Would you like to use donor sperm, but in a more private setting than a clinic or hospital? Then assisted home insemination could be the ideal solution for you.
What is assisted home insemination?
Assisted home insemination allows you or your partner to perform insemination with donor sperm in a familiar and comfortable setting, such as your home or a midwife’s office. The only requirement is that a healthcare professional (either you or someone you know) receives the donor sperm and ensures a safe and effective procedure.
Who is assisted home insemination with donor sperm for?
Ideal candidates for assisted home insemination are women who:
- Are 35 or younger
- Have regular menstrual cycles
- Have no known fertility issues
- Need donor sperm to conceive.
This includes single women, lesbian couples, and heterosexual couples experiencing male infertility.
Considering insemination with donor sperm?
Create a free and non-binding account at Cryos and start searching for the right sperm donor to help make your dream of a child come true.
How does assisted home insemination work?
Assisted home insemination involves injecting sperm into the vaginal canal, where it travels through the cervix, uterus, and into the fallopian tubes. If an egg is present, fertilisation may occur. To maximise your chances, insemination should be performed around ovulation. Tracking your cycle and timing sperm delivery correctly is essential.
How to perform insemination
Follow these steps to perform the insemination:
Step 1: Remove the sperm straw from its packaging.
Step 2: Thaw the sperm at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the syringe and draw the sperm into it.
Step 4: Lie down in a comfortable position.
Step 5: When ready, insert the syringe as far into the vaginal canal as possible and inject the sperm slowly.
Step 6: Gently remove the syringe, and lie still for around 30 minutes.
Step 7: After two weeks, take a urine pregnancy test to check if the insemination was successful.
When you purchase donor sperm from Cryos for assisted home insemination, your order will include a home insemination kit and detailed instructions.
When to perform insemination at home
The best time to perform insemination is around 24 hours after your LH surge. This is when ovulation is likely to occur, and your chances of conception are highest.
To get the timing right, we recommend that you:
- Track your cycle: Monitor your menstrual cycle for 1-2 months to identify your most fertile days.
- Use ovulation tests: Ovulation tests (also called LH tests) measure the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine. A rise - or "surge" - in LH usually means ovulation will happen within 24 to 36 hours. Ovulation tests can be bought in pharmacies and supermarkets.
What are the risk factors of performing insemination at home?
Assisted home insemination is generally safe when using donor sperm from a certified sperm bank like Cryos. However, there are some risks to consider:
- Legal considerations: Using donated sperm outside a licensed clinic may have legal implications, particularly regarding parental rights. It is your responsibility to verify and adhere to local laws.
- Lower success rates: Statistically, home insemination is less effective than more advanced fertility treatments like IUI or IVF, but it offers greater flexibility and lower costs.
- Risk of infection: Improper handling of sperm or equipment can increase infection risk. Follow the instructions carefully and use the alcohol pad provided.
What does assisted home insemination cost?
The cost of assisted home insemination can range from EUR 420 to EUR 5,070 for the sperm, including VAT and a home insemination kit, and from EUR 95 to EUR 672 for the shipping.
The final price depends on:
For example, if you choose an ID Release Sperm Donor with an Extended Profile and purchase 2xICI MOT 10 straws (the recommended amount), including shipping within the EU in a nitrogen tank that keeps the sperm frozen for 7 days, the price will be EUR 2,130. See a full list of donor sperm prices here.
How to purchase donor sperm for assisted home insemination
Purchasing donor sperm for assisted home insemination is simple:
Step 1: Find a sperm donor.
Step 2: Place an order of 2 x ICI MOT 10 straws (higher motility or IUI straws can also be used).
Step 3: Provide the name and address of the healthcare professional who will receive the order. Please note that the healthcare professional must have created a Professional account and provided documentation of their license or certificate before shipping can take place.
Step 4: Choose a shipping date that ensures the sperm arrives in time for ovulation.
Since multiple attempts may be needed, we recommend reserving extra sperm straws when placing your initial order. You can ship two straws now and keep the rest securely stored at Cryos for future attempts or potential siblings.
How to make the insemination successful
To give yourself the best chance of pregnancy, we recommend the following steps:
Before the insemination
- Track your ovulation: Timing is one of the most important factors when trying to conceive. To increase your chances of pregnancy, insemination should happen close to the time of ovulation - when your body releases an egg. To get the timing right, monitor your cycle for a couple of months to understand its pattern and identify your most fertile days - and use an ovulation test to detect the LH surge and determine the timing.
- Consider a fertility test: If you have regular cycles and no known fertility issues, your chances are likely good. However, if you have had unsuccessful attempts or want reassurance, consider consulting a doctor for hormone tests (AMH, FSH, TSH) and/or a test to check if your fallopian tubes are open.
- Ensure proper shipping: Timing is key. Sperm must arrive in time and stay frozen until the insemination. Find more details on shipping options and delivery times here
On the day of the insemination
- Read the instructions before you begin: Your order will include detailed instructions, which you must carefully read and follow.
- Thaw the sperm correctly: Remove the sperm straws from the packaging and let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Do not place the straws in warm water to speed up the process, as this can affect the sperm quality.
Personal support for your fertility journey
Our Customer Care Team is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you have specific questions or need guidance on your possibilities, we are here for you. Contact us now for personalised support.
FAQ about assisted home insemination
How can I do insemination at home?
With assisted home insemination, you or your partner can perform the procedure with donor sperm at home:
1. Thaw the donor sperm at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
2. Lie down in a comfortable position.
3. Insert the provided syringe deep into the vaginal canal.
4. Inject the sperm slowly and remove the syringe.
5. Lie still for about 30 minutes.
For assisted home insemination, a healthcare professional - either yourself or someone you know – must receive the donor sperm delivery.
Can I perform the insemination myself?
With assisted home insemination, this is up to you and your healthcare professional. They provide guidance and support, but they do not necessarily need to perform the procedure. However, they must receive the sperm, provide support, and follow up to confirm whether the insemination was successful.
Can donor sperm be delivered to my home?
Yes, donor sperm can be delivered to your home, but only if you are a healthcare professional. If you are not, you will need to arrange for a healthcare professional (such as a nurse, doctor, or midwife) to receive the sperm.
. Click here for a full list of healthcare professionals we can legally ship donor sperm to under Danish law.
Does home insemination work?
Yes, many people have successfully conceived through home insemination. The chances of pregnancy are similar to trying to become pregnant through intercourse. When using donor sperm, you are assured of high-quality sperm, which increases the chances of success.
How to buy sperm online for home insemination?
You can buy donor sperm from Cryos online by creating a free account, selecting a sperm donor, choosing ICI sperm straws (we recommend two straws of MOT10 or higher), and placing an order with shipping to your chosen healthcare professional.