Blood, blood, blood, and reproductive endocrinology?

My first visit to the RE was interesting, to say the least.  J came with me and we listened to the possible causes of infertility.  The easiest, of course, is male issues, so he was scheduled to give a “sample” at that time.  During that appointment, I had 15 vials of blood drawn to check my hormone levels, among other things.  It was at the beginning of my cycle, so it was done to get a baseline for things down the road.  I also had my first (of MANY) vaginal ultrasound! They didn’t say much about it, at the appointment, and I failed to ask a lot of questions.  J gave his sample successfully and we left, told that we would receive results in the next couple of days.

I got the reports online first of both J’s semen analysis and my blood work.  It’s always fun interpreting the results yourself prior to the doctor calling – adds a bit of fluidity and excitement to the results. I couldn’t glean a lot from my blood work because if you google the results, you can find anything to mean what you want it to mean or the exact opposite, all on the first SERP.  J’s report was a bit easier to understand.  I won’t go into details, but the short story is, he’s got good, productive swimmers.  Phew! One check off the list.

I was prescribed more Clomid at the last appointment and was ordered to come in after achieving a positive ovulation test for additional blood work. I was then also scheduled for an HSG.  An HSG (hysterosalpingogram) is an x-ray where they insert dye into my fallopian tubes and look for any blockages.  It was not a pleasant experience, not necessarily due to the pain (for those of you who have seen RHOBH and Megan’s experience), but due to the feeling like an experiment.  I had to lay on a very high table with x-ray machines everywhere.  I asked if I could take pictures, but it seemed to be frowned upon.

After this additional blood work and HSG, we had a meeting in which I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).  So, what can be done? Normally, she said, they suggest IUI (intrauterine insemination) and that will work, in conjunction with medication.  Okay, not the best thing to hear, but certainly not the worst! Let’s do it.  The following cycle, I was prescribed Letrazole as an alternative to Clomid and I was to take ovulation tests twice daily to discern the optimal time to schedule IUI.  I called them when they told me to and was scheduled for the next day.