Contrary to what you might be thinking right now, turkey baster babies don’t require turkeys nor their babies. Learn more about this artificial insemination technique that you can easily use at home.
Cooking is both a science and an art, requiring the individual to apply heat to ingredients in order to create something greater than the sum of its parts. However, cooking a delicious dish isn’t as easy as following a recipe because there are so many factors at play. For one, the equipment you have isn’t the same as what the recipe’s writer used.
This rings true for couples who’re trying to conceive (TTC). It’s not just about squeezing in as much unprotected sex as you can in a month because everyone’s bodies and circumstances are unique. You’ll need to work smart while working hard, which makes consultations with your gynaecologist crucial.
In which case, the “Turkey Baster Baby” method may interest you. Essentially, the goal is to deposit sperm as close to the cervix as possible to give sperm a better chance of reaching the egg. It’s less invasive than it sounds and can be done in the comfort of your home, albeit not 100% medical-approved or germ-free.
Here’s everything you need to know about this home insemination procedure — and a more hygienic alternative to it.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended as medical advice.
What does “Turkey Baster Baby” even mean?
“Turkey Baster Baby” simply refers to the end product after the “Turkey Baster Baby” method is applied. In a nutshell, it means that you’ve successfully conceived by using this artificial insemination technique. It’s akin to how “test tube baby” refers to a child that was conceived via in-vitro fertilisation (IVF).
Despite the odd name, the “Turkey Baster Baby” method could be another way of referring to intracervical insemination (ICI). This means that sperm is delivered right to the cervical opening or near it, but with a needleless syringe instead of a penis [1]. This artificial insemination technique comes in handy when you’re ovulating but aren’t in the mood for sex. (Or if your partner is having performance issues — don’t worry, we get that, too.)
How to perform the “Turkey Baster Baby” method: All you need is a needleless syringe and a small cup to hold your partner’s semen. Draw the semen with the syringe before inserting it into your vagina. Then, press the plunger to deposit the semen.
There are several differences between at-home ICI and IVF, but the most obvious would be the cost involved. An IVF package in Singapore will set you back anywhere between S$10,000 and S$22,000, depending on the hospital chosen [2]. On the other hand, every round of at-home ICI costs just a few dollars.
Is the “Turkey Baster Baby” method safe?
The “Turkey Baster Baby” method of artificial insemination is straightforward, taking just two steps and several minutes to complete. Despite its simplicity, there are a few things to keep in mind before you get started. This largely revolves around hygiene and preventing yourself from getting hurt.
Firstly, ensure that the equipment you’re using is sanitised. Ideally, your needless syringe and small container should be brand new. For obvious reasons, do not reuse disposable syringes. Keeping things clean prevents infections and keeps as much sperm alive as possible. With that said, do note that these precautions do not necessarily ensure the equipment is 100% sterile, so proceed at your own discretion.
Once you’ve decided to take the risk with the “Turkey Baster Baby” method, get into a comfortable position before inserting the syringe. Lying down and placing a pillow below your hips gives you the best angle for insertion. Alternatively, get your partner to lend a hand because they have a better view. Communicate with each other and make sure that you aren’t inserting the syringe too far in.
Lastly, you might want to leave the syringe in for a few minutes while remaining in the same position to prevent any immediate semen leakage. Every drop will help in your journey to conceive.
When’s the best time to use the “Turkey Baster Baby” method?
The “Turkey Baster Baby” method is best used during ovulation or 4-5 days prior when you or your partner doesn’t have the energy for sex. It’s identical to the ideal window for unprotected sex (read: fertile window) as both techniques are meant to fertilise the mature egg that’s released from the ovary.
The success rate for the “Turkey Baster Baby” method, or ICI in general, ranges from 5% to 30% per ovulation cycle [3]. Successfully conceiving depends on a number of factors, including age and sperm quality, hence the wide range for this method’s success rate.
How does the twoplus Applicator Extra differ from this method?
Using the twoplus Applicator Extra is slightly different from the “Turkey Baster Baby” method, although they share the same end goal of improving your odds of a successful pregnancy.
Firstly, the Applicator Extra is sperm-friendly, and its material has undergone tests for biocompatibility and human sperm survival.
Secondly, self-inseminating with conventional syringes is much less efficient because their narrow tips trap semen, causing a significant loss in volume.
Lastly, there’s the Applicator Extra’s ace in the hole: It comes with the Soft Tip accessory. The Soft Tip makes inserting the Applicator Extra much more comfortable than that of a conventional syringe. You can detach the Soft Tip after the deed is done to halt the immediate leakage of semen out of the vagina. No fuss and definitely no mess!
How is the twoplus Applicator Extra similar to the “Turkey Baster Baby” method?
The twoplus Applicator Extra is similar to the “Turkey Baster Baby” method in a few ways.
As mentioned earlier, each technique takes just a few steps and several minutes, with minimal clean-up.
Plus, you can perform either home insemination method if your partner experiences performance anxiety or have trouble with ejaculation and erections at times. They’ll be able to ejaculate in full privacy and comfort before you proceed to perform self-insemination. This takes a large amount of stress away, especially if you have been TTC for a while.
Same-sex couples and single mothers can benefit from the Applicator Extra or the “Turkey Baster Baby” method, too. Both at-home insemination techniques are compatible with donated sperm. With that said, the Applicator Extra may help to minimise semen wastage.
Self-insemination at home made easy
The “Turkey Baster Baby” method is a simple and convenient artificial insemination technique. It’s something that you and your partner may benefit from, just in case it’s prime time and neither of you feel like performing the deed. After all, you just need a sanitised needleless syringe and a cup.
That said, for maximum comfort and hygiene, you may want to consider the twoplus Applicator Extra instead. This conception tool was designed for the sole purpose of IVI in the comfort of your own home.
Bonus: The Applicator Extra allows you to self-inseminate with only one hand, without needing help from your partner or a medical professional. Last but not least, this at-home insemination kit comes with a collection cup for your convenience and detailed instructions, too.
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