You’ve made the decision, you’re ready to take that next hopeful step toward growing your family. Here’s the good news: you can make the right choice for your body, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Both IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and ICI (Intracervical Insemination) help sperm meet egg, just in slightly different ways. One happens in a clinic with lots of medical oversight; the other can happen at home, privately and affordably, with lab-grade safety.
Let’s walk through what each one really looks like — step by step—so you can make your choice with clarity, confidence, and compassion for yourself.
IUI and ICI at a Glance
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
In an IUI, sperm are washed and placed directly into the uterus using a catheter. It’s precise, medical, and requires a healthcare provider.
Here’s the reality:
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It’s a full cycle, plus potentially weeks (or months) of pre-procedure testing.
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You’ll likely have bloodwork, ultrasounds, and semen analysis beforehand.
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You might also take fertility drugs or get a trigger shot to time ovulation.
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The procedure itself takes about 5–10 minutes and feels a lot like a pap smear.
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Insurance coverage varies wildly by state, and sometimes, not at all.
IUI can be a wonderful tool when there’s a medical reason to be in a clinic, but for many people early in their fertility journey, there is still another option to explore.
ICI (Intracervical Insemination)
Intracervical Insemination (ICI) is a medically backed, at-home option that allows you to approach conception with privacy and control. It’s safe, affordable, and effective when using the right equipment.
Here’s the reality:
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Same science, no cold rooms with fluorescent lighting.
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You can do it safely and effectively in the comfort of your own home with the right kit.
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You control the timing, the setting, and the playlist.
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You can still keep it sterile and science-based, without having to trade away your comfort or dignity.
If you’re healthy, ovulating regularly, and not dealing with known fertility complications, ICI is often an ideal first step.
The Prep
For IUI:
Before your procedure, your clinic will likely run a full diagnostic workup to ensure your body is ready and to identify any barriers to conception. These may include:
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Bloodwork to evaluate hormone levels
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Ultrasounds to track egg development
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A semen analysis to assess sperm count and motility
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Additional screenings if needed for underlying conditions
Some people will take fertility drugs for five days, while others may use injectable medications for up to two weeks. Your provider will also closely monitor ovulation, often testing for luteinizing hormone (LH) through blood or urine.
Once your body signals it’s ready–or you receive an ovulation “trigger shot”–insemination typically takes place 24–36 hours later using either fresh or frozen sperm.
For ICI:
Preparing for ICI at home is much simpler — but no less legitimate.
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Track ovulation using LH test strips, basal body temperature, or an ovulation journal.
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Order a sterile, lab-grade ICI kit. (This part matters — a medical-grade kit keeps your process clean, safe, and precise.)
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Obtain sperm from a donor, a partner, or a sperm bank.
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If you’d like, run personal health or sperm-quality tests for extra peace of mind. You can do this at home. A medicated cycle with ICI is also an option.
That’s it. No waiting rooms, no stirrups, no extra stress.
The Process
IUI
Once everything is ready, your provider will guide you through a short, in-office procedure:
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A thin catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
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Washed sperm are carefully placed through the catheter.
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You’ll rest (preferably lie down) for about 15 minutes afterward (because, you know, science).
You might feel some mild cramping, like a pap smear or period cramps.
ICI
At home, the steps are simple and controlled entirely by you. DIY, if you will.
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Thaw or collect the sperm sample in a sterile container.
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Draw it into a sterile syringe provided in your ICI kit (PherDal’s syringe, for example, has been proven to be substantially equivalent to an IUI catheter by the FDA).
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Gently insert it into the vagina, and release the sample near the cervix.
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Relax for 15 minutes — legs up optional but highly traditional.
Then? You wait.
You can set the lights, play your favorite playlist, and actually feel comfortable while doing this — something that’s hard to say about most medical procedures.
The Post-Process
No matter which method you choose, the next step is the same: the Two-Week Wait.
It’s the longest 14 days of your life filled with hope, impatience, and endless symptom Googling. Every twinge might feel like a sign. Every cramp might send your brain spinning.
Try to stay present. If you can’t wait to test, you might see a positive on 8DPO (8 days past ovulation), but it could take up to 3 days past your period. No harm in testing early except disappointment, so go with your gut. For reference, I could not stop myself, I tested like every hour.
Just remember to rest, hydrate, and give your mind the same care you’ve given your body.
The Price
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IUI: Between $300–$4,000 per cycle, depending on your clinic, medication, insurance, and donor source.
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ICI: Around $200 for a high-quality kit (like PherDal’s), plus the cost of sperm if applicable.
You could try three cycles of ICI before spending the same as one round of IUI — and both have comparable success rates in the early stages.
The Percentages? The Payoff?
Success rates for IUI and ICI vary depending on your age, health, and frequency of attempts. In general:
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IUI tends to show slightly higher live birth rates when paired with fertility medications.
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ICI has comparable success in early cycles for those without diagnosed fertility issues — at a fraction of the cost.
For many families, the smartest move is to start with ICI, then consider IUI if needed. It makes sense to start with the simple, gentle step before moving to fluorescent lights.
The PherDal Perspective
Fertility can feel like you’ve lost all control over the process that seems so easy for so many. You deserve a fertility journey that respects your body and your boundaries. That’s why the way you start matters.
IUI and ICI are very similar except that one can be done at home, giving you empowerment, privacy, and choice from the beginning.
Both paths are valid. Both are brave.
And wherever you start, remember: you’re not behind — you’re building your family in your own time, your own way. Even looking at this article and educating yourself is a great first step towards your future family. That’s something to honor, not apologize for.
