As I’ve said, I have been doing quite a lot of research about IVF, both medically and with people’s experiences. The actual process of IVF is pretty short when you consider how expensive it is.
Tests & diagnosis is what we’ve already done, really. We have a bit more testing to do, only so the team knows exactly how/what to do with our IVF treatment. While the steps are the same, there are different procedures for the different parts. You know, science and all! Austin’s sperm analysis on the 22nd and my ART screen on the 25th are the final steps before we begin. Right now, I am in suppression. They are making sure I don’t ovulate and that my cycle is controlled by them. This is so my cycle falls in line with our start date.
Next comes the ovarian stimulation. This is done with injections. Lots and lots of daily shots. This is when they will be monitoring my growing follicles, the size of them, and my hormone levels. Once they decide I’m ready for the next step, my retrieval will be scheduled.
Then, the egg retrieval. This is done under general anesthesia and is a surgery. One blog I read said that her nurse told her your ovaries after the egg retrieval are basically dried meatballs. So I will be recovering from surgery after this procedure. We are expecting this to take place sometime the week of April 25th. I found out this week that Austin isn’t allowed in the building except for when he gives his sample, which will be on the same day as my retrieval. The nurse will bring me to the car when I’m allowed to leave.
The next step is where the crazy science comes in—fertilization & embryo monitoring. The embryologist watches and monitors these little guys and will update us daily. Day 5 after fertilization is the goal for transfer. They want to make sure whatever is transferred is viable and the best.
Once we have reached the day 5, hopefully, I will go back in for the transfer. They will put the embryo in a catheter and shoot it into my uterus.. This is very similar to how they do the sperm in the IUI. They are also monitoring my uterine lining & the focus is on that and making it the most welcoming place for the embryo so implantation will take place.
Then, the dreaded two week wait. I will come in for a blood pregnancy test, then later that day, will receive a call with the results. I’ll know on transfer day which day the pregnancy test will be.
I’ve seen so may cute onesies for babies conceived through IVF that say something close to “made with lots of love & a little science”. This drives me absolutely crazy. If you are using IVF, that’s a fuck ton of science, not “a little”! Can someone please inform those that make these things of this fact?! LOL!
We are getting close to the 1 month mark to our start date! Crazy!
Ryan’s Ramblings 