Confused & Need Advice...Please!

Amber121405Amber121405 Posts: 5
in LGBTQ+ Couples
My partner & I have beening researching artifical insemination. I know we want to have an at home insemination. We want it to be private & inimate process. What we are confused about is...what is the difference between ICI & IUI? What is the difference between A.R.T. & Premium? What is the difference between washed & unwashed sperm? What is the best one for at home insemination? What is the best way to go about thawing the sperm? What is the best way to do an at home insemination? I guess...I'm really confused about alot of things. We both have far jobs...but don't have alot of money. I really want to have this figured out before we try it because we don't alot of money to spend. I know we will both be great Mothers. But I'm just nervous about going about it the right & correct way! Please tell your stories or advice. We both would really appreciate it!

---Amber & Tiffany

Comments

  • Amber121405Amber121405 Posts: 5
    Sorry...didn't mean to post to 3 times...
  • CarobarnhartCarobarnhart Posts: 10
    ICI is intracervical insemination, IUI is intrauterary insemination, ART is assisted reproductive technology and a premium specimen has a higher count and post thaw mobility. When a specimen is washed all the fluids have been removed except for the sperm of course. Doctors will use washed for IUI. The rest of your questions I don't know enough about, my partner and I are doing IVF. However, look into your insurance, they may cover some of the costs of insemination with a repro-endo doc. I know you want intimacy, I felt like I had that with my wife when we did our embryo transfer although there were fcive people in the room with us. My sister-in-law spent much more money than we have when she tried to do it on her own, and she's a pediatrician. After a year of trying she went to a doc and was pregnant on the first try. I recommend you see a doctor.
  • Amber121405Amber121405 Posts: 5
    Thanks for the info & advice!
  • CSSCSS Posts: 161
    I recommend seeing a doctor too. I tried to go the more independent route in the beginning and now wish I'd found my wonderful RE much earlier.

    I also recommend IUIs (possibly medicated) over ICIs, but it's up to each individual. Just be fully prepared if you do it at home (it's more complicated than you'd think), including buying a needless syringe with a VERY SMALL tip so it will fit into the tiny vial the sperm comes in.

    Best of luck, either way!

    --CSS
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