Discussing Home Insemination, IVF and IUI

What is Home Insemination?

Home insemination is a method of trying to conceive by placing sperm into the vagina or cervix using a syringe or cervical cap, done outside a clinical setting — usually at home. You can read and watch videos about the processes here - Artificial Insemination Processes and Methods

The process involves collecting sperm (either from a known or donor source) in a sterile container, then using a syringe — typically one with a soft, flexible tip — to gently insert the sperm into the vagina during the fertile window (Check-out our award winning insemination syringe). After insemination, it’s common to lie down for 15 to 30 minutes to help the sperm reach the cervix.

Pros:

• More private and intimate

• Lower cost compared to medical procedures. Checkout our available insemination kit here - collections/insemination-kits

• Can feel more natural and empowering

• Great option for lesbian couples, solo parents, and those using known donors

Cons:

• Lower success rates compared to clinical methods

• Requires precise timing (usually tracked using ovulation predictor kits like Ovadetect)

• No medical oversight (e.g. no sperm washing)

This method is especially suitable for people with little to no known fertility issues, couples using a known donor, or those at the beginning of their conception journey who want to try a gentler, less invasive path after trying for a significant amount of time before considering clinical interventions.

What is IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)?

IUI is a fertility treatment done in a clinic where sperm is inserted directly into the uterus using a thin catheter.

In an IUI procedure, sperm is first collected and then "washed" in a lab — a process that filters out debris and isolates the most active, healthy sperm. This optimised sample is then inserted directly into the uterus using a thin, flexible catheter, timed precisely with ovulation (either tracked naturally or supported with medication).

Pros:

• Higher success rates than home insemination, especially when timed well

• Sperm bypasses the cervix, getting closer to the egg

• Often used with mild fertility medication

Cons

• More expensive (can range from $1,000–$2,500 per cycle)

• Requires clinic visits and coordination

• Still less effective than IVF for some diagnoses

Best for:

• Mild male factor infertility (e.g. low motility)

• People with ovulation issues

• Couples who have tried home insemination without success

• Same-sex couples using donor sperm

What is IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)?

IVF is the most advanced fertility treatment, where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body in a lab, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.

How it works:

The IVF process begins with hormone injections that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs rather than the single egg typically released in a natural cycle. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a minor procedure performed under sedation. These eggs are then taken to a laboratory, where they are combined with sperm — either from a partner or donor — to encourage fertilisation. The resulting embryos are monitored as they grow for several days. Finally, one or more healthy embryos are selected and transferred into the uterus, while any remaining viable embryos may be frozen for future use.

Pros:

• Highest success rate per cycle

• Can be used in complex fertility situations (e.g. blocked tubes, low egg reserve)

• Embryos can be genetically tested

Cons:

• Most expensive option (typically $10,000–$15,000+ per cycle)

• Physically and emotionally intensive

• May require multiple cycles

IVF is often recommended for individuals or couples facing significant fertility barriers. This includes those with diagnosed severe infertility — whether due to low sperm count or issues with egg quality or ovulation. It’s also a preferred route for people over 35, since fertility naturally declines with age, affecting egg quantity and quality. For those who’ve experienced repeated failed attempts with other treatments, like IUI or home insemination, or who have no identifiable cause for infertility (what’s known as "unexplained infertility"), IVF can provide a more controlled and precise path to conception.

How Do You Choose the Right Option?

The right path depends on your:

• Medical history

• Budget

• Access to clinics

• Level of comfort with medical intervention

• Support system

Some people prefer to start with home insemination because it’s less invasive and more accessible. Others may need IUI or IVF based on diagnosis or time-sensitive fertility concerns.

There’s no wrong way to build a family — just the way that feels right for you.

Our Story: Why We Chose Home Insemination

Kat and I chose home insemination — and it worked for us on our first and second cycles. It felt right: safe, private, and aligned with our values. But we also know not everyone’s path looks the same. We've broken our story down into stages and they might be beneficial if you're TTC - Read our story

That’s why we created Hāpū Helpers — to support people wherever they’re at. Whether you’re syringe-curious or prepping for IVF, we’ve got resources, tools, and community to walk with you.

We have hundred on 5 star reviews from couples all over the world! You can find this reviews on each Insemination Kit page - collections/insemination-kits