People doing your IUIs at home...

[KnittingTigers]

Where are you getting your catheters from?

When I was TTC my DD, I ordered some from Zavos, but they don't seem to be selling them to individuals anymore. Any suggestions?

Alternately, if you have a big stash that you're not going to use and want to sell me some, send me a note. We're not starting until August, but I want to try and start getting stuff lined up.

Thanks!

Angela

[seraf]

We used the tomcat ones from amazon.... Hopefully next week I'll be able to say we have a lot of extra... We sure have plenty of extra medium, clear plastic speculums if you are in need of those.

[KnittingTigers]

Awesome! I hope that you find yourselves with more leftovers than you could possibly use!

(Though, I felt that way after I got pregnant with Ocean, and I still managed to give all those catheters away. Hmm, I like to think that I'm responsible for lots of queer pregnancies out there!)

And yeah, we're all set on the specula. I too had to order a multi-pack, and I've never been able to give all of those away...

[JustAnotherJenny]

I'm interested to know this as well!  I'm thinking of starting in August also.  (FINALLY!!!!!!) 

I could actually use a speculum or two... I'm happy to pay for them and shipping if either of you would like to share!

[KnittingTigers]

Jenny, the specula are really easy to find online, and they used to sell them in the sex toy shop on Wickendon street, back before it changed owners. Not sure if they still do, but you might call. We're in DC now, or I'd dig one out from my stash for you.

Seraf, thanks for the link. Those will work well. Last time I was TTC I was dating a vet, and the one time I ran out of catheters she brought me a couple from her practice. They really do use them for tomcats...

[KnittingTigers]

Oh, and Jenny, congrats on getting started! I can give you the name of a local homebirth midwife who will do at-home IUIs, if you are interested. She did mine when I was TTC with Ocean and the friend who normally helped me was out of town. That was actually the cycle I got pregnant, too.

Also, just FYI, I've heard anecdotally that the fertility clinic at Women and Infants has some sort of "leftover" sperm bank- samples that people had shipped there and then never used. I never followed up on it (I was pretty determined to avoid an REs office), but if you find yourself headed that route, it's worth asking about. Anything to save on sperm $$...

[JustAnotherJenny]

Thanks, Angela!  :-)

I will definitely keep the W&I clinic in mind.  I have a friend who may be giving me her husband's frozen -- they didn't end up ever needing it. 

I have another known donor (fresh) that I'm planning to use, too.  So, the tomcat may end up being unnecessary... I'm waiting to find out about the frozen before I buy it. ( I have this correct, right?  Only washed sperm can be used for an IUI, right?)

Are you referring to midwife MM-H?  She is on my list!  I am also friends with some of her assistants, so I'm thinking perhaps they may be able to help.  We're doula buddies.  :)

[KnittingTigers]

Ha, that's funny! MMH delivered Ocean. She's great!

The person I'm referring to is based out of Mass. She posts here in the RI Tribe- PaigeCPM. But yes, Mary would be closer. She wasn't doing the home stuff back when I was TTC/pregnant. I totally would have had a homebirth with her if I could have. 

And yes, if you're hooked up with the doulas you won't have any problem finding someone to help you!

[smilingsara]

Jenny, I'm serafs partner. Pm me your address and we can send you some speculums in the mail on Monday! Congrats on all of your hard work paying off! And yes, only washed sperm can be used fr iuis. Someone on QC said they buy ici sperm and their doc washes it to use for iui, so if you have access to that, that may work too!

[JustAnotherJenny]

Thank you, Sara!  I just sent you a PM!  :)

[MujerMamaMismo]

I'm not sure if it's true that only washed sperm can be used for IUI's... I remember this conversation happening back when we were TTC our DS. He was a DIY IVI job. I was never really into the idea of a DIY IUI until my naturopath handed me a stack of catheters and specula yesterday.

Does anyone know more?

[KnittingTigers]

Originally Posted by MujerMamaMismo 

I'm not sure if it's true that only washed sperm can be used for IUI's... I remember this conversation happening back when we were TTC our DS. He was a DIY IVI job. I was never really into the idea of a DIY IUI until my naturopath handed me a stack of catheters and specula yesterday.

Does anyone know more?

Hmm. I have *definitely* read in multiple places that only washed sperm should be used for IUI. There are risks of cramping and infection if unwashed sperm is deposited straight into the uterus. That said, I remember a couple of years ago someone wrote about their REs office accidently doing their IUI with unwashed sperm, and nothing terrible happened. So, I don't know...

[NashvilleKate]

Hi Everyone. I've just joined. I recently ordered tomcat catheters from http://inseminationsupplies.com.

[MujerMamaMismo]

Thanks Angela - I did my research and you're right. You can do it but you're not likely to get pregnant because the prostaglandins in the unwashed semen will likely cause cramping/contractions which will prevent the swimmers from implanting. So it will hurt and not be useful. Infection is also a possibility.

So then, the specula? I remember people being concerned about using one if just doing an IVI/ICI because when pulling it out, a bunch of semen comes out - is that a real concern? Anyone got some thoughts?

[KnittingTigers]

Originally Posted by MujerMamaMismo 

Thanks Angela - I did my research and you're right. You can do it but you're not likely to get pregnant because the prostaglandins in the unwashed semen will likely cause cramping/contractions which will prevent the swimmers from implanting. So it will hurt and not be useful. Infection is also a possibility.

So then, the specula? I remember people being concerned about using one if just doing an IVI/ICI because when pulling it out, a bunch of semen comes out - is that a real concern? Anyone got some thoughts?

Yes, I too have heard that if you're doing an IVI/ICI you should not use a speculum, because you don't want to pull any sperm out by accident. That said, I've never used fresh, so I'm not really sure how much you have to work with. With the frozen vials, there is SO LITTLE FLUID there, you really don't want to waste a drop. Are you thinking that using a speculum will help you deposit the goods closer to the target, and thus, have a better chance of some sperm making it to the other side?

[Sewitseems]

We are having issues getting our sperm out of Fairfax Cryobank. Their piclup form requires us to get a doc or licensed something to sign. Its insane cuz we also habe to.do it 24 hrs in advance. Does anyone know whom in.the dc/north va area could help us? [/ SIZE]

[CascadiaMama]

You should post this in the Queer Conceptions thread to get more eyeballs on it. When we used a bank and had it delivered to our home, my regular family doctor signed my paperwork.
Edited by CascadiaMama - 12/9/12 at 10:02am

[pokeyAC]

I had my regular doc sign my form too.  They might even allow a nurse practitioner, I'm not sure. 

[KnittingTigers]

Ha, this is an old thread! Yes, for most banks (I believe NW Cryobank is the exception) you'll need a doctor's signature. The nurse practicioner in my student health clinic signed for me back when I was TTC number 1. She had nothing to do with my inseminations- I just told her what I was doing, asked for a signature, and she did it.

Good luck!
 

[elenapatata]

Anyone know where my partner and I can learn to do at-home IUIs ourselves? Any risks involved?