Common misconceptions and questions regarding Artificial Insemination

Does sperm need time to liquefy before inserting?

Not necessarily. Think about it this way, when insemination happens naturally, which it has since the beginning of time, it doesn’t get a chance to liquefy. Over time, it will liquefy, which is okay. Just make sure you inseminate within an hour and that the sperm is kept at body temperature until then.

Do I have to orgasm after insemination?

No, you don’t. If this were a requirement, mankind may not exist :-). It is said that orgasm helps the sperm travel up through the cervix and up to the egg. This happens because when you orgasm your uterus contracts. If you want to orgasm, then do it, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself, as the stress will tighten everything up. If you want to orgasm, just do a clitoral orgasm (no penetration), and don’t do oral. In our situation, I orgasmed, but my partner didn't.

Can I bath after insemination?

Avoid bathing, swimming, and showering after insemination unless you have put in a soft disc.

What if there is sperm left in the soft disc when I remove it?

This is completely normal and expected. The ejaculate is made up of sperm and semen. Sperm are the cells, and semen is a fluid that which the sperm lives in. The sperm cells are what travel through the cervix, leaving all the seminal fluid behind.

How long do I need to keep my hips elevated?

You only need to keep your hips up for about 30 minutes.

How long do I have to insert the sperm?

Sperm must be inserted within the hour. Please ensure you keep the sperm at body temperature until then. You can keep it under your armpit, in your bra, or between your legs. Our donor would prepare the sample at his home, transfer it into a syringe, and drive it to us with it under his armpit. It took him approximately 30-40 minutes to get it to us.

When is the best time to inseminate?

Sperm lasts for up to 5 days in the right environment. It’s suggested to inseminate 2-3 days before the expected LH peak and the day of, or on the day after the LH peak. Do not inseminate every day, as it decreases sperm count and quality. Every 2 days is better. Aim for 2 inseminations a month, and if you can only do 1, do it on the day of the expected LH peak.

What syringe should I use?

You can use any 10ml syringe. The standard 10ml syringes worked for us getting pregnant; however, it was uncomfortable and itched a bit. We have sourced syringes that are round-tipped for comfort and are longer than standard syringes. You can find these in our online store

Can I use a normal menstrual disc to insert after insemination?

Use a soft disc/soft cup instead of your average menstrual disc, as they are more shallow and wider. We sell the Softdisc on our online store, see here. Please be careful of the knock-off discs; they have a purple rim, and the original cups have a pink rim as per the photos on our store.

We wanted to offer you a reusable option, so we tested out every reusable disc on the market and found them too big or too small. The rims were too soft or too hard, and based on that, we have perfected the design of ones that are just like the soft disc/soft cup; however, they are reusable. You can look at these and purchase them here.

Does silicone kill sperm?

Some silicones can kill sperm. It’s vital to ensure you use medical-grade silicone.