Artificial Insemintion Kits

Artificial Insemination Kit Instructions

Our Pride Angel Insemination Kits, contain all that is needed to achieve successful insemination.

standard-insemination-kit.jpgStandard Insemination Kit contains:

  • 1 x Digital BBT thermometer
  • 2 x FSH female fertility tests
  • 6 x Ovulation tests
  • 3 x Pregnancy tests
  • 6 x 10ml syringes
  • 6 x Semen sample containers
  • 3 x Urine collection containers
  • Basal body temp/ fertility chart
  • Insemination instructions

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delux-insemination-kit.jpgDeluxe Insemination Kit contains:
Contains all products within standard kit plus:

  • 3 x Disposable vaginal speculums
  • 6 x Syringe extenders
  • Babystart FertilSafe PLUS fertility 3 applicators
  • Folic acid vitamins (90 tablets)
  • Top tips for successful conception

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Deluxe Plus Insemination Kit
Includes everything needed to achieve successful conception.

  • Clearblue digital ovulation tests 7 tests 
  • Clearblue digital pregnancy test x 2
  • 3 x BabyStart FertilSafe PLUS- Fertility Friendly lubricant
  • 2 x FSH female fertility tests
  • 2 x Pregnancy test strip 
  • 6 x One-step Ovulation tests
  • 6 x 10ml syringes
  • 6 x Semen sample containers
  • 3 x Urine collection containers
  • 3 x Disposable vaginal speculums
  • 6 x Syringe extenders
  • Folic acid vitamins (90 tablets)
  • Insemination instructions
  • Top tips for successful conception

Our Deluxe Plus Insemination kit gives you the best possible chance of successful conception. The Clearblue digital ovulation tests enable easier detection of your most fertile days. Syringes are latex free (latex damages sperm). We include speculums and extender tips for ensuring the sperm have less distance to travel to reach the cervix, along with Instead softcups, used to keep semen close to the cervix following insemination. Also included is the new fertility lubricant formulated for couples trying to conceive. Conceive plus is 'sperm friendly' and proven to encourage sperm motility.

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Deluxe Complete Insemination Kit contains:

All of the New Deluxe Plus and in addition:

  • Fertilcount Male Sperm Count Test
  • Babystart FertilCare Female Fertility Supplement– Fertility Support for Women
  • Babystart FertilMan Fertility Vitamin Supplement– Fertility Support for Men

 

FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)

A women's fertility starts to decline after she gets to 30 but what you probably did not know is that the hormone F.S.H. (follicle-stimulating hormone) is intimately involved with a woman's fertility and rising levels tend to be associated with reduced fertility. F.S.H is the hormone that maintains the regular function of your ovaries and sex hormones and it is a useful aid to assessing your fertility. This test is especially useful for women with irregular cycles and also women aged 30 or over.

FSH Test
The insemination kit contains two FSH female fertility tests, these can be undertaken by dipping into a morning sample of urine. A negative test results is an indication of fertility. A positive test result may indicate reduced fertility and will need to be investigated further by your GP.

When to test?

The test can be taken at any time during the month and then the second test should be taken 1 week later. We recommend that you test using first morning urine as it contains the most hormones and so will give a more accurate result.

Female Fertility (F.S.H.) Test
This Female Fertility Test detects FSH in urine at concentrations of 25 mIU/mL or greater.

Directions for Use

Read all instructions carefully.

1. Collect a urine sample in a clean and dry container.
2. To begin testing, open the sealed pouch and remove the strip. Do not remove the strip until you are ready to begin testing.
3. With the arrows pointing downwards towards the urine, place the test strip vertically (straight) into the urine sample, for at least 10 seconds. DO NOT allow the urine to go above the MAX (maximum) level line.
4. Remove the strip from the urine and place on a clean, dry surface. For best results you should read the results at 5 minutes.
5. Wait for coloured bands to appear. Depending on the concentration of FSH in the urine specimen, positive results may be observed in as short as 40 seconds. Do not read the result after 15 minutes. A positive result is where the test line is as dark or darker than the control line.

FSH Tests to help identify possible infertility issues

FSH Tests are designed help you "check your eggs" - or diagnose infertility & alert you to issues associated with low egg count and the onset of menopause. FSH tests help women diagnose infertility issues by indicating elevated levels of the hormone FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

The first morning urine contains the highest level of FSH and is the best for testing. Urine collected during the day will contain lower levels of FSH and may cause false negatives. Do not drink excess fluids after midnight before testing in the morning.

Understanding your results

Positive - If the test result is positive, then you must repeat the test one week later using the second test to confirm the result. F.S.H elevates for short periods in normal cycles but it is the extended elevation of F.S.H., which could indicate a fertility problem or pre-menopausal state. If the second test is also positive you should make an appointment to visit your doctor. A positive result means that F.S.H. levels are high, this can be an indicator of pre-menopausal state and if symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, mood swings, insomnia and fatigue exist, you should discuss your result and symptoms with your doctor.

Negative - A Negative Test result indicates that your F.S.H. levels are not raised. However, if you do have irregular periods or any menopausal-like symptoms we still recommend you see your doctor.

Invalid - If a red line appears in the test region but there is no visible line at all in the control region of the strip then the test is invalid. If no lines appear anywhere on the test strip then the test is also invalid and should be repeated using another test strip.

What should I do with my results?
If the test result is positive, repeat the test one week later using the second dipstick to confirm the result. F.S.H. elevates for short periods in normal cycles but it is the extended elevation of F.S.H., which could indicate pre-menopausal state. If the second test is also positive you should make an appointment to visit your doctor.

A positive result means that F.S.H. levels are high, this can be an indicator of a pre-menopausal state and if symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, mood swings, insomnia and fatigue exist, you should discuss your results and symptoms with your doctor.

A Negative Test result indicates that your F.S.H. levels are not raised. However, if you do have irregular periods or any menopause-like symptoms we still recommend you see your doctor.

Ovulation tests
Insemination must be undertaken within the correct ‘fertile window’ of your menstrual cycle. To detect this ‘fertile window’ it is important to use the ovulation test strips.

The end of the ovulation test strip is dipped into a morning sample of urine, this should be done daily at the same time each day within the middle of your cycle days 12-18, with day one being the first day of your cycle. Once your day of ovulation has been determined then this information will help predict the best times for inseminations to start the following month.

Insemination should commence 2-3 days before ovulation is due, and then be performed every 48hr after for 2-3 times within a month, for example if you ovulate on day 14 then inseminations would take place day 11, day 13 and day 15. or if only 2 inseminations are to be performed per month, then day 12 and 14 would be preferable.

Ovulation Cycle Chart
Usual cycle length
21  22  23  24  25  26  27  28  29  30  31  32  33  34  35  36  37  38  39  40  
Days to begin testing
06  06  07  07  08  09  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  19  20  21  22  23

If your cycle is normally 28 days, the cycle chart above indicates you should begin testing on Day 11. The calendar below shows you how to work out when day 11 is.

TEST PROCEDURE:

1. Determine the day to begin testing. 
2. Collect urine sample in a clean and dry container.
3. To begin testing, open the sealed pouch and remove the strip. Do not remove the strip until you are ready to begin testing.
4. With the arrows pointing downwards towards the urine, place the test strip vertically (straight) into the urine sample, for at least 10 seconds. DO NOT allow the urine to go above the MAX (maximum) level line.  
5. Remove the strip from the urine and place on a clean, dry surface. For best results you should read the results at 10 minutes.
6. Wait for coloured bands to appear. Depending on the concentration of LH in the urine specimen, positive results may be observed in as short as 40 seconds. However, to confirm negative results, the complete reaction time of 30 minutes is required.

Collecting semen (sperm) sample
The sample of semen should be put into the sample pot, and allowed to settle for a minimum of 15 minutes after ejaculation to allow the sample to liquefy. Semen samples are best kept at room temperature, ideally around 22 degrees, to prevent the sperm from degrading. It is best to keep the sample pot insulated by wrapping in tissue, this maintains an even temperature and prevents damage. Do not try to keep the semen too warm especially at hotter times of the year, as this tends to cause the sperm to die off faster than if left at room temperature.

Keep the container the right way up so that the sperm collect at the bottom and the fluid gathers at the top. This will ensure that the fluid precedes the sperm when it is injected (the sperm need the fluid to enable them to swim).

Sperm should survive reasonably well for up to 2 hours following ejaculations, which allows enough time for travelling and ensuring you are feeling comfortable and relaxed before insemination.

Transport of semen
Whether the semen sample needs to be transported a distance or not, we recommend that the sample container is kept insulated. The container can be kept insulated using tissue, cotton wool or paper towelling. This can then be placed into one of our plastic grip bags provided. Try to keep the sample upright and prevent it from being shaken. Insulation also prevents light entering the sample, which again acts to protect the sperm from degrading.

We do not recommend trying to freeze samples, and suggest that time between ejaculation and insemination is kept within 2 hours for greatest success.

Recipient preparation
The recipient should ideally be relaxed and comfortable, try playing your favourite music or reading a good book. Be positive and visualise yourself being lucky and getting pregnant, as positivity is often a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Insemination – using Standard kit
Use the 5ml latex free syringe to suck up the semen sample. First expel air from the syringe, and then pull the plunger up 2mm before sucking up the semen. This minimises the shear forces on the sperm and prevents any damage. It is important not to use any lubricant, other than ‘Pre-seed lubrication’ as many will cause damage to the sperm.

Following insertion of the syringe into the vagina, push the syringe at a steady speed to simulate ejaculation, but not too swiftly otherwise the sperm may become damaged due to shear forces, which is referred to as shearing. The pelvis should be kept tilted upwards, using cushions if needed, for at least half an hour. It is also advisable to try and have an orgasm following insertion of the semen. This causes the walls of the vagina to constrict, aiding movement, and also causes the cervix to dip down into the pool of semen. If this is not possible just keep your pelvis tilted to aid the sperm in their journey.

Insemination - using Deluxe kit
Making sure the recipient is relaxed, insert the disposable speculum into the vagina (use the conceive plus to make this easier). Once inserted slowly open the speculum to a comfortable opening of around 2-3cms and lock in place to secure.

Use the 5ml latex free syringe to suck up the semen sample. First expel air from the syringe, and then pull the plunger up 2mm before sucking up the semen. This minimises the shear forces on the sperm and prevents any damage. It is important not to use any lubricant, other than a sperm friendly lubricant.

Attach the syringe extender to the syringe (making sure it fastens securely). Insert the syringe with extender into the vagina. Being careful not place the end of the tip too close to the cervix (it is important to be careful when using an extender, to prevent any injury). Slowly push the plunger to release the semen at the base of the cervix (do not direct the semen directly at the cervix, as this can very occasionally cause cervical shock). Keeping the pelvis tilted upwards, release the lock on the speculum and slowly remove.

Following insertion of the semen sample into the vagina, the pelvis should be kept tilted upwards, using cushions if needed, for at least half an hour. It is also advisable to try and have an orgasm following insertion of the semen. This causes the walls of the vagina to constrict, aiding movement, and also causes the cervix to dip down into the pool of semen. If this is not possible just keep your pelvis tilted to aid the sperm in their journey.

Pregnancy tests

When you are actively trying for a baby, you want to know as soon as possible if you are pregnant or not. That’s why we use 10 mIU Ultra Sensitive Pregnancy Tests, which are included in both the standard and delux insemination kits. Unlike standard pregnancy tests these can be used 4 days before your first day of your missed period. All pregnancy tests look for the presence of HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) in human urine. It is this hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, the further along the pregnancy, the higher the levels of HCG in your urine. These pregnancy tests are also used by the NHS.

TO CARRY OUT THE TEST:

1. Bring the test pouch and urine to room temperature. To begin testing, open the sealed pouch and remove the strip.

2. Place the test strip vertically (straight) into the urine sample for at least 10 seconds, making sure the arrows are pointing downwards. Do not allow the urine level to go above the MAX (maximum) level line (marked by arrows) on the test strip.

3. Remove the strip from the urine and place the strip on a clean, dry surface.

4. Read results as coloured bands appear as shown in the diagram. Although positive results may appear as early as 1 minute depending on the concentration of HCG, wait for 5~10 minutes to confirm negative results. It is important that the background is clear before the result is read. Results obtained after 10 minutes may be considered invalid.

5. Discard the test after use.

Invalid 
If no coloured lines appear in either window or a line appears in the test window but not the control band then the test is invalid and you should repeat using a new test. 

What should I do with my results? 
If the test result is positive, repeat the test one week later using the second dipstick to confirm the result. F.S.H. elevates for short periods in normal cycles but it is the extended elevation of F.S.H., which could indicate pre-menopausal state. If the second test is also positive you should make an appointment to visit your doctor. 
A positive result means that F.S.H. levels are high, this can be an indicator of a pre-menopausal state and if symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flushes, mood swings, insomnia and fatigue exist, you should discuss your results and symptoms with your doctor. 
A Negative Test result indicates that your F.S.H. levels are not raised. However, if you do have irregular periods or any menopause-like symptoms we still recommend you see your doctor.

Charting basal body temperature

Charting your basal body temperature involves taking your temperature first thing in the morning at the same time and plotting onto a chart. You are looking for the temperature to peak by approx. 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit after ovulation.

  • Take your temperature first thing in the morning before you get out of bed.
  • Leave the thermometer at your bedside within easy reach.
  • Try to take your temperature at the same time each day, within half an hour if possible.
  • You should take your basal body temperature after having at least 5 hours sleep.
  • Plot your temperature on the chart each day, but refrain from reading too much into small changes.
  • Look for a temperature shift of at least 0.4 degrees over a 48 hour period to indicate ovulation.
  • This shift should be higher than the highest temperature in the previous 6 days.
  • Charting for several months will give a clearer idea of your ovulation time.
  • If your temperature remains higher for 18 days after ovulation, then you should test for pregnancy.

Charting Cervical Mucus

To get a clearer picture of your cycle, it is recommended to chart BBT along with cervical mucus and perhaps also charting your cervical position.

Cervical Mucus

Mucus varies from dry, to sticky, to creamy, to egg-white before ovulation in most women.

  • Dry is when there isn’t much mucus to get your fingers on
  • Sticky is when you get enough mucus for your fingers to feel sticky or tacky
  • Creamy might be whitish and feels somewhat like lotion when you rub your fingers together. This mucus can be produced around your fertile time.
  • Egg-White cervical mucus is called that because it resembles raw egg white. It is either clear or streaked and stretches an inch or more.

Charting Cervical Position

Your cervix has a pattern each month, it should start out low, closed and firm. Around ovulation it shifts upwards, gets softer and feels more open. The difference is slight – like the difference between feeling your nose (firm) and feeling your lips (soft). It should only stay high for a day or two around ovulation. Before and after ovulation the cervix should be low.

One caution is that cervical position is not a reliable method to use alone for predicting ovulation, as other factors can affect cervical position, such as how full your bowels are.