Intracervical Insemination (ICI) and Intravaginal Insemination (IVI) explained

ICI (Intracervical Insemination): ICI fertility treatment method is primarily conducted at home, although it can also be administered in a clinical setting by a medical professional. During the procedure, sperm is placed inside the vagina using a needleless syringe or a cervical cap.

IVI (Intravaginal Insemination): IVI is a procedure similar to ICI, involving the placement of sperm directly into the vagina. This method is often used interchangeably with ICI, as both involve similar techniques.

What happens during ICI fertility treatments?

An at-home intracervical insemination kit or home insemination is typically less expensive as compared other fertility treatments. Here’s what happens during ICI insemination at home:

  1. The woman's ovulation cycle is accurately tracked to pinpoint the most fertile time.
  2. Sperm (from a partner or donor) is deposited near the cervix using a syringe.
  3. After insemination, the woman rests for a short time to allow the sperm to travel up the cervix.
How Does ICI Compare to Other Popular Methods like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is another type of fertility treatment that involves a medical professional carefully placing washed sperm into the uterus with medical equipments. The main difference between ICI at home and IUI lies in the placement of the sperm during the fertility procedure:

ICI at home

IUI

Insemination Placement

Sperm is
inserted directly
into the cervix,
the opening to
the uterus

Sperm is placed
directly inside the uterus, bypassing the cervix

Costs

$200 to $350 per cycle

$300 to $1,000 per cycle

Where Insemination Is Performed

At home self insemination

Clinical setting with medical profession

Sperm Processing

Unwashed/
donor

Washed sperm

ICI sperm placement

IUI sperm placement

How much does ICI cost? Who is suitable for ICI insemination at home?

The cost of Intracervical Insemination (ICI) can vary, but it is generally more affordable than other fertility treatments due to its simplicity and the ability to perform it at home. For instance, one cycle of twoplus Applicator kit (includes three syringes and three collection cups) costs $129, making it an accessible option for most couples. 

ICI is particularly suitable for individuals or couples where natural conception is challenging, overly stressful, or not possible, such as with single women, lesbian couples, or heterosexual couples facing difficulties with timed intercourse.

It is not recommended for individuals or couples where there is a known case of azoospermia (no sperm in semen), blocked or absent fallopian tubes, active infections or STDs, or if pregnancy would pose a health risk. Always verify your health status and discuss potential risks with your doctor to determine if ICI is a safe option for your situation.

What is the success rate of ICI method?

Across six treatment cycles, data suggests a pregnancy success rate of 37.9% for intracervical insemination (ICI).

Over the course of six treatment cycles, the cumulative pregnancy rates for IUI and ICI are closely matched, at 40.5% and 37.9% respectively*. This similarity suggests that the chances of achieving pregnancy are nearly equivalent between the two methods.

*State the source: link here

Is ICI insemination at home safe without a medical professional?

If you are considering ICI insemination at home, using an FDA-cleared home insemination kit is crucial.  FDA-cleared home insemination kits like the twoplus Applicator undergo rigorous checks to ensure safe use for self-insemination at home. It’s easy to use in 3 simple steps, and you never have to worry about infections.