IUI or ICI?
June 19, 2009
Gah.
So Jo, who left me a comment (thanks Jo!) brought ICI to my attention. I didn’t realize that this was another option to knocking oneself up.
So my question now is: ICI or IUI? From what I’ve read, ICI is cheaper but the chances of conception are decreased in comparison to IUI. Is ICI the method used for home insemination programs (I presume…)?
It’s so frustrating not to have someone local to answer all my questions: like, for example, wait times for these sorts of procedures in my area. Is it going to take a year for me to even get in to see someone at a fertility clinic? I think there’s only one in Edmonton (which is the city closest to me)…is that correct? And how long does it take to get through all the pre-screening before even having an IUI (or ICI) done?
I submitted my ‘application’ to join the ChoiceMom’s yahoo group over a week ago and still haven’t been approved, nor have I gotten any further communication since. I just have so many questions that need more than general answers….
Entry Filed under: All I Need Is a Turkey Baster (& Some BabyJuice), Thinking About SMC. Tags: Baby, insemination, late twenties, mother by choice, Single Life, single woman, woman.
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1.
Jo | June 20, 2009 at 8:01 am
Hi there! Yeah, ICI is the easy home insem method (just did my first round yesterday!); home IUIs are also possible—but those are usually performed by an in-home midwife (some states allow midwives to do it, and some states don’t). To do a home IUI the midwife has to have a little machine that washes the sperm before insemination into the uterus.
For my ICI I got advice from a midwife and also found this helpful
http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/homeinsem.html
I used the cervical cup option and live (not frozen) sperm from a known donor; but you can also use frozen sperm if your bank releases it to your home (some banks don’t).
Sorry this is so long!
2.
Sarah | June 24, 2009 at 8:46 pm
There shouldn’t be too much of a wait to see someone about IUI/ICI. Unless my nurse midwife does it, I have an ARNP lined up at a local clinic – I got in to see her for initial consultation within only a few days. I spoke with her about why I was doing IUI, she told me that I need to chart my cycle for three moths, and gave me a list of blood work they require I get tested for (all listed on my blog). I think you will will be fine for time.
3.
Calliope | July 8, 2009 at 7:18 pm
and if you order your sperm as being FOR an IUI you woudn’t need a midwife with a sperm washing machine. The specimen does cost more than an ICI vial, but if you can find a midwife to do an IUI you should go for it!
So glad to “meet” another single gal in for the ride! Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions! Very excited for you!
4.
The Spinster | August 31, 2009 at 10:08 am
OMG, WHERE do I find a midwife??? How do I get in to see a midwife?
I MUST pursue this option! Thanks so much ladies!