A fertility kit for performing self-insemination, comprising a package with three sets of sterilized disposable syringes and collection jars. Each fertility syringe comprises: an outer rigid tubular barrel and an inner plunger. The barrel comprises a curved distal end with a small circular distal opening, and a sealed proximal end, and an inner hollow tube housing the plunger. The barrel's proximal end also comprises two opposing circular members to fit a user's fingers; and a plunger flat end fitting in-between. The plunger distal end has a has a funnel-like shape that fits into the barrel curved end to push all the semen out while preventing a backflow. The collection jar comprises a sealable lid, and an inner surface comprising smooth seamless edges. Fresh or frozen, unwashed semen is deposited into the jar, pulled into the syringe, and administered cervically during a user's maximum monthly level of luteinizing hormone.

A device for collecting uterine fluid is described which can be used in vivo in both animals and humans, without said use causing dilution of fluid components or damage to the endometrium.

A device for collecting uterine fluid is described which can be used in vivo in both animals and humans, without said use causing dilution of fluid components or damage to the endometrium.

A semen storage container which can store semen in a favorable state, into which semen is easily put and out of which semen is easily taken, is provided. A semen storage container includes an outer case having an open upper end, an inner case, the inner case having an opening portion at an upper end and being provided on an inner side of the outer case to close an opening of the outer case, and a removable lid laid over an upper end portion of the outer case to close the opening portion. The inner case includes a semen guide which communicates with the opening portion at the upper end and has an inner circumferential surface provided as an inclined surface which spreads upward and a cylindrical semen pool which communicates with an opening portion at a lower end of the semen guide and includes a tapered bottom portion.

A semen storage container which can store semen in a favorable state, into which semen is easily put and out of which semen is easily taken, is provided. A semen storage container includes an outer case having an open upper end, an inner case, the inner case having an opening portion at an upper end and being provided on an inner side of the outer case to close an opening of the outer case, and a removable lid laid over an upper end portion of the outer case to close the opening portion. The inner case includes a semen guide which communicates with the opening portion at the upper end and has an inner circumferential surface provided as an inclined surface which spreads upward and a cylindrical semen pool which communicates with an opening portion at a lower end of the semen guide and includes a tapered bottom portion.

Aspects of the methods include volumetrically imaging testicular tissue by optical coherence tomography to identify a testicular tissue location that is likely to contain sperm; and m-mode scanning using optical coherence tomography the identified testicular location to determine whether sperm are at least likely to be present at the location. Methods may further include harvesting sperm from the location, e.g., for use in in vitro fertilization. Also provided are devices and systems for practicing the methods.

Aspects of the methods include volumetrically imaging testicular tissue by optical coherence tomography to identify a testicular tissue location that is likely to contain sperm; and m-mode scanning using optical coherence tomography the identified testicular location to determine whether sperm are at least likely to be present at the location. Methods may further include harvesting sperm from the location, e.g., for use in in vitro fertilization. Also provided are devices and systems for practicing the methods.

The disclosed artificial insemination system comprises a cervical plug, catheter, and positioning tool. The cervical plug comprises a shield configured to cover an orifice, an arm attached to one side of the shield that is operable to be inserted into the cervical canal, and an insert member on the other side of the shield. A bore disposed within the cervical plug and extending through the insert member, shield, and arm is operable to receive the catheter used to deposit the semen sample. The positioning tool comprises a handle with a stem extending longitudinally therefrom and terminating at a bracket that is operable to receive the insert member and catheter and assist in preventing the cervical plug from becoming dislodged when the catheter is removed. A further object of this invention is the process by which the disclosed system is used to increase the efficacy of artificial insemination.

The disclosed artificial insemination system comprises a cervical plug, catheter, and positioning tool. The cervical plug comprises a shield configured to cover an orifice, an arm attached to one side of the shield that is operable to be inserted into the cervical canal, and an insert member on the other side of the shield. A bore disposed within the cervical plug and extending through the insert member, shield, and arm is operable to receive the catheter used to deposit the semen sample. The positioning tool comprises a handle with a stem extending longitudinally therefrom and terminating at a bracket that is operable to receive the insert member and catheter and assist in preventing the cervical plug from becoming dislodged when the catheter is removed. A further object of this invention is the process by which the disclosed system is used to increase the efficacy of artificial insemination.

An apparatus may include a plunger and a substantially cylindrical body. The substantially cylindrical body may include an end portion having rounded edges and may define a cavity sized to receive the plunger. The substantially cylindrical body may include at least one opening extending from the cavity to an external surface. The at least one opening may a substantially irregular shape. In some embodiments, the at least one opening may extend from the cavity through a nub to the external surface. The nub may have a rounded shape. In some embodiments, the substantially irregular shape may include one of a slit, an oval shape, an elliptical shape, an hourglass shape, a rectangular shape, and a diamond shape. In some embodiments, the opening may be part of a non-cylindrical fluid passage.