a partner and they want to be the one to depress the catheter, they are more than welcome to participate. The process takes under five minutes in total, and usually is about the same level of discomfort as a Pap smear.
After the IUI Process Here is What to Expect
After the IUI is complete, it is recommended to stay laying in bed for 30-60 minutes. This helps keep the sperm inside the uterus. Some people experience some cramping in the 24 hours after an IUI, sometimes immediately after and sometimes delayed a few hours after the procedure. Some people don’t experience any cramping. If you do, it’s typically mild and manageable. Some also experience light spotting in the 24 hours after an IUI, which is normal and not a concern. You should take it easy for the rest of the day, but are free to resume normal activity the next day.
Now you begin the “two-week wait,” those challenging two weeks between inseminating and waiting to find out if you are pregnant. It’s recommended to wait 14 days before taking a pregnancy test; if you test sooner you may get a false negative (a negative test even when you are pregnant).
Stats to Keep in Mind with IUI
Keep in mind, the success rate for one IUI cycle is about 20-25% per cycle for people under 30, 15-20% for people between 30-35, 10% for people between 35-40, and 5% for people between 40-45. This means that you are likely going to need more than one IUI before conceiving. Trying to conceive is often a wild ride with ups and downs, hopes and disappointments, excitement, and nervousness. It’s important to manage expectations realistically and to trust in the mystery. Stay posted for an upcoming blog post on managing the highs and lows of a conception journey.
This blog post was originally published by Emunah Midwifery, view it here.
Are You Ready To Get Support With Home IUI With Midwives In Berkley, CA?
Our holistic approach includes recommendations for nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes to enhance your fertility. We may also conduct lab tests or order imaging to better understand your baseline health and fertility status. Our goal at Bay Fertility Care in Berkley, CA is to help you optimize your chances of conception and have a healthy pregnancy. If you are ready to get started with our midwives, follow these steps:
Get started with informed and empathetic care