Not everyone gets pregnant the old-fashioned way anymore. Gay and lesbian couples, couples suffering from infertility and surrogate mothers are a few examples of people who often become pregnant without having intercourse. There are several effective methods for conceiving without traditional intercourse. Of these methods, the least expensive and clinical is artificial insemination at home. Jokingly called the “turkey baster” method, artificial insemination at home involves introducing sperm to the mother’s vagina with a needless syringe instead of through intercourse.
Step 1
Locate a source of sperm. Contact a sperm bank for information about purchasing donor sperm. Contact a close family friend and ask him to donate. Sperm bank sperm has an advantage over acquaintance sperm because it’s rigorously tested to and matched to you in a way that reduces the risk of genetic diseases. Because of this, it can cost upwards of $300 per sample. Getting sperm from a friend is free, but your disease risk is higher unless you both submit to testing and genetic counseling.
Step 2
Monitor your fertility to determine when you’re fertile. Use a fertility monitor or ovulation predictor kit from your drug store to detect the LH, or luteinizing hormone surge that happens when you ovulate. Plan to inseminate on the day the kit detects the surge, and the day after if possible.
Step 3
Defrost your sperm according to the sperm bank’s instructions or ask your donor to produce your sample into a specimen cup immediately before you plan to inseminate.
Step 4
Push down the plunger of your needleless syringe, then pull it back up to make sure it works. Press the plunger down again to press out the air. Dip the end of the plunger into the collection cup and pull back the plunger to suck up the sperm.
Step 5
Get into a relaxed position that you can maintain for at least 30 minutes with your hips canted. Try a pillow below your thighs or your legs across your partner’s lap.
Step 6
Insert the syringe into the vagina. Press the plunger very slowly to deposit the sperm into the vagina, then slowly remove the syringe.
Step 7
Have an orgasm through clitoral stimulation, if possible, to help the cervix dip into the sperm and help it enter the cervix. Do not have sex that involves penetration because it can cause sperm to leak from the vagina.
Step 8
Remain in the same position, with your hips slightly canted, for at least 30 minutes to give the sperm a head start toward the cervix before gravity from standing up steps in.
Step 9
Take a pregnancy test two weeks after insemination if you don’t have a period. If your test is negative, repeat the process the next time you ovulate.
