What To Expect: Starting With a Fertility Clinic
After 1.5 years of trying to conceive, my husband and I finally had a discussion about getting help. Naturally, like anything new I was mortified of getting involved with a fertility clinic for many reasons. (1) Seeking the help of a clinic meant my body couldn’t do what it was built to do naturally, (2) I’d heard the horror stories about how much it would cost, and (3) I just had no idea what to expect. In hindsight, I had nothing to be afraid of and neither do you.
We didn’t need a referral.
I thought for sure we would need a referral from my OB like we did for my husband’s semen analysis. Nope! One day my husband called our clinic and the next thing I knew I was getting a bunch of intake forms, being asked for our insurance and IDs, and getting our initial consultation appointments scheduled.
How insane is it, that we are happy to have a visit from Aunt Flow?
When we had our first appointment with the Institute (I’ll use this term interchangeably with clinic) I was on CD2! Our nurse practitioner, Lindsey, was super stoked to learn that because it meant they could bring us in immediately to do our initial workup. My workup included:
Saline Infusion Sonogram (aka Saline Ultrasound)
According to the Florida Fertility Institute, a “saline infusion sonogram is a procedure done to make sure the endometrial cavity (inside of the uterus) is normal. Benign uterine growths, such as polyps or uterine fibroids, may develop in the cavity and create an environment that is hostile for the implantation of an embryo. Scar tissue may also be identified with the saline infusion sonogram.”Fertility Bloodwork
I’m sure every fertility clinic is different so there’s a chance that this list is not comprehensive. But, typically your blood workup will likely check for:FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
FSH “helps control a woman’s menstrual cycle and the growth of follicles, which contain eggs, in the ovaries. The blood test is done on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle, and is used to evaluate egg supply and ovarian function.” (progyny.com).Estradiol
”Estradiol is an important form of estrogen” and “is used to measure your ovarian function and to evaluate the quality of your eggs. Like FSH, it is done on the second or third day of your menstrual cycle” (progyny.com).LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Levels
For women, our LH is “linked to ovarian hormone production and egg maturation. A luteinizing hormone test performed at the beginning of your cycle may help diagnose hormonal imbalances, like PCOS” (progyny.com).Natera Horizon Genetic Testing
This was optional (even though I really got pushed to do it). The “Horizon” test (they have all kinds of different testing) “helps couples determine the risk of passing on serious genetic conditions to their child. It can be performed either preconception (ideally) or during pregnancy.” To do this, they drew a few extra vials of blood.
Unfortunately, the hospital where I was being sent to do my Hysterosalpingogram (read more on this test, also called an HSG test, here) did not have any availability for me to do it during this cycle, so they scheduled me for December (2021).
At my very first in-office appointment, I learned I had polyps.
If you are wondering, the polyps were found through the saline ultrasound! It felt so good to know that there was a reason why we were having trouble getting preggos, but it was also pretty scary because I also learned I’d (1) have to get surgery to remove them, (2) there was no way for me to prevent the polyps, and (3) if I wasn’t pregnant within 6 months, I’d have to undergo surgery all over again. I mean, no pressure!
After years of TTC, seeking help from the Fertility Clinic was scary but overall hopeful.
If you’re on the fence or afraid to get started, don’t be! It will all be worth it.
