Ferti.Lily Conception Cup : FAQ's

What is the FERTI.LILY Conception Cup?

The FERTILILY is a hormone-free conception cup that can be used from the comfort of your home to help increase the chances of conceiving. Made from soft silicone, it can be comfortably inserted after sex and is designed to push the sperm towards the cervix. The more sperm that reach the cervical mucus, where they are protected, the more of them survive for longer, increasing the chances of more sperm cells swimming into the uterus towards the egg. In turn, this gives you a better chance of getting pregnant.

How can the FERTI.LILY help me to conceive?

By placing the sperm cells closer to the cervix after intercourse, conception cups can increase the amount of sperm cells that reach the cervix, decrease the distance sperm cells have to swim to enter the cervix, and protect the sperm from the hostile pH of the vagina. Studies have shown that using a cervical cup after intercourse can increase the amount of sperm cells that swim into the cervical mucus by more than 300%. Conception cups have been used by gynecologists and specialists since the 1950’s to help increase the chances of success with donor sperm. The conception cup has now been redesigned by FERTILILY so that couples can use them from the comfort of their home to increase their chances of conception.

How do I insert the FERTI.LILY?

Have sex with your partner (without using any contraception). After he has ejaculated inside you, you can insert the cup by turning it inside out to look like an umbrella. With one finger inside the upturned cup, gently push it into your vagina until it reaches the top (your cervix). Once it is in place, gently tug the stem to pop the cup back the right way round. The cup acts as a cradle for the sperm, keeping it in place, leaving you free to do whatever you want. No need to lie with your legs in the air: you can get up and walk around, go to the toilet, take a shower, or simply drift off to sleep. After 20-60 minutes, you can remove and wash the cup.

After intercourse the vagina is generally well lubricated and also larger than normal, so usually it is not uncomfortable to insert or remove the FERTILILY. If you are having trouble inserting or removing the cup it helps to fold it up like a menstrual cup when you are inserting it. Once it is past the entrance it will open up and you can push it towards the cervix. Similarly, when you remove it you can use your fingers to fold the cup while it’s still inside to make it smaller for removal.

How do I know if the cup is in the right position?

You can easily feel with your finger if the cup is inserted correctly. Get used to the way the cup feels in both its original shape and as an ‘umbrella’. There are two indents – one either side of the stem – that you can only feel when the cup is in its original shape. You can also make small adjustments to the position of cup using the stem.

Don’t worry too much if you can’t tell if the cup is the right way round or not. The sperm will still be inside you, closer to your cervix, and the cup will prevent any from flowing out. Leave the cup for now and just keep practicing. Soon enough you will get the hang of it.

How do I know when I have reached the cervix?

The cervix is at the top of the vaginal canal. When you feel some resistance, like you’ve hit a wall, that’s it.

How long can I use the FERTI.LILY?

The FERTILILY Conception Cup can be re-used for up to six cycles, on the basis that you use the cup roughly three times per cycle (so up to 18 times). Any longer than this and the silicone may deteriorate, so replace the cup when you have completed your sixth cycle. Should you notice any signs of deterioration or damage to the silicone at any point, such as a tear, unusual odour, or discolouring, discard the cup and replace it. A cup in poor condition can cause irritation, break or may harm sperm.

Can I sleep with the FERTI.LILY in?

We do not recommend sleeping with the cup still in. While the silicone is very safe, the cup is not intended or indicated to keep in overnight.

In our data we see that the biggest effect of sperm cells swimming into the cervical mucus takes place within 20 minutes and after an hour there is not much benefit in keeping the cup in place.

How long do I have to wait between using the cup?

You can use the FERTILILY cup whenever you want and as often as you want. But it is worth noting that sperm quality is better every second day, and the fertile window is usually 5-6 days. Using the cup every other day during those six days will maximise your chances of getting pregnant.

Can I have sex with the cup inside?

Whilst it is technically possible to have sex whilst wearing the cup, you may accidentally dislodge the cup and you will probably find the stem gets in the way. However, you can still enjoy non-penetrative sex. In fact, having an orgasm can actually help you conceive, so if you’ve inserted the cup already but haven’t yet had an orgasm, it’s a good idea to try.

Do I have to remove the FERT.LILY to go to the toilet?

No. You can still urinate or have a bowel movement with the FERTILILY Cup inside you.

Can I move around and be active while wearing the FERTI.LILY?

Absolutely! The FERTILILY Conception Cup is designed to fit with your lifestyle. It is comfortable to wear and does not get in the way of whatever you want to do next after sex. Once inserted, it will stay put and keep the sperm in place so you can get up and walk around, take a shower, go to the toilet, or snuggle up and cosy in front of the tv. No more lying with your legs in the air!

Will the Cup be the right size for me?

The FERTILILY Conception Cup comes in one size and is suitable for all women regardless of height, weight, age, or anything else. It is made from soft silicone, so it is very supple, making it easy to insert and comfortable to wear. The cup hugs the walls of the vaginal canal on insertion and opens up at the top of the vagina near the cervix, filling the necessary space. The stem may extend beyond the length of the vagina or it may sit just inside – it depends on the individual (most vaginas are between 10-13 centimetres long). Either way, it is easy to reach for smooth removal.

Does silicone do anything to your body or hormones?

No. The FERTILILY Conception Cup is made from medical grade silicone, which is completely inert. It will not release any chemicals or hormones into your body.

How do I care for the FERTI.LILY?

The FERTILILY Conception Cup should be washed between each use according to the cleaning instructions provided in the box. Before first use, boil the cup in tap water of drinking quality or bottled mineral water. Do not add soap or detergent to the boiling water, as it may break down the silicone. A FERTILILY Conception Cup that is well looked after can be re-used for up to six cycles.

Can the FERT.LILY get lost inside me?

The vagina is not directly connected (internally) to any other part of the body, so the FERTILILY Conception Cup cannot get lost inside you. Used correctly, the cup is easy to insert and remove. It has an elasticated stem that helps you find the cup to pull it out, so it is highly unlikely that it will get stuck inside you.

When pulling on the stem to remove the FERTILILY cup, avoid using excessive force as it can be uncomfortable, and the stem could break. Should you feel any resistance, try squatting down to help bring the cervix lower. Relax, breathe, and slowly inch the cup downwards bit by bit by gently tugging on the stem. The higher up the stem you hold, the thicker and sturdier the silicone, making it easier to remove the cup carefully to avoid any breakage or spillage. You can also insert your finger and pull the edge of the cup away to release the seal before edging the cup downwards.

Can the stem on the FERTI.LILY break?

Yes, if you pull too hard on the stem, it could break. The silicone is thicker towards the top of the stem, so try to pull it from higher up, gently guiding the FERTILILY cup downwards. Should you notice any signs of deterioration or damage to the silicone at any point, such as tear, discard the cup and replace it.

What happens if I forget to remove the FERTI.LILY?

Firstly, don’t panic! The cup is made from medical silicone that can be implanted for up to 30 days. Menstrual cups are made from a similar material and worn for up to 24 hours at a time. If you realise, you are still wearing the cup after more than an hour, find a convenient moment to remove it, and wash and dry the cup as normal.