Many believe getting help when trying to conceive (TTC) is, at best, something to be frowned upon and, at worst, ashamed and even condemned for.
But when you've tried your best to get pregnant for a while now — just like Soh, a 28-year-old tutor who spent the last 18 months TTC-ing with her husband — it's absolutely OK.
In Soh's case, she recounted that she and her partner had tried almost everything on their conception journey. From fertility drugs and in-clinic artificial insemination treatments to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they saw no success after all the time, money, and effort spent.
It was when they chanced upon the twoplus Sperm Guide (an easy-to-use at-home insemination kit) on Facebook that their luck with conception changed for the better. To share her incredible story with those trying to conceive, we talked to her and learnt how she got pregnant with the Sperm Guide in just one cycle.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not intended as medical advice.
Soh Spills the Tea on Her Conception Journey With twoplus
Interview responses were edited for clarity.
Q: Hi, Soh! How did you find out about twoplus Fertility?
A: I found out about twoplus Fertility through a Facebook ad — I believe it was for the Applicator Extra!
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! How old are you and your husband, and what are your occupations? How long have you tried to conceive (TTC) before using twoplus?
A: I'm 28, a tutor, and my husband is 31, doing tech and operations. We have been trying to conceive [for] 18 months before we tried using twoplus.
Q: What were some of your fertility struggles before the pregnancy?
A: I have very irregular periods (between a month to three months) and do not ovulate at every cycle. After 8 months, we sought help from an OB-GYN doctor and also [tried] TCM.
Q: Were you diagnosed with any medical conditions relating to fertility by a licensed healthcare professional, and what tests did you do?
A: I was not formally diagnosed but showed symptoms of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). My husband has teratozoospermia*, based on the sperm report.
*A note from twoplus: Teratozoospermia is a condition in which the semen contains a high concentration of abnormally shaped sperm (>85%).
Q: What have you tried in your TTC journey before using twoplus Fertility?
A: I have been on Clomid*, progesterone medication, trigger shots, and did IUI (intrauterine insemination). Also took TCM medication and acupuncture. We've been tracking BBT (basal body temperature), used ovulation kits, [and] checked cervical mucus. Hubby was [also] on CoQ10.
I think that every attempt did help in regulating my cycle and giving us a higher chance. Unfortunately we were still unsuccessful every time.
*A note from twoplus: Clomid, also medically known as Clomiphene citrate, is a commonly used infertility drug administered by licensed medical practitioners to induce ovulation.
Q: What led you to purchase the Sperm Guide?
A: We had just failed our IUI cycle and were taking a break from it before trying it again. The plan was to do alternate months so that I could give my body a break from all the medication.
Knowing that hubby has teratozoospermia, we understand that every sperm counts. People say things like "lying down after intercourse doesn't matter" and "the backflow doesn't affect conception."
But when you've struggled with infertility, you know that yes, maybe to others, it doesn't matter, but for us, every single sperm (especially healthy sperm!) counts, and we don't want to lose any in the process. The Sperm Guide seemed like a good way to help maximise our chances [of getting pregnant].
Q: Is this your first successful pregnancy?
A: This is my first successful pregnancy.
I went to the doctor for our first scan and found out that I had ovulated two eggs! However, one of the fertilised eggs did not develop well (improper sac during scanning), while the other did. That means that both were actually fertilised. This again makes me believe that the Sperm Guide did help a lot in ensuring that the healthy sperms did manage to make their way up and in.
Q: What did you like/dislike about the Sperm Guide?
A: I like that it's flexible and soft. You don't actually feel much after you put it in.
Hubby said that the sensation took some getting used to but was not in any way painful. We used to have intercourse before bedtime, so I would not get up the whole night after and keep all the sperm in there. But with the Sperm Guide, I need not lie down afterwards.
I also love that the fertility lubricant is included to make the process more comfortable and help the sperm survive better in their journey. I would recommend the lubricant even to couples not using the Sperm Guide to help balance the pH [level] in the vagina to give those little warriors a better chance of reaching their destination.
Q: Was the Sperm Guide easy to use? Was it uncomfortable after inserting, and did you have any trouble using the device?
A: It was relatively easy to use, and once you use it, it gets easier and easier. The last time I used it, inserting it just took a few seconds.
If you have used a menstrual cup before, the Sperm Guide will be even easier to use. You barely feel it when it's inside. I guess you do feel the tail end of it, but that's about it. Hubby also grew used to it after a few sessions.
Q: How often did you use the Sperm Guide before you successfully got pregnant?
A: We used it 4 times in 1 cycle! Just 1 cycle, and we got pregnant!
Q: Did you adopt any lifestyle changes to improve your odds of conceiving?
A: I tried to decrease stress* and took a less demanding job. But I know this is a privilege not everyone can take, so I am very grateful to my hubby for his support. I also tried to eat healthier.
*A note from twoplus: Read our post on “8 Ways To Keep Your Mental Health In Check While Trying To Conceive.”
Q: Would you recommend the Sperm Guide to other people who may have difficulties with natural conception?
A: We love this product so much that I even told the nurses at my OB-GYN about the product. They looked into it too, and said they'll also recommend it to other TTC patients. (The nurses and I have grown quite friendly with one another after seeing each other for 10 months).
I have told my family about it and will definitely tell anyone who asks and/or is trying to conceive. Because if you're going to have to baby-dance anyway, you might as well do whatever you can to make each try count whether you have fertility struggles or not.
Q: If you go back to the beginning of your TTC journey, what would you have done differently? Also, what would you suggest to other couples who are TTC?
A: I would tell myself to learn more about understanding my body and cycles and the whole conception process. It took us 8 months of not doing anything about it before we sought help and learnt that we needed help in so many areas.
I would say that there is no shame in seeking help and using any aid, be it devices, medications, or processes, [it] does not make you any less of a man or woman. Science and research have been developed to help us right, so don't be afraid to reach out and use them. Also, know that if you're struggling to conceive, there is support out there.
We wish you the very best [on your conception journey]!
The Sperm Guide May Be Just What You Need When TTC
If you are trying for a child, why not give the Sperm Guide a try? (Hop over to our in-depth guide to learn more about it.)
Whether you struggle with infertility or not, this at-home conception aid is specially designed to help couples trying to conceive in a more natural, intimate, and affordable way.
Made from 100% medical-grade silicone, the Sperm Guide can be reused up to four times. For the best chances of conception, consider using it every other day during your fertile window, which is a limited period of 5-6 days only!
With the twoplus Sperm Guide, sex for conception can be sex for pleasure to help you and your partner get the best of both worlds.
Did you love reading about other people's success stories when trying to conceive? If you wish to share your experience of getting pregnant after using twoplus' products, share your story via this form. Bonus: You'll be rewarded for your efforts!