thoughts on at-home insemination method?

[shaynaatl]

Hello, just posted in the Intro thread but figured I would get some advice.

Our story: DH is 36 and I am 31. DH has erectile dysfunction so we haven't been able to TTC, even though we've "tried" for 3 cycles now.

He also just got an SA and has just 3% morphology (though other numbers are decent- 35M per ml count and 65% motility).  He is an ultrasound next week to check for varicoceles.  However, urologist claims fertility shouldn't be impacted by low morphology since his other numbers aren't too bad.

I don't have any fertility issues I am aware of.  I ovulate like clockwork.

Assuming the ED is not fixed soon (and he is seeking help for that), we would consider IUI and then IVF.  But I'm doing some basic reading on the "turkey baster" method, and am wondering if this is a good option for us to try first.  Anyone have any opinions (pros/cons) on this method?  Should we talk to an RE before trying it?  Thanks.

[lola]

I have no knowledge on this issue, but yes - ABSOLUTELY you should talk to a doctor first.

[G22]

If its not something I know anything about, I'd definitely talk to a doctor about it. Even then, it never hurts to get a professional opinion.

[azurely]

I know nothing about it, but please be careful. I would hate for you to get an infection or something nasty like that. Definitely get a medical doctor's opinion.

Good luck!

[awkwardpenguin]

Hi, I lurk here occasionally and we have done at home insemination. It's not a crazy idea at all, but most REs won't present it as an option because IUI has higher success rates. If I were in your position, I would try it for three or four cycles and then move on to the RE.

We got our instructions and "kit" from an "alternative insemination" program run by midwives. (We're a same-sex female couple.). It's just a collection cup and a 5cc or 3cc oral syringe. The oral syringes are easily obtained at the pharmacy counter, usually for free. You can collect in any clean, dry container, or a non-lubed non-spermicidal condom.

We timed off of OPKs, and the ideal timing is when you get the positive OPK and again 24 hours later.

We didn't get pregnant via this method and now are working with an RE. But I know plenty of people who have had success, so with no other known fertility problems, it's worth a try, especially if you are out of pocket for fertility treatment.

You can PM me with any questions.

[KaraOrNot]

I know nothing about this, but I would defiantly recommend talking to your doctor and getting all your options. Then you can make an informed decision.

[kershnic]

If you're just doing intervaginal insemination there's nothing much to talk to your doctor about before you do it. Plenty of female same-sex couples get pregnant that way, and I have also heard of straight couples with ED issues being successful as well. I don't know much about ED though.

Akwardpenguin said everything else I would say plus more so I'll stop there.

[awkwardpenguin]

Yeah, I also don't think there's much to talk to your doctor about. Intravaginal insemination is basically the same method as having sex. Since it's just fresh sperm into the vagina, there are no additional risks over regular intercourse.

In my experience, doctors vary pretty widely in whether they are comfortable with this method or not. Our donor's PCP had "never heard of anyone doing it that way", but our (very LGBT friendly) RE was totally fine with it and just asked us questions to see if the at home inseminations should "count" toward our infertility Dx.