Since a woman’s egg is only fertilisable for about 18 hours per cycle, it’s important to pinpoint that short amount of time to optimize your chances of becoming pregnant. That's where cyclotest baby comes in. This handy little device is a leading fertility monitor recently introduced into the UK from Germany. Using daily temperature readings and other indicators of fertility known as the sympto-thermal method of fertility charting, cyclotest baby is able to do just that!
After identifying the correct time, you can begin the insemination process using the FemCap included in the kit. The FemCap is the latest generation cervical cap, known as a modern alternative to the diaphragm, that is usually used to keep sperm out. The FemCap allows you to avoid all possible bumps, pitfalls and everything else that can happen on the sperm's journey to the uterus because it delivers semen right up to the cervix while protecting them from the vaginal environment. Once fastened securely right over the cervical opening, the FemCap holds the semen into place without giving any of the little swimmers a chance to escape! The FemCap is eased into place with Yes Baby's Fertility lubricant and can be worn for hours without the woman noticing.
This entire process ensures that each and every sperm in the semen has been giving the optimum chance of reaching it's final destination without being able to run away. The FemCap cuts off any escape route the sperm might take as gravity attemptos to pull them away from the uterus. It's recommended that the FemCap remain in place for 8 hours.
The home insemination kit allows you to take control of your own conception by pinpointing the best time for conception and safely delivering sperm to where it needs to be to get you pregnant! Save money and time on expensive treatments and clinic visits and do your own insemination at home!
Home Insemination Kits optimise your chances of becoming pregnant by identifying your most fertile phase and safely delivering and securing sperm right where it needs to be to foster pregnancy. Conceiving in the privacy of your own home has never been so simple!
More couples are turning to fertility monitoring and charting in order to take control of their pregnancies. Monitoring fertility allows women to pinpoint the exact days when they're able to get pregnant during their cycle, which gives them a large advantage over couples trying to conceive without knowing which days are best. Fertility Monitors, such as Cyclotest Baby, also allow you to digitally chart, email and print your personal fertility profile. This can be a great tool for gynecologists to diagnose any potential problems that may be inhibiting pregnancy.
Fertility monitors are amazing tools used to predict the best time to make love in order to become pregnant. Timing is everything when it comes to conception and having an aide like Cyclotest Baby can decrease the time it takes you to fall pregnant.
When you consider sperm count and ovulation dates, sperm life span and vaginal PH values, sperm motility and egg quality, knowing exactly when to make love is extremely advantageous.
Fertility Monitors, such as Cyclotest Baby, also allow you to digitally chart, email and print your personal fertility profile. This feature can be extremely helpful to your gynecologist if your pregnancy is taking longer than expected to come about.
Have a look at the video below and our articles about fertility awareness and the sympto-thermal method to learn more about predicting fertility using fertility monitors.
There are many potential reasons why the pregnancy you are longing for fails to materialise and it is not always down to organic factors. Lifestyle factors such as medication, diet, weight and overall health can have a large impact on your chances of getting pregnant. Simply knowing your fertile phase, that small window each cycle when you're able to conceive can increase your chances dramatically.
Before trying to get pregnant, many women are usually unaware of the symptoms which are characteristic of the fertile cycle phase.
A woman can conceive only when she has sex during the few days around ovulation. Therefore, on most other days in her cycle, a woman is infertile. Many women can recall from biology lessons at school that a woman is supposed to ovulate around the 14th day of her cycle. While this may be the case for some women, there is not enough detailed information to say it applies to everyone.
The fertile phase within the cycle can vary from cycle to cycle, especially since cycles and ovulation can be influenced by outside factors such as diet, stress, and illness.
Because there are so many things that can cause variations within each cycle, identifying the fertile days and ovulation is often difficult. Knowing when you are ovulating will maximise your chances of getting pregnant by allowing you to coordinate your love life with your ovulation.
Fertility monitors are excellent tools which allow you to pinpoint the exact days when sexual intercourse has the highest chance of resulting in pregnancy. Many couples use these to determine their ovulation days and are thus able to become pregnant sooner than those who are unaware of their ovulation cycles.
Have a look at our articles and check out the video below to learn more about ovulation and fertility cycles and how being aware of these occurrences can help bring about pregnancy.
Before trying to get pregnant, many women are usually unaware of the symptoms which are characteristic of the fertile cycle phase.
A woman can conceive only when she has sex during the few days around ovulation. Therefore, on most other days in her cycle, a woman is infertile. Many women can recall from biology lessons at school that a woman is supposed to ovulate around the 14th day of her cycle. While this may be the case for some women, there is not enough detailed information to say it applies to everyone.
The fertile phase within the cycle can vary from cycle to cycle, especially since cycles and ovulation can be influenced by outside factors such as diet, stress, and illness.
Because there are so many things that can cause variations within each cycle, identifying the fertile days and ovulation is often difficult. Knowing when you are ovulating will maximise your chances of getting pregnant by allowing you to coordinate your love life with your ovulation.
Fertility monitors are excellent tools which allow you to pinpoint the exact days when sexual intercourse has the highest chance of resulting in pregnancy. Many couples use these to determine their ovulation days and are thus able to become pregnant sooner than those who are unaware of their ovulation cycles.
Have a look at our articles and check out the video below to learn more about ovulation and fertility cycles and how being aware of these occurrences can help bring about pregnancy.
For one, it's totally hormone-free and an instantly reversible form of contraception. It's also completely free of nonoxynol-9, the chemical found in most spermicides that easily irritates skin. ContraGel is available over the counter, saving you the hassle of going to the doctor's to get a prescription and it's been in production for over 35 years.
100% Natural Ingredients
Ethical Family Planning loves ContraGel because of it's all natural ingredients. How great is it to actually be able to recognize each and every one of your spermicide's components?
Water
Lactic Acid
Sodium Lactate
Methyl Cellulose
Sorbic Acid
Get the Facts
ContraGel has recently been launched by us here in the UK to help solve a wide range of issues associated with the usual spermicides prescribed by the NHS. By only using natural ingredients, ContraGel Green reduces the risk and occurance of many nasty adverse reactions which can be synonymous with chemically packed spermicides, especially those containing Nonoxynol-9 such as Gygel and Gynol II. N-9 is an abrasive agent, most commonly found in detergents and has been identified by the WHO (World Health Organisation) as actually increasing the risk of HIV/AIDS in certain situations. For this reason it's also become increasingly hard to buy spermicide in countries like the USA, Australia, New Zealand as their health services and agencies turn their back on it. Stopping prescription of a dangerous chemical based product or treatment is good, but what should the patient then resort to? Hormonal contraception? We are sure that's what the NHS and the pharmacutical companies would like to hear!
A Short Video Clip in Which the FDA Highlight the Dangers of N-9
Being water soluble means it’s safe to use with natural latex, rubber or polyurethane condoms as well as latex or silicon rubber diaphragms and cervical caps.
When used with a cervical cap such as FemCap, ContraGel Green forms a physical barrier with a low pH value just infront of the cervix, inhibiting and immobilizing the sperm. The woman is protected twice, first by the cap and then by the gel.
ContraGel as an Alternative to Nonoxynol-9
ContraGel is a very safe spermicide for those who are investigating their natural birth control methods. As a Lactic Acid-based spermicide, Contragel is similar to Femprotect, which is based upon the formula used for DiaphragmaGel Lacto. There have been no clinical studies to proof the spermicidal function of Femprotect and there have been no clinical studies to prove the innocuousness of Femprotect so users must use it at their own risk, On the other hand, ContraGel has been approved for use by the European Union with their issuance of the CE 0124 mark.
N-9's ability to kill microbes in vitro was initially taken as evidence that it might be effective at preventing STD transmission. However, more recent findings indicate that it may actually increase a person's risk of contracting STDs, especially if used frequently. This is because the chemical causes tiny abrasions inside the sensitive vaginal and anal walls.
From 1996 to 2000, a UN-sponsored study carried out in several locations in Africa followed nearly 1000 sex workers who used nonoxynol-9 gels or a placebo. The HIV infection rate among those using nonoxynol-9 was about 50% higher than those who used the placebo; those using nonoxynol-9 also had a higher incidence of vaginal lesions, which may have contributed to this increased risk. Whereas these results may not be directly applicable to lower-frequency use, these findings combined with lack of any demonstrated HIV-prevention benefit from nonoxynol-9 use have led most major health agencies to recommend that it no longer be used by women at high risk of HIV infection. The WHO further states that "Nonoxynol-9 offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia."
Regular use of Nonoxynol-9 also appears also to increase the risk of infection with sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs) that can cause cervical cancer.
ContraGel and Barrier Contraceptives
Since it is waterbased there is no problem in using ContraGel with latex based or silicone based barrier contraceptives. Diaphragms and cervical caps such as FemCap MUST be used with a spermicide or a natural alternative.
It's worth remembering that intercourse only has the risk of pregnancy for about 6 days per cycle during your Fertility Window. A healthy egg is only fertilisable for 18-24 hours and sperm can't survive for more than 5 days inside of you so that span of 6 day (5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation) are really the only time when barrier contraception needs to be used for pregnancy protection. Click here to learn more about identifying your Fertility Window for contraception.
ContraGel and Lubricants
After a recent evaluation, the Yes Yes Company, which sells organic lubricants, has verified that ContraGel Green is compatible with their range of organic water-based lubricants. These lubricants will not damage latex diaphragms, condoms or cervical caps and like ContraGel, can be used as frequently as desired. What's an added bonus of combining ContraGel with Yes water based lubricants is that the acidic nature of Yes water-based lubricants actually inhibits sperm motility. Sperm lose their ability to swim below around pH6 and these water lubricants match the typical vaginal pH4. So while Yes water-based lubricant is not a spermicide, it does stop them from getting anywhere. Go all natural in your contraceptive methods and take advantage of using two amazing natural products together!
David Mayer from Mayer Laboratories in Oakland, California Confiming the Dangers of Nonoxynol-9 and Saying That By Selling N-9 Based Products, Manufacturers Are "Preying Upon Uninformed Consumners".
For one, it's totally hormone-free and an instantly reversible form of contraception. It's also completely free of nonoxynol-9, the chemical found in most spermicides that easily irritates skin. ContraGel is available over the counter, saving you the hassle of going to the doctor's to get a prescription and it's been in production for over 35 years.
100% Natural Ingredients
Ethical Family Planning loves ContraGel because of it's all natural ingredients. How great is it to actually be able to recognize each and every one of your spermicide's components?
Water
Lactic Acid
Sodium Lactate
Methyl Cellulose
Sorbic Acid
Get the Facts
ContraGel has recently been launched by us here in the UK to help solve a wide range of issues associated with the usual spermicides prescribed by the NHS. By only using natural ingredients, ContraGel Green reduces the risk and occurance of many nasty adverse reactions which can be synonymous with chemically packed spermicides, especially those containing Nonoxynol-9 such as Gygel and Gynol II. N-9 is an abrasive agent, most commonly found in detergents and has been identified by the WHO (World Health Organisation) as actually increasing the risk of HIV/AIDS in certain situations. For this reason it's also become increasingly hard to buy spermicide in countries like the USA, Australia, New Zealand as their health services and agencies turn their back on it. Stopping prescription of a dangerous chemical based product or treatment is good, but what should the patient then resort to? Hormonal contraception? We are sure that's what the NHS and the pharmacutical companies would like to hear!
A Short Video Clip in Which the FDA Highlight the Dangers of N-9
Being water soluble means it’s safe to use with natural latex, rubber or polyurethane condoms as well as latex or silicon rubber diaphragms and cervical caps.
When used with a cervical cap such as FemCap, ContraGel Green forms a physical barrier with a low pH value just infront of the cervix, inhibiting and immobilizing the sperm. The woman is protected twice, first by the cap and then by the gel.
ContraGel is a very safe spermicide for those who are investigating their natural birth control methods. As a Lactic Acid-based spermicide, Contragel is similar to Femprotect, which is based upon the formula used for DiaphragmaGel Lacto. There have been no clinical studies to proof the spermicidal function of Femprotect and there have been no clinical studies to prove the innocuousness of Femprotect so users must use it at their own risk, On the other hand, ContraGel has been approved for use by the European Union with their issuance of the CE 0124 mark.
ContraGel as an Alternative to Nonoxynol-9
N-9's ability to kill microbes in vitro was initially taken as evidence that it might be effective at preventing STD transmission. However, more recent findings indicate that it may actually increase a person's risk of contracting STDs, especially if used frequently. This is because the chemical causes tiny abrasions inside the sensitive vaginal and anal walls.
From 1996 to 2000, a UN-sponsored study carried out in several locations in Africa followed nearly 1000 sex workers who used nonoxynol-9 gels or a placebo. The HIV infection rate among those using nonoxynol-9 was about 50% higher than those who used the placebo; those using nonoxynol-9 also had a higher incidence of vaginal lesions, which may have contributed to this increased risk. Whereas these results may not be directly applicable to lower-frequency use, these findings combined with lack of any demonstrated HIV-prevention benefit from nonoxynol-9 use have led most major health agencies to recommend that it no longer be used by women at high risk of HIV infection. The WHO further states that "Nonoxynol-9 offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia."
Regular use of Nonoxynol-9 also appears also to increase the risk of infection with sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs) that can cause cervical cancer.
ContraGel and Barrier Contraceptives
Since it is waterbased there is no problem in using ContraGel with latex based or silicone based barrier contraceptives. Diaphragms and cervical caps such as FemCap MUST be used with a spermicide or a natural alternative.
It's worth remembering that intercourse only has the risk of pregnancy for about 6 days per cycle during your Fertility Window. A healthy egg is only fertilisable for 18-24 hours and sperm can't survive for more than 5 days inside of you so that span of 6 day (5 days before ovulation and the day of ovulation) are really the only time when barrier contraception needs to be used for pregnancy protection. Click here to learn more about identifying your Fertility Window for contraception.
ContraGel and Lubricants
After a recent evaluation, the Yes Yes Company, which sells organic lubricants, has verified that ContraGel Green is compatible with their range of organic water-based lubricants. These lubricants will not damage latex diaphragms, condoms or cervical caps and like ContraGel, can be used as frequently as desired. What's an added bonus of combining ContraGel with Yes water based lubricants is that the acidic nature of Yes water-based lubricants actually inhibits sperm motility. Sperm lose their ability to swim below around pH6 and these water lubricants match the typical vaginal pH4. So while Yes water-based lubricant is not a spermicide, it does stop them from getting anywhere. Go all natural in your contraceptive methods and take advantage of using two amazing natural products together!
David Mayer from Mayer Laboratories in Oakland, California Confiming the Dangers of Nonoxynol-9 and Saying That By Selling N-9 Based Products, Manufacturers Are "Preying Upon Uninformed Consumners".
Although no method of birth control can ever guarantee 100% protection, some women believe that certain homemade methods of contraception are effective ways to avoid pregnancy. These forms of homemade contraception include household substances such as honey, baking soda, aloe vera, lemon juice and soft drinks. While some believe that these methods work as spermicides, its best to use a commercial spermicide to be sure.
Do-It-Yourself Recipe
One of the most popular homemade recipes involves aloe vera gel and lemon juice. To make it, combine 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 3 drops of lemon juice. You can keep this mixture refrigerated for up to 72 hours. Although this recipe is often used, it has never been clinically tested and should not be considered a full proof form of birth control.
Soft Drinks as Post-Coital DouchesAnother popular homemade spermicide method that is often referred to involves Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola has been considered a wonder cure for everything from colic to hiccups, to relieving jelly fish stings. Because of all of its other supposed capabilities, people began to believe in its effectiveness as a contraceptive method. During the 1960s, Americans used Coca-Cola as an after-sex spermicide with worrying frequency and many women in third world countries still use Coca-Cola as an after-sex douche today. A Harvard research team found that Coca-Cola was only able to immobilize 30 percent of ejaculated sperm within an hour after intercourse. What was even more alarming is that they found that Coca-Cola douches actually increase the forward velocity of healthy sperm by almost 18 cm/hour and therefore increase the chances of pregnancy!
Another soft drink called Krest Bitter Lemon was studied to gauge its effectiveness as a method of birth control when used as a post-coital douche. The authors of that study stated that it was unlikely to be effective because sperm leaves the ejaculate within 1.5 minutes of deposition, therefore the sperm cannot be reached by the douche.
Family planning consultants never recommend using soft drinks in order to prevent pregnancy and state that their effectiveness is only minimal to non-existent as forms of contraception.
Note: The above references are purely anecdotal. While we encourage the research of alternative forms of contraception, we do not recommend the use of homemade spermicides as contraceptive methods.
Remember, full medical consultation should be sought before making any decision regarding birth control and sexual health. It is also recommended to speak openly with your partner regarding all sexual and reproductive health related issues.
One of the most popular homemade recipes involves aloe vera gel and lemon juice. To make it, combine 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 3 drops of lemon juice. You can keep this mixture refrigerated for up to 72 hours. Although this recipe is often used, it has never been clinically tested and should not be considered a full proof form of birth control.
