Do conception cups, also known as menstrual (menstrual) cups, aid in conception?

From the Guidelines

Conception cups, also known as menstrual cups, are not a recommended method for aiding in conception, as there is no scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in improving fertility outcomes. When considering methods to aid in conception, it's essential to focus on evidence-based approaches that address the underlying factors affecting fertility. According to the recommendations of professional medical organizations, such as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 1, providers should advise clients who wish to become pregnant on how to maximize fertility by educating them about peak days and signs of fertility. Key points include:

• Educating the client about the 6-day interval ending on the day of ovulation characterized by slippery, stretchy cervical mucus and other possible signs of ovulation
• Advising women with regular menstrual cycles to have vaginal intercourse every 1–2 days beginning soon after the menstrual period ends to increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant
• Discussing methods or devices designed to determine or predict the time of ovulation, such as over-the-counter ovulation kits, digital telephone applications, or cycle beads
• Noting that fertility rates are lower among women who are very thin or obese, and those who consume high levels of caffeine
• Discouraging smoking, consuming alcohol, using recreational drugs, and using most commercially available vaginal lubricants, as these might reduce fertility 1.

In real-life clinical practice, it's crucial to prioritize evidence-based methods for improving fertility outcomes, rather than relying on unproven methods like conception cups. If you're struggling with fertility, it's best to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and evidence-based treatments.

From the Research

Conception Cups and Conception

There is limited research on the effectiveness of conception cups, also known as menstrual cups, in aiding conception.

• The available studies do not directly address the use of conception cups for conception 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• However, one study found that the use of a cervical cup for home artificial insemination using homologous semen resulted in a pregnancy rate of 53% among 61 couples with infertility 4.
• Other studies have investigated the use of timed intercourse, ovulation prediction, and fertility awareness-based methods to improve conception rates, but these do not involve the use of conception cups 2, 3, 5, 6.
• The evidence suggests that timed intercourse using urinary ovulation tests may improve live birth and pregnancy rates in women trying to conceive, but the effectiveness of conception cups is not addressed 3.
• Further research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of conception cups in aiding conception.

Key Findings

• A study using a cervical cup for artificial insemination reported a pregnancy rate of 53% among 61 couples with infertility 4.
• Timed intercourse using urinary ovulation tests may improve live birth and pregnancy rates in women trying to conceive 3.
• The use of clomiphene citrate or letrozole with or without gonadotropins may reduce the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, but its effect on conception rates is unclear 2.
• Fertility awareness-based methods may not have a significant impact on conception rates, but the evidence is limited 3.

Gaps in Research

• There is a lack of studies investigating the use of conception cups for conception.
• Further research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of conception cups in aiding conception.
• The available studies have methodological limitations, and larger, high-quality randomized trials are needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of timed intercourse and other fertility treatments 2, 3.