It’s 2021 and we are headed into our second IVF cycle, but first Frozen Embryo Transfer [also known as FET], so I thought I would document an update as of today on the process for us!
If you’re new here, you can learn about my first IVF experience here and our struggle with infertility here.
This time around, the cycle is a little more involved — we had to take a lot more pre-steps in order to get started.
I’ve detailed them for ya’ll below!
- I’m establishing with a new fertility specialist because my last IVF was in Virginia – I now live in Florida.
- The new fertility team needed to review my medical records. [they had the hardest time getting a request in [I’m talking weeks], but I called and they were sent the next day – don’t forget to advocate for yourself.]
- I had to locate my husband’s bloodwork during the time of our IVF cycle for the new fertility team to review. This sounds easier than it was since at the time the MILITARY did his bloodwork – and now he is a VETERAN. Getting ANYTHING from the military is close to impossible – but we found a way eventually!
- Once all the medical records made it to the fertility team in Florida, they had to present everything to a RISK MANAGEMENT team [read: legal team]
- The Risk Management team needed to decide if the eggs were fertilized using procedures + equipment that was acceptable and the embryos were stored properly. Basically, the OLD clinic extracted eggs, fertilized them, and stored embryos for the last 4 years. The NEW clinic needs to be confident that all of that was done properly before the new clinic takes these embryos in and potentially transfer them into my uterus.
- After the Risk Management team approved and accepted my “case” – I then had to hire an EMBRYO TRANSPORT company. This company picks up my frozen embryos from Virginia and safely brings them to Florida and delivers them to the new embryology team. [I know, absolutely nuts + high stress.]
… ok, now we are ready to start talking about me and my prep.
We definitely had a slower start with this process due too, COVID, offices closed, virtual meetings, and all of that.
My initial consult with my new fertility specialist was April 2020. Here we are at the end of January 2021 just barely getting things rolling.
April to December was all paperwork, calling for medical records, and waiting on the risk management team. Then more waiting on the holidays to begin any sort of next step planning.
December 29th: I started birth control.
I know this seems crazy to so many people that the IVF cycle includes birth control. The purpose is to “reduce ovarian activity” and for me, I know it was to really manage the timing of my cycle. [All procedures and tests are done according to the timing of your cycle.] Birth control allows for a little more flexibility when it comes to scheduling things etc.
January 11th: HSG [short for: Hysterosalpingogram]
This is a procedure I’ve had before and it’s a little uncomfortable for me – but not too bad. For me, similar to an annual exam. For some women, I know it can be very painful. You are in stirrups, they use an x-ray to look at your fallopian tubes and uterus. They put a tiny little catheter in your cervix & then fill it with iodine. The doctor takes pictures as they are inserting the dye so they can make sure your fallopian tubes are open. They’re also checking to confirm there is nothing inside the uterus that would interfere with an embryo implanting.
January 14th: Saline Ultrasound & Mock Transfer
Saline Ultrasound
Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS or SHG) is a procedure done to look at my uterus and its size/shape. SHG uses ultrasound and sterile fluid to show the uterus and endometrial (uterine lining) cavity. Since there is nothing in my uterus right now – it’s compressed. The fluid helps to fill it up to take a better look — ovaries are also seen at the time of SHG. The purpose is to detect any abnormalities.
Mock Transfer
They do this mock embryo transfer because a smooth transfer equals better pregnancy chances. They do not want any surprises, or to have a difficult transfer because it definitely could affect the results. [This is essentially a little practice run, a trial.] This procedure helps your medical team know all kinds of things like where to put the embryo, what size catheter to use, and to make sure there are no fibroids, cysts, etc that would get in the way of an embryo implanting.
My clinic did not do this in 2016 with me awake – so this was my first one. It’s possible that they did it while I was anesthetized during my egg retrieval. I have no clue.
It is usually done about a month or so before your actual IVF cycle. It’s usually when you are already on birth control pills to keep your reproductive system quiet. It can be done at other times though – depending on your situation.
The actual procedures were both uncomfortable, to put it mildly. But, this could definitely vary from person to person. It would probably depend on each person’s anatomy, the skill of the medical professional, your threshold, and just how your body responds.
Saline Ultrasound
This feels odd. They use the word “pressure” a lot. The sensation of saline being infused may be a little weird. For me, it was just uncomfortable – not painful. I think they were having a little trouble getting their equipment to work correctly in the beginning too – which isn’t very helpful LOL. They couldn’t see my uterus full with fluid at first – so they had to continue repositioning, etc – but eventually, they got what they needed.
The Mock Transfer
This was quick and simple for the most part. For me, tolerable pain/cramping – but again, it was pretty quick.
TMI: Spotting for a week after these procedures. I don’t know if that’s common – but I did have the HSG, Saline Ultrasound, and Mock Transfer all within a couple of days of each other.
All was normal.
January 20th: Bloodwork
This was just to refresh my “infectious disease” labs & they also drew thyroid labs (TSH + Free T4), and Prolactin.
My next step was to call my IVF nurse when my cycle started.
My cycle never started. I have a very regular cycle so I called her to let her know.
January 26th: Stop Birth Control
She had me STOP birth control & wait for my cycle to start – she expected it would.
And it did.
As soon as that happened she was able to talk with my doctor. They decide on a medication protocol for me – as I lead up to this FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSFER.
– and that is where we are today!
I will keep updating you as I have things to share.
I’m always sharing over on IG stories too.
I’ve LOVED connecting with so many of you because of IVF, you found me on Pinterest, a friend, or Google. I love hearing from you and learning more about you girls too – so thank you for commenting and reaching out!
If you would like to connect you can DM on Instagram, comment below or email me at sayhey@brittanylegette.com!
