FERTILITY, CONCEPTION & HOME IUI
preconception care
During your 90-minute preconception appointment (virtual or in-office), we will review your health history and create an individualized plan to optimize your fertility through nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes. This may also include drawing labs or ordering imaging to better understand your baseline health and fertility status.
Timing is Everything
Since timing is everything when planning to conceive, we will discuss how to chart your cycles and identify positive signs of fertility and ovulation.
We Recommend Scheduling a preconception visit Before IUI
Preconception counseling is available for couples or individuals who plan to conceive through IUI, vaginal insemination, IVF, or intercourse. However, if you are planning to do IUI with Emunah Midwifery, we highly recommend scheduling a preconception appointment before beginning inseminations.
home IUI with midwives
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure in which washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus through a small catheter (tube) that goes through the cervix. IUI increases the chances of conception when using frozen sperm. In some cases, IUI may also be a great option when using fresh sperm (from a known donor or a partner).
On-Call For You
Timing is one of the biggest factors for success with IUI: your chance of conceiving depends on doing the IUI within 24 hours of when ovulation occurs. This means that we are on-call for you, and can make home visits outside of typical business hours.
take charge of your fertility With home IUI
Doing IUI at home means a greater sense of ease and relaxation, more control over the process, and a more connected relationship with your care provider. IUI is a safe and simple procedure, and midwives have been providing fertility support through the ages.
rates
Preconception Counseling: $250 for a 90-minute appointment, plus 3 months of unlimited email/phone support
IUI: $375, and $200 for subsequent inseminations within the SAME cycle
Sperm Washing: $250
Travel Fee: $100 if you live outside a 10-mile radius from our Albany office
queer-affirming care, from the start.
Your healthcare should be reflective of the life you live and the family you are building. Much of conventional fertility care is geared toward straight couples who are struggling with infertility. At Emunah Midwifery, we serve individuals and families of all orientations, genders, and configurations. Many queer families or single individuals need extra support in their conception journey, simply because they lack sperm in the equation. That’s where we come in!
Begin your Conception Journey today
We serve the entire San Francisco Bay Area, including the East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula, San Francisco, and North Bay Area. Depending on your distance from Berkeley, there may be travel fees. It is also possible to do IUIs at our Albany, CA office.
frequently Asked Questions
about about IUI and fertility care
-
Emunah Midwifery provides services to anyone who needs respectful fertility care, but especially to those who’s needs are not being met in the mainstream system. This includes queer folks, trans and non-binary people, single people, people who experience size discrimination, “older” parents, non-traditional families, and those seeking a more holistic approach to health and fertility.
-
IUI is a procedure in which washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus, using a thin catheter (tube) that goes through the cervix. The procedure typically takes less than 2 minutes, and feels similar to getting a Pap. IUI is a safe and effective way to achieve pregnancy.
-
“Sperm washing” refers to the process where motile sperm are separated out from the other components in seminal fluid. Since IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterine cavity, it’s important to remove bacteria, as well as prostaglandins that can cause uterine cramping. Additionally, removing the non-motile sperm and leaving only the healthy ones increases the chances of success.
The washing process involves layering the seminal fluid over sperm-washing medium to create a density gradient, and using centrifugal force to separate out the healthy sperm.
If you are purchasing sperm from a bank, you will need to get IUI-ready (washed) vials. If you are using fresh sperm (either from a known donor or a partner), your midwife will do the sperm washing at your home immediately prior to the IUI.
-
Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not include any fertility benefits. You are responsible for paying for any care provided by Emunah Midwifery, with payment due at the time of service. Some workplaces may offer fertility benefits, and I am happy to provide you with a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement.
Any lab work can be billed directly to your insurance (with the exception of Kaiser members).
-
There is no easy answer to this question; everyone’s journey is unique. These statistics might help you get a sense of realistic expectations:
For people under 30, the success rate is around 20-25% per cycle.
For people aged 30 to 35, the success rate of IUI is typically 15-20% per cycle.
People aged 35-40 have a 10% success rate per cycle. By their early 40s, the success rates drop to approximately 5%.
These are statistics for people with no known fertility issues, who are using high-quality sperm. If you are impacted by fertility complications, your statistical chances of success will be lowered.
-
Medication management is outside of my scope as a Licensed Midwife. Some clients choose to get fertility medications prescribed through an MD, while still pursuing at-home IUI with Emunah Midwifery. We can discuss the risks and benefits of medications during a preconception consultation, so you have the information to make the best choice for your individual circumstances.
Take charge of your preconception journey and optimize your fertility with our comprehensive preconception care services.
Whether you're planning to conceive through IUI, vaginal insemination, IVF, or intercourse, Emunah Midwifery is here to provide you with personalized guidance and support every step of the way.
Schedule a 90-minute preconception appointment, either virtually or in-office, where we will review your health history and create an individualized plan tailored to your needs. Our holistic approach includes recommendations for nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes to enhance your fertility. In some cases, we may also conduct lab tests or order imaging to better understand your baseline health and fertility status. We will also cover cycle charting and IUI timing.
Begin your pregnancy journey.
Other Services Offered By Emunah Midwifery: