Irene’s* conception journey started out like most couples’ — they got married and took their time to try naturally for a baby because they thought getting pregnant was easy.
But after trying to conceive (TTC) for 18 months with little to no success, Irene and her husband began to panic. The stress of timing sex during her fertile window coupled with the pressures of hectic work schedules didn’t help the matter either.
At the 1-year mark, they decided to seek professional help and went for a fertility health screening. Although her husband was diagnosed with teratozoospermia, a male fertility condition in which the affected person has a high number of abnormally shaped sperm, their gynaecologist reassured them that they could still try naturally.
When the couple endured 6 more months of negative pregnancy tests, they decided to take charge of their conception journey. Irene consistently used the twoplus Applicator Extra before, during, and after her ovulation period — and got pregnant within her 1 cycle.
Keep reading to find out more details about their first successful pregnancy ❤️
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not intended as medical advice.
*Name was changed to protect privacy.
17 Weeks Pregnant, Irene Shares Her TTC Journey With the twoplus Team
Q: Hi, Irene, tell us a bit about yourself! How old are you and your partner? What do you both work as?
A: I’m 34 years old, a family physician working in a hectic clinic, while my husband is 37-year-old civil servant.
Q: Congratulations on getting pregnant with the twoplus Applicator Extra! Is this your first successful pregnancy?
A: Yes, this is my first successful pregnancy.
Q: Why did you start trying for a baby? How long have you been trying to conceive (TTC)?
A: My husband and I were married 1.5 years ago; we have no extra time allowance to start family planning due to our ages.
We thought conception was easy, and we had faith in [natural] TTC, then we began to panic after we failed to conceive naturally with timed intercourse.
Q: What were the top 3 challenges you faced in your conception journey?
A: Stress of timed intercourse at the expense of hectic work life, disappointment on failed natural conception despite our efforts, and uncertainty around our fertility statuses.
Q: Were you diagnosed with any medical conditions relating to fertility by a licensed healthcare professional, and what tests did you do?
A: We sought medical attention for fertility assessment after one year of failed TTC. My hormonal tests and pelvis scan, including hysterosalpingography, were normal. My husband has teratozoospermia, which the gynaecologist reassured us would not affect natural conception.
We were desperate to give the twoplus Applicator Extra a final try after all the measures and efforts we attempted.
Related article: At-Home Sperm Testing for Male Fertility
Q: What else have you tried in your conception journey before using twoplus?
A: My menses were irregular after the COVID-19 infection while TTC; therefore, the gynecologist gave me an option of ovulation induction and continuing TTC on our own.
We were desperate that we also sought licensed TCM treatment simultaneously. I was given two rounds of TCM medications.
Although we had failed conception before twoplus Applicator Extra, we were grateful for our gynecologist and TCM physician, who gave us valuable guides on our TTC journey. Their efforts to nourish my womb and regulate my menses sparked our chance of conception with the Applicator Extra.
Related article: Irregular Periods and Pregnancy: The Only Guide You Need
Q: Upon receiving the Applicator Extra, exactly when did you start using it?
A: Ironically, it was our last attempt at TTC before we decided to give up and leave it to faith. As a medical professional, I am somehow confident in the functionality concept of Applicator Extra, which resembles IUI but is a self-insemination kit.
We immediately used the Applicator Extra in my next ovulation period, which we found out with home ovulation tests. We increased the efficacy further by inseminating the semen close to my cervix.
Related article: IUI vs. IVF vs. IVI: Which Fertility Treatment Is Right for You?
Q: How often did you use the twoplus Applicator Extra in each ovulation cycle before you got pregnant? How many processes did you use it for?
A: We used the sperm syringe daily before, during, and right after my ovulation peak. I was lucky that I got pregnant after one cycle.
Q: Was the Applicator Extra easy to use? Was it uncomfortable after inserting, and did you have any trouble using the fertility tool?
A: The Applicator Extra was easy to use and there was no discomfort after insertion. The only obstacle is to precisely identify the direction of insemination, which would be near the cervical opening.
Q: Did you adopt any lifestyle changes to improve your odds of conceiving?
A: My husband and I regularly exercise and maintain a healthy diet even before TTC. We were in despair that TTC wasn’t as easy as we thought. We added some supplements on top of our healthy living along the TTC journey, which I believe does play a vital role.
Q: Would you recommend the twoplus Applicator Extra to other people who may have difficulties with natural conception?
A: I strongly recommend twoplus Applicator Extra to those with unexplained infertility or difficulties with natural conception.
Q: What would you have done differently if you could return to the beginning of your conception journey? Also, what would you suggest to other couples trying to get pregnant?
A: We probably would still do the same if we were to go back to the beginning of our conception journey. We were on the right path, and we ensured our fertility status was checked after we failed TTC for one year.
It was stressful and mainly devastating during the TTC journey. Timely communication with the other half is crucial. We were lucky to succeed with the Applicator Extra before continuing with expensive assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.
Procreative Sex Not Working Out? Try the twoplus Applicator Extra
It’s understandably frustrating when you’ve TTC-ed for more than a year but still haven’t gotten the positive news you’ve been hoping for.
If your TTC story sounds similar to Irene’s, it might be high time to try the twoplus Applicator Extra and give yourself a leg up on your conception journey.
This easy-to-use sperm syringe is ideal for home insemination with donated or ejaculated semen. All you need to do is fill up the syringe with semen, eject it in your vagina, and leave the Soft Tip inside for 1 hour to reduce immediate semen leakage.
To work toward pregnancy success, take a leaf out of Irene’s book and use the Applicator Extra before and during your ovulation window. Remember, consistency is key when trying to get pregnant!