“While I have received compensation for this post from Fertility Planit, all opinions are my own.”
When it comes to trying to conceive (TTC) I like to believe I am a bit of an expert. My husband and I are expecting baby number three next month and I have been around the TTC block. When I set out to conceive my first baby I didn't know much about TTC and all it entails but I learned quickly. She actually took the longest to conceive out of all my babies. I remember going through all the emotions, wondering each month if it was possible. Well, let's say it's a fun and exciting time, but also nerve racking. Fertility can be such an unknown and can vary each time we try to conceive.
Now that we are onto baby number three we are done after this. I won't be experiencing all the ups and downs TTC brings again during my life, but that doesn't mean I can't help you. One of the most visited pages on my site is a post I wrote about getting pregnant while breastfeeding. This information is in demand, and I know my readers want any help they can get when it comes to TTC. That's why I am excited to share a new conception device with you.
The Stork OTC is available without a prescription and is intended to help you conceive in the privacy of your own home
When I first heard of The Stork OTC I thought, wow what a great tool to help during the process of trying to get pregnant. Most of us who have been down the TTC road know all about taking our basal temperature, tracking ovulation with charts, and using ovulation predictor kits (OPK's) to try and help us conceive quickly. Wouldn't it be great to have another tool in our arsenal that is proven to help speed the process along?
What is the The Stork OTC? It's a use at home conception aid that combines an applicator with cervical cap insemination. Cervical cap insemination has been around for a long time but was previously only done at a clinic or Doctor's office. It can be an effective tool for getting pregnant beyond typical ovulation tracking.
This is a great option to try before moving on to more costly in clinic fertility treatments. It can be used whether you have been trying awhile or not. Think of it as a next step in the TTC process.
From The Stork OTC's own literature, it is intended for:
• The patient population that is trying to become pregnant.
• Male patients diagnosed with low sperm count or motility issues.
• Patients trying to become pregnant without intercourse.
• Patients who desire to control timing.
• Patients who seek out private options for trying to conceive or at-home insemination options.
The device
Since I am already pregnant I received a demo device to try out. This way I could inspect it and understand it without actually using it. Let me say I am impressed. Everything was nicely packaged. The instructions sent are clear. Definitely familiarize yourself with the unit and instructions before using because it is a one time use device. It only took me a few minutes to figure out how it works, and I can see how this would be extremely easy and quick to use. It's wonderful that this is now available over the counter.
The applicator is a slender, tampon like device. It is slightly longer than a tampon but not much. It has three activation buttons that are used to deliver the cervical cap when ready. Everything feels high quality and well thought out. Even the cervical cap and conceptacle are made out of a latex free soft silicone.
It is used by having your partner wear the condom like sheath that contains the cervical cap. Once intercourse has occurred (or it can be used with donor sperm) the cervical cap is carefully placed in the applicator. The applicator is inserted into the vaginal opening and released near the cervix. There are three activation buttons involved in this process which are easy to use. This ensures the sperm is getting where it needs to be. Use it during ovulation which hopefully you are tracking with an OPK. Once the cervical cap is inserted wear it for 4-6 hours. There is string attached so it can be removed like a tampon.
By the way, I showed this to my husband to get his thoughts and said "that looks like a condom." Yes, that is accurate and it works the same way too.
Conclusion
I love that The Stork OTC is easy to use, not intimidating at all, and can be used in the privacy of your own home. It's a great first step to try before more invasive procedures related to fertility. It has been FDA cleared and is available without a prescription in several stores including CVS.
If you would like to find out more be sure to join the #StorkStories Twitter Chat for a chance to win a Stork OTC device on 4/21 at 9pET.
Follow The Stork OTC on Facebook
Follow @StorkbyRinovum Twitter
Visit the Stork OTC website
And, of course please let me know if you have any questions about The Stork OTC at all.