If you’re trying to conceive (TTC) using a home insemination kit, you might be wondering: how long should I stay lying down afterwards? It’s one of the most frequently asked questions — and for good reason. Timing and positioning can both play a role in how effective insemination is.

This guide breaks down what the evidence says, what fertility experts suggest, and how long you might want to remain lying down after insemination to support your chances of conception.

Is Lying Down After Insemination Important?

The short answer is: yes, it can help. While there’s limited research specifically on home insemination (using a syringe), clinical studies looking at intrauterine insemination (IUI) — a procedure done in fertility clinics — show that remaining lying down for a short time may improve pregnancy rates.

One notable study published in Fertility and Sterility (2009) found that women who lay down for 15 minutes after IUI had significantly higher pregnancy rates than those who stood up right away. Although IUI is different from syringe-based insemination, the basic idea — giving sperm time to travel upwards — still applies.

Recommended Lying Time After Home Insemination

Most fertility experts and TTC communities recommend lying down for 15 to 30 minutes after inseminating at home. This gives sperm a chance to move through the cervical canal and into the uterus.

If you’re using a home insemination syringe (like the Maia Baby kit), here’s a simple step-by-step:

1. Inseminate in a comfortable lying position
2. Remain lying on your back with your hips slightly elevated (a pillow under your hips works well)
3. Stay in that position for 15–30 minutes
4. After that, move gently — there’s no need to stay still for hours

Should You Raise Your Legs or Use a Pillow?

You don’t need to do a full yoga pose or raise your legs up against the wall. But placing a cushion or small pillow under your hips can help tilt your pelvis and encourage gravity to assist sperm on their journey.

Avoid vigorous movement right afterwards — but you don’t need to lie still for hours. Sperm are quite capable swimmers and many reach the fallopian tubes within minutes.

What About Sperm Leakage?

It’s totally normal to notice some fluid coming out after insemination. The syringe usually contains more than just sperm — it also includes seminal fluid or transport medium, depending on your donor source. This leakage doesn’t mean the insemination failed.

The important thing is that millions of sperm begin their journey immediately after insemination, and lying down just gives them a head start.

What Else Can I Do to Boost My Chances?

Lying down after insemination is just one small part of the bigger fertility puzzle. You can boost your chances even more by:

• Timing insemination during your fertile window — see our guide: Best Time to Inseminate
• Tracking ovulation using LH test strips and cervical mucus
• Supporting sperm health through nutrition, supplements, and reduced heat/toxin exposure — read our blog: How to Naturally Boost Male Fertility
• Staying relaxed and reducing stress, which can affect cycle regularity and ovulation

When to Speak to a Fertility Professional

If you’ve been trying at home for several cycles without success, and especially if:

• You’re under 35 and have been trying for 12+ months
• You’re over 35 and trying for 6+ months
• You have irregular cycles, PCOS, or other known health concerns

... then speak with your GP or a fertility specialist. They can advise on hormone testing, sperm analysis, and whether you might benefit from additional support.

Final Thoughts

While lying down after insemination isn’t a guaranteed method to increase conception, it’s a simple and sensible step backed by evidence from clinical insemination settings. Aim to rest for 15 to 30 minutes, keep your hips slightly elevated, and let nature do the rest.

Trying to conceive is a journey — every small action you take adds up. Trust your body, stay informed, and know that you’re doing everything you can to support this next chapter.

You’ve got this 

Keep Reading: Helpful TTC Guides
Looking for more evidence-based guidance? These blogs may also support you:

• Best Time to Inseminate for Conception
• Sperm Leakage After Insemination: What’s Normal?
• How Long Can Sperm Survive in the Vagina?