Home Insemination Kits

[MrsD0907]

Dear Dr. Roseff,

I have been researching home insemination kits. They appear to be simple and in expensive to use. I did concieve one pregnancy via IUI through an RE; however, due to unemployment and insurance changes, I no longer have any coverage for fertility treatment. I also concieved once naturally. That pregnancy also ended in miscarriage (karyotype: XX, 46, ANA 1:40 speckled, TSH 3.93--all other RPL tests were normal {thrompholia & immunuology normal}). Husband sperm normal and healthy.

My question is this: are these kits safe? I do have medical training as well as a friend who is a nurse who could assist me. The instructions specifically say not to inject the sperm past the cervix into the uterus; the kits are only meant for vaginal and cervical insemination. Why can't the sperm (without washing) be injected into the uterus?

Thank you in advance for your time and answers...
Sincerely,
Ramona

[Scott Roseff MD]

Hi,

In my opinion, TSH levels should be no higher than 3.0 (and even lower in pregnancy).

Intrauterine insemination can not (should not) be done without washing. Sperm is mixed in a liquid called semen. Semen can contain bacteria, as well as a hormone called prostaglandin. With intercourse, cervical mucus normally filters out the prostaglandin (and can also trap bacteria, when they exist), so the prostaglandin doesn't get up into the uterus past the cervix. Prostaglandin, when inserted in the uterus with unwashed semen/sperm, can cause anaphylactic shock (and death). Infection (and possibly sepsis) can occur as well.

I hope this helps,
Dr. Roseff in Florida

[MrsD0907]

Thank you

Thank you that is very helpful.

About TSH...if I should get pregnant, and my TSH is above 3, would thyroid medication need to be increased? Should I increase it now? I've been on it for four months and it only dropped from 3.93 to 3.23.

Thank you again.

[Scott Roseff MD]

Ask your doctor about the TSH and your dosage... It's illegal for me to tell you what to do, as that constitutes practicing medicine upon you, and you're not my patient. :-(

Dr. Roseff in Florida