Month Seven: Trying to Conceive Baby #2 - Part 2
What’s a sonohysterogram, you ask?
I could tell you what it is in my terms, but this is what ChatGPT says:
What is it for?
It helps doctors check the inside of your uterus for things like polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, or other issues that could affect pregnancy. (Jilly note: during my first run with the fertility institute, they did find polyps.)
How does it work?
A thin tube is inserted into your uterus.
Sterile saline solution (saltwater) is gently injected to expand the uterus.
An ultrasound is used to look inside and see if there are any abnormalities.
Does it hurt?
Most women feel mild cramping, similar to period pain, but it’s usually quick and manageable.
This test differs from an HSG because it checks the uterus, not the fallopian tubes. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s often done alongside other fertility tests.
My appointment finished 15 minutes ago; this is how it went.
When I checked in with the receptionist, I asked if I had to give a urine sample because I needed to pee (LOL). She informed me that I did need to, so she gave me a cup, and off I went. The urine sample (I'm not sure where I saw this along the way) was for a pregnancy test.
After I finished, I walked back toward the waiting area where the receptionist stopped me and asked if I could fill out a consent form (for the SIS).
I waited until past my appointment time (9:30 a.m.) and then got called back. I had my weight and blood pressure taken and then was asked to go bottoms down and sit on the exam table.
After all that was done, our physician’s assistant (PA), who did our initial consultation, walked in to do the saline sonogram.
I don’t remember it being so uncomfortable!
But it was. She placed the speculum in, and I got that annoying pinching feeling. Then, she asked me to scoot down, not once but three times, to the point where my butt was basically off the exam table. (That was thanks to my cervix, which is a ways back and bent - or so I’m told). This was done to get the catheter in place so she could insert the saline water. The catheter and saline solution did cause me to cramp a lot, which I did not remember the first time around.
She put the wand in and started exploring, then took measurements. After about 10 minutes, the procedure was over. We wrapped up, and then I got up to get my clothes back on before heading back to check out with the receptionist.
These were my results:
My uterine polyps came back in full force, which means I have to undergo a second hysteroscopy.
Short break - because I am currently crying.
Results of my Saline Ultrasound
Zoom all the way in to this photo and you’ll see in the middle of each sonogram a black space. The outline of this black space should be smooth, like a perfectly round oval. All those bumps you see? They’re polyps.
And we’re back… sorry about that mini mental breakdown (more on this in another blog). Getting back to it:
My uterine polyps came back in full force, which means I have to undergo a second hysteroscopy. UGH.
I still have to take birth control, LOL. Wow. Look how I jinxed myself! Why the BC? Because it’s easiest for my doctor to remove the polyps with a thin lining.
While she didn’t tell me this directly, she counted how many follicles I had and I made a mental note: 6 on the right and 3 on the left. Apparently, 8 - 15 follicles (total) are within the normal range. However, it is lower than that of women with a strong egg supply. While it’s not the worst news in the world, it’s not the best either.
Aside from the polyps everything else looked good (PHEW!)
My next steps:
I scheduled my follow-up appointment with our doctor, but it’s not for almost another month since she’s traveling for a conference (BOO!)
We are waiting to hear the results of Kai’s semen analysis.
Continue taking birth control*
*During my appointment, our PA mentioned that I should continue taking birth control in case they could get me into the OR (operating room) in the next couple of weeks. They wanted my lining to remain thin. I asked (after our appointment through our chat portal) if I could go off the birth control (I HATE WHAT IT’S DOING TO MY BODY) and start it again after my next period. She approved since our follow-up is not for another month or so. Thank God!
This has been really long, so…
I am signing off and doing a part 3 to get into my thoughts and feelings about this appointment. So, until the next one…
