Insemination Day
Ovulation
I went in for Day 10 monitoring today. In anticipation of hearing the date for my IUI but instead was told that I have a 13.5 sized egg on the left and it hasn’t gotten to its mature state. Back to daily testing and coming in for another monitoring appointment on Tuesday.
Ovulation is the part of your menstrual cycle when the egg is released from your ovary and typically happens between day 11-14. Once the egg is mature, your body releases a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), triggering the egg’s release. Not everyone experiences symptoms with ovulation or pays that close attention like me. Although the most accurate method to determine ovulation is with an ultrasound and hormonal blood tests in a doctors office, I have also taken this process into my own hands. So in all the spare time I have, I’ve researched and learned some other methods to track it. These days, the ovulation tracking consumes my morning routine each day.
Basal body temperature (BBT) charting– this involves taking your temperature with a basal thermometer throughout your entire cycle to have a record of its changes from baseline. This should be done each morning. Ovulation is said to be confirmed after your temperature has stayed elevated from your baseline for 3 days.
Ovulation predictor kits (OPK)– these kits are usually over the counter and detect the presence of LH in your urine. You are able to gauge ovulation when the result line is as dark or darker than the control line. Or if you’re like me, you need the visuals of the circle, flashing smiley face, or solid smiley face.
We Really Doing This
- After months of thinking about it and trying to figure out if this was what I really wanted to do
- Finally deciding to make the brave choice to call Shady Grove
- Going through months of fertility testing to identify options available
- Agonizing over donor choices, genetics, fertility treatments and more
- Starting new routines to help prepare my body
- Fighting with insurance companies and applying for discount programs
- And going back and forth with my treatment team about medicated vs unmedicated…
… It is finally here. The period cycle that could change it all! Day one started yesterday June 11 and I scheduled my day 10 ovulation check up for June 20. Donor sperm has officially been shipped and on its way to the clinic. The results from this check up will decide the insemination day for that week. I’m trying to manage and balance my emotions where I find a hint of excitement with the possibility disappointment. Praying I have a unicorn experience and get pregnant on the first try (because lets face it, this isn’t cheap).
IUI loading…
Sure I’ll Try It
The past few weeks, has been filled with me trying several techniques that fellow SMC’s suggested. I was hesitant to get caught up in all the superstitions and techniques but the closer I get to my next cycle the more I find myself doing things to increase my success.
First is acupuncture– Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body which reside on channels or meridians; these are pathways in both the exterior and interior of the body. These points, when needled, can regulate the way in which the body functions. According to several studies and medical research, acupuncture can increase fertility by reducing stress, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and balancing the endocrine system.
Second is castor oil pack– Castor oil promotes healing in the body by increasing lymphatic circulation, enhancing immune function, reducing inflammation, stimulating liver function, and enhancing your body’s natural detoxification process. For this process, you soak a flannel cloth in castor oil, apply it to your skin in the abdomen area, and place a heating pad on top. The goal is lay flat and invite calmness for at least 1 hour. Some say to meditate during this time or picture yourself getting pregnant. The process should be repeated daily or in regular cycle like 3 days week/for 3 weeks.
I have considered Lady Mantle and Red Clover but haven’t taken the plunge yet. Red clover is one of the most popular fertility remedies. High in vitamins, calcium, and magnesium, red clover helps to nourish the uterus and relax the nervous system, enabling conception. And lady Mantle is a herb that assists in building up the uterine lining and regulating menstruation.