Tuesday, April 11, 2006

IUI: Interesting, Uncomfortable, Isthisit?

I've come to realize that technology doesn't always make our lives easier to understand.

Case in point: the online ovulation predictor software I've been using for months.

This month, I've dutifully taken my temperature at 6am and gotten out of bed to record it on my laptop. This software claims I'll ovulate next Saturday.

But because of the Clomid, I took a week of ovulation predictor tests and those pee sticks very clearly said I ovulated yesterday.

As a result, the Mister and I went to our doc's office and after waiting too long in the waiting room, had the IUI (intra-uterine insemination) done.

IUI is pretty simple, actually. The Mister produced his, ahem, specimen in a container, brought it to the clinic, and surrendered it to a technician who apparently washes it and screens out the slowest swimmers.

The super-screened specimen was then injected into me while I lay on a table just like any other pelvic exam. Due to experience, I asked for the smallest speculum possible and due to experience, it was still pretty effin' uncomfortable. But the nurse was all chipper: "I definitely see some ovulatory mucus down here. I think it's the right time of the month!"

Gross, but in a good way.

I'd voiced my concern about the mechanical pee test versus the software database on when my actual ovulation happened, so I got a blood test to figure out when the big O happened, if it hadn't already.

The Mister held my arm the whole time and tried to distract me from the discomfort by telling me jokes. On a scale of 1-10, the IUI discomfort level was really only around a 2 or 3, as compared to the horror of the HSG. I don't even want to consider the pain of childbirth at this time (and I'm sure a c-section will be likely if not necessary in my case, anyway, but let's not get ahead of anything.)

As soon as the nurse left the room, the Mister and I did a round of "Woo, woo, woo. Go ovaries!" and "Woo, woo, woo. Go sperm!" as a preventative measure.

Later that day, the nurse called and said my blood test showed it was definitely the right time to do the IUI and that my ovulation software, the program I've been using for months now, was off. Terrific.

But I have a doctor-sanctioned pregnancy test scheduled for two weeks, and my secondary insurance kicked in yesterday, so the IUI and any future assisted reproductive technologies are now being covered at a percentage under this supplemental coverage.

So here goes another two-week wait.

10 comments:

Kassie said...

hmmm, insurance coverage and ovulation on the same day? sounds like kismet.

Will be sending good thoughts and woo-woo vibes your way!

Shannon said...

{{{{I'm sending you baby vibes}}}}

Major Bedhead said...

Go spermie, go eggie! Get jiggy already!

caren said...

Oh wow, I am good vibes your way!! Of course, a few woo woo's are in there as well!
Caren

Erica said...

wooo wooo wooo wooo woo wooo!!

Hope this is the last 2ww for a very long time...

Michko said...

sending good vibes and baby dust your way.

Flmgodog said...

Woo, Woo to all (eggs AND sperm included)..
The two week wait is brutal. Here's to hoping it is the last long wait in awhile!!!!

BetterCell said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Penny Ratzlaff said...

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you!!


(and just in case it does help) Woo Woo, go ovaries!!!
Woo Woo, go sperm!!!

Erica said...

Forgot to add- eat as much pineapple as you can stand!