Frequently Asked Questions

IUI is a procedure in which washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus, using a thin catheter (tube) that goes through the cervix. The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes, and feels similar to getting a Pap. IUI is a safe and effective way to achieve pregnancy.

I provide services within Alameda County, San Francisco County, Marin County, Contra Costa County, San Mateo County, and Solano County. Occasionally, I travel further. My practice is based in Berkeley, CA, but provides in-home services within a 50-mile radius.

The procedure is exactly the same, whether it’s being performed in the comfort of your home or in a doctor’s office. Many people find it more comfortable and relaxed to receive fertility care in the own home, whereas a clinic can feel sterile and cold. It is also more convenient when your care provider comes to your home, and the timing can be more tailored to fit your schedule. Another benefit of having the IUI at home is that you can stay resting in a reclined position, which may help increase the chances of success, with no rush to leave. Whether the IUI is done at home or in a clinic, we always use sterile instruments and gloves for safety.

For most people, the procedure is mildly uncomfortable, but not painful. Usually the speculum insertion is the most uncomfortable part, though your midwife will work with you and communicate throughout to make it as comfortable as possible. Some people experience mild cramping with the catheter insertion, and this cramping can last for up to 24-hours, though usually it is much less. If you do experience cramping, you can take ibuprofen.

Some providers offer IUI outside of traditional fertility clinics. Bay Fertility Care provides fertility consultations and IUI in a comfortable setting, including at-home care for clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. This can offer a more comfortable and flexible option than clinic-based fertility care.

2026 brought in vastly expanded insurance benefits for fertility care. However, it is still unclear if these benefits will extend outside of a clinic setting. While you may be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance company if you have a PPO plan, you are responsible for paying the cost of any care provided by Bay Fertility Care, with payment due at the time of service.

Any lab work and ultrasounds can be billed directly to your insurance, and the lab company or ultrasound facility will determine if there are additional copays or fees.

There is no easy answer to this question; everyone’s journey is unique. These statistics might help you get a sense of realistic expectations:

For people under 30, the success rate is around 20-25% per cycle.

For people aged 30 to 35, the success rate of IUI is typically 15-20% per cycle.

People aged 35-40 have a 10% success rate per cycle. By their early 40s, the success rates drop to approximately 5%.

These are statistics for people with no known fertility issues, who are using high-quality sperm. If you are impacted by fertility complications, your statistical chances of success will be lowered.

“Sperm washing” refers to the process by which motile sperm are separated out from the other components in seminal fluid. Since IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterine cavity, it’s important to remove bacteria, as well as prostaglandins that can cause uterine cramping. Additionally, removing the non-motile sperm and leaving only the healthy ones increases the chances of success.

The washing process involves layering the semen over sperm-washing medium to create a density gradient, and using centrifugal force to separate out the healthy sperm.

If you are purchasing sperm from a bank, you can order IUI-ready (washed) vials. If you are using fresh sperm (either from a known donor or a partner), your midwife will do the sperm washing at your home immediately prior to the IUI. The washing process takes about 45 minutes.

Medication management is outside of my scope as a Licensed Midwife. Some clients choose to get fertility medications prescribed through an MD, while still pursuing at-home IUI with Bay Fertility Care. We can discuss the risks and benefits of medications during a preconception consultation, so you have the information to make the best choice for your individual circumstances.

Yes. Bay Fertility Care specializes in supporting queer family building. Many of my clients are queer, lesbian, trans and nonbinary people, or single parents by choice. We provide fertility consultations, cycle tracking, and intrauterine insemination (IUI) in a supportive environment designed for LGBTQ+ families.

Yes, of course! Your partner is welcome to be involved in whatever capacity you choose. Partners are always welcomed in appointments and at the time of the IUI, and they are even welcome to participate in the procedure.

This appointment is meant to set you up for success with an upcoming IUI. We will cover strategies for cycle tracking and identifying ovulation, recommendations for optimizing fertility, supportive holistic modalities, options for fertility testing, and preparation for home IUI.

My six month coaching program offers real-time guidance and support through various stages of your fertility journey. This container is intended for those who want accompaniment through the process that is both clinically grounded and emotionally supportive.

I am a California Licensed Midwife (LM), licensed by the Medical Board of California, and a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). I am credentialed to provide fertility and well-woman care, including consultation, lab orders, and IUI procedures. It is not within my scope of practice to prescribe fertility medications or do advanced procedures like egg retrieval or IVF.