Why you can’t compare at-home insemination kits with IVF

At-home insemination kits are becoming increasingly popular among those trying to conceive, especially for heterosexual couples, female same-sex couples and single women. Though it seems an affordable and convenient option, the question of whether they are a suitable choice remains. 

For many people, home insemination kits are a practical choice – not only in terms of cost but also in terms of availability, non-invasiveness of the procedure and the level of privacy involved. Despite this, like with any fertility treatment, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all approach’ and for a person to decide on the best course of action, it’s important they understand the options available and how effective they are for their individual circumstances.

The different routes to parenthood

Perhaps the most common, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is also one of the most effective forms of fertility treatment, where eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. Although IVF tends to be more expensive, there are several steps involved to help improve an individual’s outcome. For instance, embryologists carefully monitor the embryos to select the highest-quality ones for transfer or freezing.

Shared motherhood in female same-sex couples ensures both partners feel involved in the pregnancy. This method involves one partner in a female same-sex couple providing the eggs, which are then fertilised with donor sperm. The embryo is then transferred into the other partner’s uterus. 

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) involves healthy, pre-screened and prepared sperm and injecting it directly into the uterus for fertilisation of the egg. Fertility clinics offer many viable routes to parenthood, so they can work with patients to find the best route for them.

At-home insemination kits function similarly to IUI, but unprepared sperm is introduced into the vagina using a syringe. Unlike IUI, the sperm must navigate through the cervix (neck of the womb), which is important, as the correct placement of sperm increases a person’s chance of conceiving.

The key to treatment is diagnosis

If individuals are unaware of any underlying fertility issues, relying solely on these at-home insemination kits could lead to health problems. Diagnosing fertility problems, such as tubal blockage, polycystic ovaries (PCOS) and endometriosis, is not always straightforward and could mean that at-home insemination kits may be a waste of valuable time or lead to complications.

Additionally, the quantity and quality of a person’s eggs decline with age. This means scheduling a fertility assessment could provide important information that can improve chances of having children in the future. These assessments typically involve an AMH blood test to determine fertility reserve, along with a pelvic ultrasound to check for any abnormalities and assess reproductive health. For men, a semen analysis is performed to evaluate sperm concentration, motility, and shape.

Comparing procedures as well as the cost

With many adverts for at-home insemination kits signalling the price difference between them and procedures like IVF and IUI, it’s no wonder that cost is a significant selling point. But, in order to compare costs, it’s essential to also consider the difference in procedures, including techniques and success rates.

In IVF and IUI, there are several steps involved in the treatment process that contribute to the overall cost, but these are essential to optimise the chances of pregnancy. With at-home insemination kits, the success rates will be lower and could be zero if there are issues with blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis or male factor infertility.

When treatments are carried out in a fertility clinic, professional medical and nursing guidance is offered throughout the process. Fertility experts monitor the patient’s progress to determine how treatment should proceed, which enhances success rates. On the other hand, at-home insemination kits do not provide tracking of ovulation, which can lead to difficulties too. 

Negative impacts

IVF and IUI are conducted in controlled, sterile environments, which can be difficult to replicate at home. If the equipment isn’t properly sterilised, it could lead to infections, which may harm both the individual and pregnancy. Additionally, before sperm is injected into the uterus during clinical procedures, it is washed and prepared, a step that cannot be completed at home.

Using donor sperm is a viable choice for lesbian couples and single women, but there are legal considerations involved with donation. If a patient is single or in a same-sex relationship without being married or in a civil partnership, using at-home insemination kits means that the sperm donor will be considered the legal parent, granting them rights over the child. Undergoing treatment at a licensed fertility clinic will ensure that the sperm donor has no parental rights and the patient’s partner, if applicable, will be recognised as the second legal parent.

Importantly, fertility clinics are also required by law to conduct health tests and screenings for STIs and genetic conditions to protect donors, patients and any future children.

The emotional toll can be overwhelming.

Having difficulties trying to conceive can take its toll, which is why many fertility clinics offer professional counselling services to help address any concerns. Whereas, at-home insemination kits generally do not come with such support, which is an important aspect to consider.

So, what to take from this?

Considering your circumstances and health is vital in making the best decision for you. While at-home insemination kits might work for some, it’s important to have all the facts and figures before deciding. Even if you decide not to pursue fertility treatment, a fertility assessment can provide you with a better picture of your fertility health. So, if you need any help or advice, get in touch or book a consultation with us.  

Reviewed by Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Oxford Fertility.