FAQ's

I often receive questions about our journey with infertility, and thought it may be helpful if I did a FAQ blog.  If you have any additional questions, please feel free to shoot me a message and I'll attempt to answer them in the future!

How did you know you needed to see a specialist?

At the age of 18 I was told that it would be difficult to conceive due to endometriosis.  I truly hoped that would not be the case.  When we moved to Texas we spoke with my new OBGYN about it.  Usually they want you to try for a full 12 months before getting help from a RE. Given my history, he said we'd give it no more than 6 months as with severe cases of Endometriosis time is of the essence.

What were the steps?

Obviously, I'd had numerous surgeries prior to attempting to conceive.  My OB had us attempt oconceive naturally & checked my hormone levels.   That was when we discovered that, in addition to Endometriosis, I also had a Luteal Phase Defect.  Basically, this means that my body doesn't produce enough progesterone naturally to support a pregnancy.  We began support with Progesterone pills while Chad underwent a sperm analysis.  Next up was Clomid.  Most OBGYN's are comfortable prescribing Clomid for no more than 6 months with extensive monitoring.  No more than 6 months of Clomid should be attempted, as it can actually harm the Cervical Mucus that aids in conception.  Towards month four of Clomid, I went to a Reproductive Endocrinologist for a full work up.  Once I completed the full 6 months of Clomid, I returned to the RE for an extensive work up prior to four cycles of Intrauterine insemination (Iui).  During my time with the RE they monitored (very closely, might I add) my Estrogen levels, LH, Progesterone and the activity inside. (Uterine lining & follicles). They monitor very similarly for ivf procedures.

What side effects, if any, did you have?

Horrible hot flashes and mood swings were commonplace.  Sometimes headaches and cramping accompanied, particularly when my hormones were sky-high and my follicles were huge.  I also saw an increase in panic attacks.

How did you choose your doctor?

My OB referred us to the RE we used.  Originally, I wasn't overly impressed, particularly with his staff.  That being said, I started doing my research.  I looked for the clinics with the highest success rates and researched physicians with the most experience in my diagnoses.  Ultimately, this led me to the RE that I had been referred to. He is actually one of the top RE's in the country and is highly regarded in the field. 

To what do you credit your success?

My doctor and his practice, hands down.  Although I was annoyed at times by not knowing which physician would perform a procedure, it was a huge benefit.  These doctors all worked together and discussed their cases, accepting advice from their partners. I found this to be a huge benefit, as sometimes a "new set of eyes" can see what others cannot.

I also strongly believe that by strictly following doctors orders, it aided implantation.

I'm going to leave it at that for now, but I'll attempt to answer more of these question in the future.

Should you have any questions for me, feel free to submit via email/Facebook or comment and I'll try to answer in a timely fashion. Please keep in mind that I don't best with blogging, but being a mother of three kiddos under the age of two can be a bit daunting at times!