This is a sponsored post about a new at home fertility treatment option called The Stork. Opinions are, as always, my own. I’ve surprised many folks when they learn that I’ve had fertility issues. My kids are 25 and 23 months apart, so I can see why that might make people wonder. I was fortunate. I got my happy ending(s). But I won’t forget the journey to get where I am, and I remember all too well the nights crying myself to sleep because yet another pregnancy test had been positive and then….there was my period, just a few days late. Month after month. It was worse after I miscarried. For us, the HSG testing combined with Clomid was the magical combination and helped bless us with our first 2 kids. We didn’t “have” to do IUI or injections- or more invasive procedures. We were lucky. We are lucky. But I can tell you that faced with the idea of having to give the doctor a sample, I’m not sure how comfortable my husband would have been to even talk with a physician about that, let alone produce that sample. Having to do something so intimate and so private in a medical office isn’t exactly a comfortable setting, and not anyone’s ideal way to get pregnant. That’s why, when asked if I’d attend a webinar to learn more about this at home fertility treatment option, I needed to learn more.
The Stork was designed as a natural, cost-effective option to help couples bridge the gap between natural conception and more aggressive treatments. It can be used in the privacy of the home without affecting daily routine- both for couples with no known fertility issues and for those who are experiencing difficulty conceiving. 1 in 6 couples are known to have fertility issues in the US. That’s a much higher rate than I’d imagined. While it makes me sad, indeed, it really makes me happy that there are companies who are working to make fertility options more accessible to the masses. I have friends who have literally had to make the choice to either be able to afford IVF once with a low chance of success due to their individual fertility issues, or to purchase a home. No one should have to make choices like that.
That’s right. There’s a cost-effective fertility option (I know, I always thought that was an oxymoron, because fertility options are NOT cost-effective?!) available AND…you can use it at HOME. Without going into great detail, The Stork works very much like a condom– or with a condom….I am including a video clip below. But basically, you have regular intercourse, but once the man has ejaculated, he rolls the condom off, washes his hands, removes the condom from the cervical cap, and then the cap is attached to the applicator….and in just a few steps, that cervical cap is placed where it needs to be most and those sperm are given their own sort of “fast pass” to where they need to go. There’s no guarantees it will work, as with anything relating to fertility, but it’s a big boost and hopefully enough to get those sperm where they need to be to fertilize an egg.
The Stork Conception System is indicated for assisted insemination in instances where low sperm count, sperm immobility, or hostile vaginal environment has been diagnosed. The system (cervical cap in a condom-like silicone sheath) is used to collect semen into a cervical cap, and then deliver the cap to the outside of the cervix as an aid to conception. It is to be used at home following physician instructions.
Because of the low price on The Stork, many physicians are recommending that couples do this process three times/month during a women’s optimal ovulation cycle. The folks at Rinovum Women’s Health, the company that makes this product, are pushing to have The Stork available over the counter (OTC) in 2014, working to be priced around $79 (per treatment) at places like CVS and Walgreens so that it’s available and accessible to anyone with or without insurance.
The Stork isn’t meant to replace your doctor. It’s meant to be an affordable option when you are realizing that you aren’t having sex for fun and more for the purpose of trying to get pregnant- but it’s not happening….and hopefully keeps you from having to go into more invasive and costly procedures. Low sperm count, low motility, hostile environment or ovulation timing issues are some of the things that this product may be able to help couples with. The folks at Rinovum Women’s Health are doing a clinical study and if you are in the Pittsburgh area, reach out to them if you are interested in being part of that study.
I know this is an option we would have explored- would you?
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
If I had needed it I would definately explored this option!
JulieK says
Yeah I’m still waiting for that surprise baby….in the meantime, this might be a good option for me! 🙂
Lalitha Prakash says
Very useful information.
Francine @ Teresa's Family Cleaning says
What a great idea. If I needed these treatments it would definitely be an option I would choose.
Carmen's Coupon Blog says
I love that you got those children you wanted to much.. I know how hard it can be to want something that others (some don’t deserve) get it so easily.. I have 4 girls and soon my 1st son.. so I don’t have issues in this area but I have a very close friend that is currently going thru this.. so I am going to forward your post to her and hopefully its a service she can use…
Rhonda - A Born Unique Mom says
I’m so happy that you were Blessed with your happy ending. Thanks for sharing, there are so many people that would benefit from a product like this, thankfully it’s affordable.
Cindi Thornton says
This is definitely a viable option that I can see many couples taking advantage of, and I am very glad it is available. I have never even heard of such a thing, so am happy that I was able to learn something today!
Robyn says
Getting pregnant was a hole in one for us! Although, I will try this if we have trouble the next time around.
Kyle says
This is very interesting. I appreciate you sharing your story. Im sure it will be an inspiration to many!
Paula Nicolas says
I haven’t heard of this product yet, thanks to this post, I have friends who are trying to conceive, this might help them a lot.
Stacey Myers says
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is nice to know there are so many options available for people these days.
Giveaways 4 Mom says
This seems like a great option for couples that cannot have kids.
Danielle - Woven Stars & Chocolate Bars says
This looks like a wonderful option for women/couples trying to conceive. I hope it helps dreams come true!
Cyndie says
Great to know there are option out there for couples trying to have a baby
Courtney Pies says
I think it’s so great that there’s options, like The Stork, available for people with infertility problems!
Sophie S says
I have a friend that had to use fertility treatments to help them have kids, and they are now the proud parents of two!
Scott B says
I’m glad they have this sort of product available for people who want kids. I’m sure it makes things a lot easier on them.
Healy Harpster says
I am blessed for I don’t have to go through with this, I got pregnant without any problems. This is great for those who have the problem getting pregnant easily.
Ronnie says
Not being able to get pregnant is one of my biggest fears.. It’s good to know that there are affordable, less invasive options out there to try out, IF I have that issue.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
Interesting. Having suffered from infertility as well, this is a much cheaper solution. I hope it helps many couples with their dreams to become parents.
Brett says
I feel the same way- that’s why I wanted to share about it. Maybe it will help someone who might not otherwise be able to afford
Ian says
After trying for well over a year I know the worry that people go through… anything that can help this worry is good in my book!
Brett says
That’s a really long time Ian 🙁
Kristyn says
this is great for those who are trying to get pregnant! I am in the very end of my pregnancy and will be holding off on another for a few years 🙂
Melanie a/k/a CrazyMom says
What an interesting concept and if I would have seen this 6 years ago when we tried for 18 month to get pregnant, I SOOO would have tried this… wishing all the Mommy and Daddy’s best of luck with this… sure would be wonderful if it would help some…
Beeb says
I know infertility is such a difficult thing for couples to face. Anything that can help is a good thing.
Jennifer Soltys says
It’s so great that they are coming up with more affordable solutions. We tried briefly when we first got married. When it didn’t work right away, I took it as a sign. I’ve always been on the fence about having kids. If we ever decide to try again I will keep this in mind!
Angela says
I had no idea there was such a thing as a cost-effective fertility option. It’s nice to see more affordable options becoming available.
Danielle @ We Have It All says
This seems like such a great product and this is definitely something I would try. I hope it does become available in stores like CVS and Walgreens, that would be great!
Lynsey @MoscatoMom says
You know, because I never had infertility issues, I never thought about things like this. But now my best friend has been trying for nearly three years to get pregnant, and I realize just how much of a toll it takes on you. I think it is amazing they are offering products like this and hope it helps many couples trying to conceive.
Daisy says
This was interesting because I’ve been trying to get pregnant for over a year now…
Daisy says
Oops, got click-happy and submitted my comment before I was done. Anyway, we’ve been trying for over a year now and I didn’t know about this, but it sounds like a good idea to try. It makes sense to me that this could help us.
Janel C says
I really hope they continue to make really great progress in this area! I always feel so incredibly sorry for those families that struggle with trying to have children. I have two close friends that are both trying to adopt.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
It seems so long ago that I was in baby mode, but I’m sure I would have explored this and any option available. I know it.