Benjamin Tee (PhD)
Co-founder, twoplus Fertility
Becoming a parent isn’t always easy. Many UK couples face strict NHS IVF criteria, long waits and reduced funding — making treatment harder than ever.
Only 27% of IVF cycles were funded by the NHS in 2022, a sharp decline from 40% in 2012.1 This disparity is made worse by the ‘postcode lottery,’ where your chance of getting NHS IVF varies dramatically depending on where you live.
Urgent need for free or affordable IVF
Navigating the NHS IVF system can feel like you’re up against an immovable barrier, with an extensive list of eligibility criteria and dwindling support. Being refused or placed on a lengthy waiting list can be one of the most trying times in your fertility journey, leaving you feeling powerless and stuck in limbo. These challenges can make the path to parenthood feel isolating, and it’s completely understandable to feel disappointed and frustrated.
If you find yourself stuck in the NHS IVF waiting game or have been refused IVF, it’s crucial to remember that this is not a reflection on you or your partner. Importantly, your journey towards starting a family need not come to a standstill.
While IVF may be your ultimate
plan, you don’t have to stop trying.
At-home intracervical insemination
While IVF may be your ultimate plan, you don’t have to stop trying. There is a science-backed, affordable at-home alternative that can help you move towards your goal of becoming a parent while waiting for access to NHS IVF.
If you’re keen to get started right away, you might consider trying intracervical insemination (ICI). Recognised by NICE, ICI presents a less invasive, scientifically supported alternative that empowers you to actively manage your fertility while awaiting IVF.
What exactly is ICI?
ICI involves placing sperm at the cervix, or the entrance of the womb.2 This helps more sperm reach the egg, improving your chances of getting pregnant. Studies indicate that ICI has a pregnancy success rate of up to 58% over six cycles of treatment when using fresh semen.3
Traditionally performed in clinics, ICI is now accessible at home, thanks to advancements like the twoplus Applicator Extra. Unlike standard syringes on the market, which are typically used for intravaginal insemination (IVI), the twoplus Applicator Extra is designed with a unique Sperm CradleTM Technology that holds sperm close to the cervix.
It takes the stress out of trying, allowing you to inseminate in the privacy, comfort and flexibility of home. With over 40,000+ kits sold in the UK, the twoplus Applicator Extra stands out as a superior choice for couples seeking a reliable home fertility solution.
1. Campbell, D. 2024. Sharp fall in number of NHS IVF procedures across UK, report finds. Guardian.
2. NICE. 2013. Fertility problems: assessment and treatment.
3. Kop, Petronella et. al., 2019. The AID study: protocol for a randomised controlled trial of intrauterine insemination in the natural cycle compared with intracervical insemination in the natural cycle. BMJ Open. Vol 9,7 e026065.
