IVF: The Answer
May 2020 my husband and I fly back to Manhattan, and back to regular doctor visits. Blood work everyday, or every other day, along with ultrasounds of my uterus and ovaries depending on the blood results.
At this point, we needed to know: What is the problem? Why can we not conceive naturally?
Many tests later, turns out the blood lining in my uterus is extremely thin (the soil to plant the seed) and I only have one working fallopian tube (drops the chance of natural fertilization).
What does this all mean - anatomical problem: a problem with the woman’s anatomy can prevent the egg and the sperm from meeting. The most common problem is blocked fallopian tubes. Other problems may include scar tissue in the pelvis from past surgeries or infections.
The test used - hysterosalpingogram: a dye is injected into the cervical opening to see inside the uterus. This lets the radiologist see if the fallopian tubes are open.
Now we know the problem, let’s fix it!
First we started with the ovulation medicines, to help regulate the timing of ovulation. They stimulate the growth and release of mature eggs. They can also help correct hormone problems that can affect the lining of the uterus.
Lining fixed, check.
My doctor suggested we try a cycle of intrauterine insemination (IUI). This method is done with a small flexible tube called a catheter. The tube is used to place washed and prepared sperm into the uterus. Basically, helps to facilitate sperm meeting egg on the optimal day for fertilization.
Needless to day, it was unsuccessful.
At this point in my journey, I was openly speaking about everything to my best friends and little sister. Didn’t tell my family, nor my husband’s. The reason was because I did not want anyone to ask me questions. I did not want a check up phone call. I did not want to be the topic at family events (again, we are living in NY while our family is in Toronto).
I did not even fully understand what was happening, there is no absolute timeline, everything is month by month.. I did not know how to tell anyone, or explain the details, which I know our families would be curious for.
Selfishly, I wanted to deal with it all on my own. I did not have the mental capacity to care about anyone else's feelings, disappointments or emotions. I was taking it day by day, no room for error. I did not speak to my husband about it most of the time. Does that make me selfish?
cbxo
