To insert the cup, you press the sides of the cup together and then in half again to form a "U" shape. There is anecdotal evidence that couples have used this method and think that it has helped, but there are no large studies proving higher rates of pregnancy with a menstrual cup vs. Similarly, when you remove it you can use your fingers to fold the cup while it’s still inside to make it smaller for removal. Difficult to put in but even if you can’t pull it back into shape, it still does a good job of keeping the semen inside of you.

Gently insert the upturned cup until it reaches the top of your vaginal canal, hold the cup in place, at the same time gently pull on the stem to pop the cup back into its original shape.This means that the base of the cup sits further away from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and the sperm cells have a longer journey to the egg. It pushes the semen towards the cervix, cradling the sperm in the protective environment of the cervical mucus so more of the sperm cells survive, and more of them swim up into the uterus. Among women with primary infertility, the pregnancy rate was 43%; it was 67% for those with secondary infertility and 53% overall.

If you have used the FERTI·LILY Cup while you have had an infection, it is recommended that you replace your cup with a new one to ensure against repeat infection. Any longer than this and the silicone may deteriorate, so replace the cup when you have completed your sixth cycle. The best way to become pregnant faster is to monitor cycles, be aware of ovulation timing (with a fertility app or home ovulation predictor kits) and have sex at the right time just before ovulation. If you’re under 35 years of age and have been trying for a year, it may be time seek out a fertility specialist. If you are not ovulating, the FERTILILY cannot offer any help and we recommend that you contact your doctor.Should you notice any signs of deterioration or damage to the silicone at any point, such as tear, discard the cup and replace it. Get used to the way the cup feels in both its original shape and as an ‘umbrella’ and try and practice and insert before you need it to ensure you know it is inserted correctly. The more sperm manage to enter the uterus, the greater the chances that one of them will reach and penetrate the egg, thus increasing the likelihood of conception.

In addition, you can move freely, go to the toilet and continue with normal activities for up to an hour. Unlike menstrual cups, the FERTI·LILY Conception Cup is registered as a Medical Device in Europe with the purpose of aiding conception. FERTILILY has been developed in collaboration with European gynaecologists and fertility specialists.

The FERTILILY Conception Cup is available in one size and is suitable for all women regardless of height, weight, age, or anything else.

In our data we see that the biggest effect of sperm cells swimming into the cervical mucus takes place within 20 minutes, and after an hour there is not much benefit in keeping the cup in place when trying to get pregnant. Once it reaches the top of your vaginal canal, hold the cup in place, at the same time gently pull on the stem to pop the cup back into its original shape.It makes sense that people think menstrual cups could be a good substitute for the FERTI·LILY Conception Cup, considering their many similarities. Others have [penis-in-vagina] sex and immediately insert a menstrual cup into the vagina to ensure the sperm stays in place, close to the entrance of the uterus. She recommends that others consider the method, but experiment with it first, as menstrual cups can be a little tricky to insert if you've never used one before. Squeeze a small amount of product onto your fingers and/or the palm of your hand and apply to the genital area. Unfortunately the pregnancy didn’t last, however very happy to know the fertility cup helped and am excited to keep trying!