Myth: At-home insemination is basically “the same as IVF,” just cheaper.
Related reading: home insemination kit
How does at-home insemination (ICI) work?
Reality: Intracervical insemination (ICI) at home is a different lane. It can be simpler and more private, but it still deserves a plan—especially when social media, celebrity baby chatter, and “instant family” storylines in TV dramas make it look effortless.
This guide focuses on the practical choices that matter most: timing, sourcing, and how to protect your relationship from the pressure that can creep in when every cycle feels like a deadline.
A quick reset: what ICI at home is (and isn’t)
ICI usually means placing semen at or near the cervix using a syringe designed for insemination. It’s not a medical procedure like IUI, and it’s not IVF. Many people consider it when they want more privacy, a lower-cost approach, or an alternative step before moving to clinic-based care.
Also, the internet is full of “optimization” talk—apps, trackers, and even tools powered by the artificial intelligence definition.