The Stork conception kit almost as effective but way cheaper than IVF
New figures revealed for the first time show that an over-the-counter conception kit, called The Stork, is around 20% as effective as the expensive in vitro fertilization (IVF) method. Just two years after the device’s launch, hundreds of couples all over the world confirm positive results.
Another benefit of the device for couples trying to conceive is that it only costs £100 in the UK and US$80 in the US, compared to IVF which costs £5,000 in the UK and US$12,000 in the US.
According to the figures, the kit has helped 150 British couples become parents since it was launched. It is also helping couples in other parts of the world as it is sold in the US and has been available in Australia since last year.
However, experts believe this figure could be much higher as many parents are unwilling to come forward and share their experiences.
Women’s health expert Dr. Catherine Hood, who is presenting the new data at the London Fertility Show, said that the real number is likely to be much higher. Infertility is an intensely private and personal subject and the data they have is based purely on couples who voluntarily contacted the company to report their results, she said.
“I suspect a systematic follow-up would reveal many more success stories,” she added.
Previous research has found one in seven couples in the UK has difficulty conceiving, with many turning to IVF.
Dr. Hood also explained the closest comparable treatment to The Stork conception kit is intrauterine insemination (IUI), which costs at least £700.
The Stork uses intracervical insemination to boost the chances of a woman becoming pregnant. It is recommended that The Stork be used just before and/or during ovulation.
It works by first collecting semen into a cervical cap, which is located at the bottom of a condom-like sheath worn by the man during intercourse. An applicator then delivers the cap containing the semen to the entrance of the cervix which is left there for between four and six hours.
Experts say this allows the sperm to swim upwards to fertilize the woman’s egg.
While in place, women can go about their usual day-to-day activities before removing it in the same way they would dispose of a tampon.
“The beauty of this technology is that it is non-invasive, can be performed in the privacy of the couple’s home and is much cheaper than comparable treatment offered by private fertility clinics,” Dr. Hood said. “Despite its proven efficacy, fertility clinics no longer provide cervical cap insemination, preferring instead to offer more elaborate and often expensive procedures.”
Category: Features, Technology & Devices
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