DIY IUIs: The Stork Conception Aid

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is generally one of the first treatments fertility clinics offer to patients.  It is less invasive and less expensive than IVF.  But it is still expensive and has a very low success rate relative to the cost.

 

So I was intrigued when I was recently sent information about a new product called The Stork, that basically allows you to do an IUI yourself in the comfort of your own home.

This is also an interesting option for same sex couples using a known donor!

One thing I will caution you of, however, is that it is important to get fertility screening done first if you have been struggling to conceive.  Because if the issue is low ovarian reserve/poor egg quality, blocked fallopian tubes, severe endometriosis and/or uterine abnormalities, than this won't likely help.  You'd be wasting your money on this.  Similarly, if there is a serious sperm issue, something like IVF and ICSI would likely be required. 

This is actually a great option for couples with sexual dysfunction.  Believe me, it is more common than you think that either the man is unable to ejaculate during intercourse or the woman has vaginismus or another issue making penetration difficult or impossible.

Here's the scoop:

A COSTLY ROAD TO PARENTHOOD FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH INFERTILITY

The Stork® lands offering a new at-home conception aid to help Canadians conceive

 

September 8, 2014 – Toronto, ON – For many Canadians, conceiving a child and becoming a parent is a dream come true; however, what happens when infertility issues arise? For the approximately one in six Canadians who struggle to conceive, the road to parenthood can be costly – not only financially, but also psychologically and emotionally, often taking a toll on intimacy.[i]

 

In fact, according to a recent survey of Canadian men and women aged 30-44 who had been trying to conceive for at least 12 months, the effects of infertility extend far beyond parenthood and the bedroom with one in four stating that they rarely talk about anything other than infertility.^[ii] Further, over half of respondents (52%) say that they no longer have spontaneity in their sex life as a result of infertility and 41 per cent outline that all forms of intimacy in their relationship have gone down.²

 

Now, The Stork®, a new at-home conception aid is bringing together cervical cap insemination, a well-established technique used by healthcare professionals, with new innovative technology, to help couples conceive naturally and in the privacy and comfort of their home. The introduction of The Stork helps bridge the gap between natural intercourse and in-clinic, assisted treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) or clomifene.

 

“Starting a family is an important milestone for many Canadians, and for those trying unsuccessfully to conceive, the impacts can be devastating,” says Dr. Michael Pelekanos, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist. “As healthcare professionals, we want to ensure our patients get support in their journeys toward parenthood, which can often be lonely, stressful and isolating. The practice of cervical cap insemination, for instance, is a viable first approach for us to consider for our potential moms-to-be.”

 

Eighty per cent of those surveyed have already tried at least one treatment option; one-quarter of those experiencing infertility express a willingness to invest at least $10,000 in treatments. A majority of those experiencing infertility selected functional outlets for the money if it weren’t to be spent on treatments – paying off debt, buying a home and saving for retirement. Currently, universal IVF is not publicly funded in Canada and only 15 per cent of couples affected by infertility can afford IVF treatment.[iii] Consider further that access to IVF services outside of major urban cities is often difficult and the average out-of-pocket costs of treatments generally range from $8,000 to $14,500.[iv] 

 

Combining science and innovation, The Stork offers a cost-effective, over-the-counter approach to the well-established practice of cervical cap insemination.[v]^,[vi] The Stork is designed to be used as a “first-step” for couples when trying to conceive before advancing into further assisted reproductive treatments – and costs.[vii] Cervical cap insemination has a recorded success rate of between 10-20 per cent,[viii] which is comparable to IUI - with recorded success rates between 15-20 per cent.[ix] The Stork is favourable for couples experiencing common fertility difficulties such as low sperm count, low sperm motility, unfavourable vaginal environment, ovulation timing and unexplained infertility.⁹
 

“Research demonstrates that alternative options are highly welcome among Canadians with three-quarters of individuals struggling with infertility being likely to try an at-home conception aid available without a prescription,” says Stephen Bollinger, President and CEO of Rinovum Women's Health and the creator of The Stork. “We’re delighted to launch The Stork in Canada as it provides couples with a feasible, non-invasive option to support natural, at-home conception.”

 

The Stork (containing one device to be used in one ovulation cycle) is available at Rexall™ and London Drugs® pharmacy locations. More information about The Stork, including demonstration videos and resources for couples trying to conceive, can be found online at www. storkconception.ca.

 

About The Stork 

The Stork works by collecting semen into a cervical cap, which is located at the bottom of a condom-like sheath. The applicator then delivers the cervical cap, containing the semen, to the entrance of the cervix. The cervical cap is left next to the cervix for four to six hours and then removed using a tampon like pull chord. The cervical cap keeps the semen as close to the cervix as possible, to allow sperm to swim up to the egg. Normal daily activities can be carried out whilst the cervical cap is in place. It is recommended that The Stork be used just before and/or during ovulation.

 

Rinovum Women's Health

Rinovum Women's Health, Inc. is a privately held women's health company dedicated to bringing products into the market that will enhance women's lives and empower them to take charge of their health. Their first focus, The Stork, is a conception aid for reproductive health to assist in natural fertility and conception in the privacy of the patients' home. Rinovum Women's Health aims to provide products that are easy-to-use and safe, as well as a more economical way for a couple to address some of these issues. More information about Rinovum Women's Health, Inc. can be found at www.rinovum.com.