How do I use the Béa Treatment Kit?

The Béa Treatment Kit includes two semen collection pots and two Béa Applicators that help get the cervical cap in place. The Béa Applicator comes with instructions for use, but this article will explain how to use the kit during the menstrual cycle. 

Stage 1: Track your ovulation

Ovulation tests measure the LH (luteinising hormone) levels in your urine. During a menstrual cycle, LH will rise approximately 36 hours before ovulation. Use the ovulation tests that you know and trust to track your cycle. In general, if your cycles are regular, you should start ovulation testing 17 days before your next period is due and continue taking them until you have a positive reading.

Stage 2: Use the Béa Applicator

Once you have a positive ovulation test you should use the Béa Applicator. If you are using ovulation tests that indicate "high fertility" and "peak fertility" – then you should use the Béa Applicator once you have a "peak fertility" result.

Follow the Instructions For Use that accompany the Applicator. That way – the sperm will be in place by the time you ovulate! Don’t worry – sperm can survive in the female reproductive system for up to 5 days, so you should use the Béa Applicator on the same day that you get a positive reading on your ovulation test. 

Prior to inserting the Applicator (a good time might be while waiting for the semen sample to liquefy!), you could explore things that make you feel sexually aroused. Touching, kissing and masturbation can all lead to increased blood flow to the vagina and cause the vagina to produce a lubricating liquid. This can make the insertion of the Applicator smoother. But don’t worry – it’s simple to use and the instructions will guide you at every step of the way! 

But remember – the Applicator is not a sex toy and should not be used for self-pleasure. 

Double insemination

Generally, home insemination is performed once during a menstrual cycle. There are a number of factors that influence this: cost of treatment, access to sperm and scheduling reasons. In some cases, and if you’re able, it can be beneficial to perform the insemination 2 days in a row around ovulation – what we call a double insemination.  

A double insemination increases the amount of available sperm for fertilisation by increasing the frequency of insemination. For best results, you should repeat the insemination process 18–36 hours later, or at a convenient time the next day. 

Stage 3: Test for pregnancy

You’ve no doubt already taken a pregnancy test. Still, it’s useful to understand how they work and why you shouldn’t test too early. Pregnancy tests are urine tests that measure a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced when pregnant. Most pregnancy tests come in a kit containing one or two test sticks. You either pee on the stick or dip the stick into a container with your urine and the result appears after a few minutes. Most pregnancy tests can be taken from the first day of your missed period, however, taking a test early can be incredibly tempting when you’re trying to conceive, but it’s important to wait, as you could be disappointed by an inaccurate result.