How is Home Insemination Different than Intercourse?

You’ve probably heard of home insemination (a method of artificial insemination) or the ‘turkey baster’ method. But how is it different from timed intercourse, and how does it work? We’ll be covering the basics of home insemination, why people rely on it, and the reasons we recommend it. Let’s get into it.

What is home insemination and how does it work?

Home insemination is a method where sperm is introduced into the reproductive tract without intercourse. As you can guess from the name, it also happens at home rather than at a fertility clinic or a doctor’s office. The most common forms of home insemination are intracervical insemination (ICI) and intravaginal insemination (IVI), which transfer sperm directly at or near the cervical opening, just outside the uterus. Many folks use a specialized syringe (like Mosie) to deliver the sperm at home.

Home insemination vs. timed intercourse – what’s the difference?

With so many variables going into timed intercourse, trying at home can feel like a bit of a numbers game. For some, changing the insemination method can play a meaningful role in their journey. While fundamentally similar to intercourse (it simply utilizes a syringe rather than a penis to deposit sperm), home insemination provides an alternative or supplement to timed intercourse. Both methods for insemination need to get sperm to the right place at the right time in the ovulation cycle – but they differ in a few key ways.  

Let’s start with the physical differences. For one thing, penises come in all different shapes and sizes. Home insemination allows you to try a different length for insemination. Ejaculation can also vary day by day and partner to partner. Mosie's patented slit opening mimics mother nature and allows for a reliable laminar flow. Additionally with home insemination, there can be less movement than with intercourse, allowing you to maintain control over the insemination process.

Artificial insemination also doesn’t require a penis and allows for the use of frozen or known donor sperm, making it a great option for folks from all walks of life. It also separates the insemination process from sex, helping to alleviate variables like performance anxiety and stress while you are trying. 

Our at home insemination kit, The Mosie Baby Kit, includes the first patented syringe designed for insemination. The Mosie Baby kit is also the first and only available FDA Cleared at-home IVI insemination kit. Using Mosie is similar to inserting a tampon; it’s easy to use, mirroring mother nature with rounded edges and a slit opening like a penis.

But I’m already trying at home with my partner

Why would someone try at home insemination, when they’re already trying with a partner via timed intercourse? Maybe you haven’t had success yet and want to try everything before moving on to more costly and invasive procedures. Or you’re just starting out and want to give your family every chance at growing. Plus, in addition to the physical differences mentioned above, there are emotional, physiological, and logistical reasons why home insemination can be a great fit. 

Stress reduction

The pressure to ‘make a baby’ can be high, even if you’ve just started your pregnancy journey. For many, timed intercourse can be stressful and anxiety inducing – leading to performance issues and taking the fun out of sex.

Physiological issues

Home insemination can help people with a variety of conditions like vaginismus (painful intercourse) and performance anxiety that make intercourse a struggle. Insemination methods are a workaround that can help on your journey to conceive. 

Logistics

Timed intercourse doesn’t always make sense. Think: traveling with family in close quarters, or little ones who sneak into your room at night. Having a simple and discreet alternative to sex can help make things a little easier.

Preference and partnership

Not every couple can (or wants to) conceive through timed intercourse, even when fertility struggles aren’t a factor. Home insemination widens the range of options available to folks trying to get pregnant.

Have people conceived with Home Insemination?

Yes! While no conception method is a guarantee of pregnancy, home insemination has worked for people from all walks of life.

Home insemination isn’t an all-or-nothing option. Folks have used Mosie to inseminate at home with natural cycles, medicated cycles and in conjunction with IUI (with their doctor’s approval).

Marc and Maureen Brown, the couple that invented Mosie after their own 2.5 year struggle to conceive, like to say that for them changing one thing changed everything. Check out our comfortable and sperm friendly kit: The Mosie Kit.