How to have children without having sex?
In order to get pregnant, the sperm must be deposited to the fertilization spot, where it needs to meet with the egg. Pregnancy begins when a fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus, following which it grows into an embryo and so on.
While traditionally, sexually intercourse has been seen as the most natural way to conceive, there are other alternatives that are now available for people who cannot get pregnant with penetrative or non-penetrative sex or who do not want to have sex to get pregnant.
Some of these alternatives are as follows:
Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination that is often used to treat infertility. During this procedure, sperm is directly placed into the uterus using a small catheter. The idea and the aim is to increase the chances of fertilization by introducing the egg with a number of healthy sperm. Hence increasing the chances of pregnancy.
Also read: 5 compelling reasons you should plan a second child
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
During an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized egg or the embryo is then transported and deposited in the uterus. An entire cycle takes about three weeks and sometimes the process can take longer, depending on how you wish to proceed with the steps.
The "Turkey Baster" Method
The "Turkey Baster" Method also known as Intracervical Insemination (ICI) is the most commonly used method of home insemination. The procedure is conducted with a needleless syringe to inject sperm near the cervix. It is important that at-home insemination is done properly or it could be risky. One must make sure that they use a sterile, dry cup to collect semen and a sterile, needleless syringe to inseminate.
Surrogacy is also an option
Many people including celebrities have taken surrogacy to parent a child. It is an arrangement where a surrogate mother bears and delivers a child for another couple or person. During gestational surrogacy, a fertilized egg or an embryo is implanted into the uterus of the surrogate mother who carries and delivers the baby.
Is splash pregnancy a thing?
Sex is often referred to an penetrative sexual intercourse, which is often how babies are made. However, for those couples, who cannot have sexual intercourse can still have sex, more importantly, they can have children.
Splash pregnancy is when semen reaches the outer vaginal area (accidentally or intentionally) without intercourse and leads to conception. All it takes is for the semen to make its way to the vulva or vaginal areas. This is also known as 'virgin pregnancy.'
When should you opt for these procedures?
It is completely your choice when it comes to your body. Whether you want to get pregnant with sex or through the alternative ways, it all comes down to what you choose for yourself.
However, IVF, IUI, surrogacy and the Turkey Baster method all help when infertility is a prime issue. IVF for instance is the only treatment when infertility occurs due to blocked fallopian tubes or severe male factor infertility.
That said, make the decisions based on your situation and what your body can take. Consult with your doctor for better prospects.