Fertility Treatments & Conception
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Families are created in many ways. Our holistic alternative conception is available for those who seek to grow their family at home. We offer individualized supportive care to all including LGBTQ+, single parents by choice, older individuals and those with fertility challenges. All bodies and genders are supported, affirmed and welcome.
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What we offer
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What is included
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Preconception diet & lifestyle preparation
Fertility awareness method Menstrual regulation support Fertility supporting herbs and supplements Medical history & medication review Physical exam Routine blood work PAP & STI screening as needed Frozen sperm thawing & fresh sperm handling Sperm bank recommendations Referrals to endocrinologists and holistic practitioners if needed *Please note, we do not offer sperm washing |
Appointments & Fees
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Conception preparation appointment
Insemination appointment
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FAQ
How do I get started?
Schedule a conception preparation appointment prior to insemination services. Because we limit the number of client's per month, please email us to check availability. Once you are an established client you can book as many insemination services needed and do not need to repeat the conception preparation appointment.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, cash, check, venmo, FSA & HSA. Payment is due upon scheduling.
Do you accept insurance for inseminations?
Unfortunately, insurance does not cover insemination services.
Why should I consider alternative conception?
This option is good for those who are couples or a single person who desires to experience pregnancy and birth and requires an alternative way to conceive. It is a less invasive conception option than in vitro fertilization and less expensive than adoption. Alternative conception is a good option for those who are unable to use their own sperm, such as in the case of testicular cancer, blocked duct, trauma or other fertility impairment. The legalities of alternative insemination are also less complicated and second parent adoption is discussed.
When do I schedule my insemination appointment with a positive OPK?
OPK shows the LH surge which predicts when someone is potentially going to ovulate. Some ovulate soon after a positive OPK and others up to 36 hours after. For optimal timing, the OPK results should be in combination with your other fertility signs. We will review your fertility chart and signs to help you determine the best timing. We recommend you begin LH testing three days before you think you're going to ovulate in the morning and at night so you have an idea of when your LH surge began.
What is the difference between Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and Intracervical Insemination (ICI)?
An IUI requires sterile technique, the ability to use a speculum and the use of special catheter which is placed into the uterus followed by washed sperm. ICI's do not require sterile technique or a speculum and we can teach you and your partner how to do them at home.
Should I use a known donor or unknown donor?
This is a deeply personal decision and unique to everyone. A known donor is someone who is open to being contacted by the child. They can also be a family member or friend. An unknown donor is an anonymous donor who is not open to being contacted and no personal information is provided by the sperm bank. We encourage you to consider if you would like the child to have the option of knowing or not knowing their donor.
What form of sperm do I need for an IUI?
You will need to provide fresh or frozen washed sperm that is IUI ready. Please note, we do not offer sperm washing.
When do I thaw frozen sperm for my insemination?
We recommend you wait to thaw the sperm until our arrival as traffic and unforeseen incidents such as births or appointments can delay us. Sperm needs to be used quickly after thawing. We will show you how to thaw and safely prepare the sperm.
How many inseminations should I do per cycle?
If you are using frozen sperm we recommend doing two inseminations per cycle. Since frozen sperm lives 12-24 this optimizes your entire ovulation window.
What does an IUI feel like?
An IUI is similar to receiving a Pap smear. A speculum is inserted into the vagina followed by a thin flexible tube that goes through the cervix or opening of the uterus to the top of the uterus. Then washed sperm is gently released into the uterus allowing millions of sperm to reach the fallopian tubes for a chance at conception. It is common to feel mild cramping during insemination. Our inseminations are gentle, slow and set at your pace of comfort.
Can my partner be part of the process?
We want partners to be included in every step of their baby making process. We encourage partners to be as involved as they wish. They can release the sperm into the uterus and prepare the sperm.
How effective is IUI?
Effectivity rate varies depending on age, fertility and health of the individual desiring conception and sperm. The approximate conception rate of 8% when one IUI is performed per cycle or 13-16% when two IUIs are performed per cycle. Some studies show that IUI is 50% more effective than ICI because the sperm is placed directly into the uterus closer to fertilizing the egg.
Is IUI not recommended for anyone?
Yes, it may not be the best fertility option for those with:
How is an Intracervical insemination (ICI) performed?
A syringe is used to insert sperm into the vagina near the cervix. A speculum is not used.
What form of sperm do I need for an ICI?
You will need to provide fresh or washed sperm that is ICI or IUI ready.
What does an ICI feel like?
This is the least invasive form of fertility treatment as no speculum is used. A syringe inserted into the vagina followed by a cervical cap.
What options are there if my donor lives far away?
You have two options the donor can deposit a sample at a cryobank. They will store, test it for communicable diseases and ship it to you for an added fee. This option has a 6 month screening time. Another option is to use frozen test yolk buffer which allows a donor to ship the sperm directly to you for a much cheaper fee. You can order it here: www.donorhomedelivery.com
Schedule a conception preparation appointment prior to insemination services. Because we limit the number of client's per month, please email us to check availability. Once you are an established client you can book as many insemination services needed and do not need to repeat the conception preparation appointment.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, cash, check, venmo, FSA & HSA. Payment is due upon scheduling.
Do you accept insurance for inseminations?
Unfortunately, insurance does not cover insemination services.
Why should I consider alternative conception?
This option is good for those who are couples or a single person who desires to experience pregnancy and birth and requires an alternative way to conceive. It is a less invasive conception option than in vitro fertilization and less expensive than adoption. Alternative conception is a good option for those who are unable to use their own sperm, such as in the case of testicular cancer, blocked duct, trauma or other fertility impairment. The legalities of alternative insemination are also less complicated and second parent adoption is discussed.
When do I schedule my insemination appointment with a positive OPK?
OPK shows the LH surge which predicts when someone is potentially going to ovulate. Some ovulate soon after a positive OPK and others up to 36 hours after. For optimal timing, the OPK results should be in combination with your other fertility signs. We will review your fertility chart and signs to help you determine the best timing. We recommend you begin LH testing three days before you think you're going to ovulate in the morning and at night so you have an idea of when your LH surge began.
What is the difference between Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and Intracervical Insemination (ICI)?
An IUI requires sterile technique, the ability to use a speculum and the use of special catheter which is placed into the uterus followed by washed sperm. ICI's do not require sterile technique or a speculum and we can teach you and your partner how to do them at home.
Should I use a known donor or unknown donor?
This is a deeply personal decision and unique to everyone. A known donor is someone who is open to being contacted by the child. They can also be a family member or friend. An unknown donor is an anonymous donor who is not open to being contacted and no personal information is provided by the sperm bank. We encourage you to consider if you would like the child to have the option of knowing or not knowing their donor.
What form of sperm do I need for an IUI?
You will need to provide fresh or frozen washed sperm that is IUI ready. Please note, we do not offer sperm washing.
When do I thaw frozen sperm for my insemination?
We recommend you wait to thaw the sperm until our arrival as traffic and unforeseen incidents such as births or appointments can delay us. Sperm needs to be used quickly after thawing. We will show you how to thaw and safely prepare the sperm.
How many inseminations should I do per cycle?
If you are using frozen sperm we recommend doing two inseminations per cycle. Since frozen sperm lives 12-24 this optimizes your entire ovulation window.
What does an IUI feel like?
An IUI is similar to receiving a Pap smear. A speculum is inserted into the vagina followed by a thin flexible tube that goes through the cervix or opening of the uterus to the top of the uterus. Then washed sperm is gently released into the uterus allowing millions of sperm to reach the fallopian tubes for a chance at conception. It is common to feel mild cramping during insemination. Our inseminations are gentle, slow and set at your pace of comfort.
Can my partner be part of the process?
We want partners to be included in every step of their baby making process. We encourage partners to be as involved as they wish. They can release the sperm into the uterus and prepare the sperm.
How effective is IUI?
Effectivity rate varies depending on age, fertility and health of the individual desiring conception and sperm. The approximate conception rate of 8% when one IUI is performed per cycle or 13-16% when two IUIs are performed per cycle. Some studies show that IUI is 50% more effective than ICI because the sperm is placed directly into the uterus closer to fertilizing the egg.
Is IUI not recommended for anyone?
Yes, it may not be the best fertility option for those with:
- Fallopian disease
- History of pelvic infections
- Moderate to severe endometriosis
How is an Intracervical insemination (ICI) performed?
A syringe is used to insert sperm into the vagina near the cervix. A speculum is not used.
What form of sperm do I need for an ICI?
You will need to provide fresh or washed sperm that is ICI or IUI ready.
What does an ICI feel like?
This is the least invasive form of fertility treatment as no speculum is used. A syringe inserted into the vagina followed by a cervical cap.
What options are there if my donor lives far away?
You have two options the donor can deposit a sample at a cryobank. They will store, test it for communicable diseases and ship it to you for an added fee. This option has a 6 month screening time. Another option is to use frozen test yolk buffer which allows a donor to ship the sperm directly to you for a much cheaper fee. You can order it here: www.donorhomedelivery.com
If you still have questions, we would love to hear from you!
