At home costs

crazyanimals

Hi all,

I was just wondering if the costs for an at home insimination ends with the cost of the sperm and the shipping costs, and also the kit. I know I have to have the doctor sign the A1 form, but after that the sperm is just shipped to my home correct? What are the odds of getting pregnant at home compaired to at the doctor? I was doing research and most of the clinics cost about $10,000 for the insemination.

Thanks

cryo-admin

Hi Crazy -

Technically, the odds increase by about 5% from ICI to IUI -- however, that is assuming all the timing is correct and the insemination is done properly.

Since a physician can use ultrasound to accurately time the insemination, and deliver the sperm directly into the uterus, the odds of fertilization actually go up even more. At-home, it is more difficult to get the timing exactly right (even with an ovulation kit) and the ICI only gets the sperm as far as the cervix.

As for the cost, $10,000 sounds like a full IVF procedure. With IVF (think test tube baby) your eggs are retrieved by the physician and the sperm is introduced in the lab to create embryos. 1-2 embryos are then transferred back into the uterus. This process can be significantly more effective than IUI, especially in women who are 35+. Any additional embryos created can be stored for future cycles.

For a standard un-medicated IUI, the cost is usually around $300-500. A medicated IUI cycle which includes fertility drugs and ultrasound(s) can be $2000-$3000.

Before making a decision about how to move forward, I highly recommend consulting a physician to determine the course that is right for you. You can even talk to your OB about it.

Good luck,

Scott
CCB