Steve and I went back to the doctor today for my second midpoint ultrasound, and my ovaries looked great! That means we are go for launch! Woo! That’s right! After I give myself the trigger shot on Tuesday, Steve and I will go through the IUI process on Wednesday! Woo!!

Okay, so some of you may be wondering what IUI is. As I said in an earlier post, I would talk about what is involved in an IUI. I promise not to get too graphic, but we are talking about getting someone pregnant. Also, discussion of fertility treatments is still taboo for some people, and I don’t think it should be. When 1 in 8 women have fertility issues, this stuff should not be taboo. (Soap box will now be put away.) 😀

Our fertility specialists, Georgia Reproductive Specialists/Shady Grove Fertility, has a great web page detailing IUI. I will be citing their info throughout because it makes it easier for you and me.

IUI is considered the “low-tech” treatment for women who struggle with getting pregnant naturally or with medicated cycles. Since I struggled with both, a medicated IUI cycle was the next step.

I took Letrozole for 5 days after doing “Day 3” ultrasound and blood work. (I wrote about this in a previous post.) On CD 10 (Saturday) and CD 12 (Monday), I had another ultrasound to check and see if my ovaries were ready with 2-3 mature follicles. (They are!) My doctor did blood work to check my LH levels to see if I am close to ovulation. Since my levels showed I was close, my doctor chose Wednesday as the IUI day. I give myself the trigger shot on Tuesday to induce ovulation within 24-36 hours.

What happens on Wednesday, Sarah?

On Wednesday morning, Steve and I will go to our doctor’s main office for the first half of the IUI process: sperm washing. Sperm washing is a process where the most active sperm is separated from the rest of the sample to use in the IUI. This is very important for the entire IUI. While this is going in in the lab, Steve and I will go get coffee or do something distracting. (Steve will probably have to distract me.) Later that morning, we will report back for the second half: the actual IUI.

This is what I will go through.

The IUI process involves the doctor inserting a catheter into the uterus, close to the ovaries. Once in place, the doctor will inject the sperm sample through the catheter. This will allow a greater chance of the eggs and sperm meeting and fertilizing. From what I have read, it may be a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. After this process is done, I will lay on the exam table for 10-15 minutes. After that, I get to go home and take it easy for the remainder of the day.

After a few days, I will start taking progesterone supplements. This is supposed to tell my uterus not to reject any fertilized egg that may have developed from the IUI. About 2 weeks after the IUI, I will return to do a beta/ blood pregnancy test. (Side note: If it does work, I will probably wait a few weeks to announce on here and social media.)

According to different sources, the chances of success vary between 15-25%. That is higher than without. Since I am 35 and have been on a medicated cycle, there is an added “consequence.” If I get pregnant, my chances for having multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) are 15-20%.

Well, that is the gist of it. Hopefully, it will work, and we will be celebrating our new addition at the end of August. If it doesn’t work, we keep going. The thing to remember is to never give up. Inhale courage. Exhale fear. Also, eat some pineapple. Apparently it’s lucky. Also, if someone can send me all the pregnancy water for Wednesday, let me know. I’ll pay rush shipping. Maybe…

Thank you in advance for all the prayers and/or good luck vibes. Steve and I love you all.